Laxity of secular parties reason for growth of communalism: Yogendra Yadav

The country was witnessing a gradual suppression of minorities with right-wing groups inciting incidents of communal violence in certain pockets across states, noted psephologist and co-founder of 'Swaraj Abhiyan' Yogendra Yadav has said.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the 'Sahabalve Sagara' (harmony) national convention organised by 'Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike' here last evening, Yadav said the 'lazy politics' of secular parties had led to communal violence in several places. He said mere anti-BJP rhetoric would not work in the country and it was a fallacy to believe that communalism sprouted only when BJP assumed power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became popular because secular political parties had failed to perform.

Yadav said communalists were now making a mockery of Hinduism. Their idea was to suppress the minorities slowly and silently using small active groups as the feared that a sudden onslaught would affect the BJP government. Human rights activist Teesta Setalvad, who also spoke, said the RSS was setting the agenda for the BJP-led NDA government and their main agenda was to build a Hindu nation.

The RSS considered Muslims, Christians and Communists as enemies of the nation, she alleged. Six resolutions were passed at the convention pledging to inculcate the values of harmony to counter communalism and fundamentalism. The convention also urged the Centre to pass the Prevention of Communal Violence Bill, 2011 and take strict action against those who make provocative speeches.