Muslim, Christian leaders put Karunanidhi in the dock

They may be wary of BJP, but see danger in god-bashing

Without taking on Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi directly, Muslim and Christian religious leaders backed their Hindu brethren in matters of faith. While Karunanidhi has been making one controversial remark after another about Lord Ram – questioning his engineering credentials one day, and calling him a drunk on another — most religious leaders from the minority community indirectly attacked Karuna-nidhi’s remarks as “uncivilised”.

Muslim Personal Law Board member and Delhi Minorities Commission chairman Kamal Farooqui said that “as far as religious icons (like Lord Ram) are concerned, we must discuss (them) with respect. People’s beliefs should be respected.” Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) spokesman Babu Joseph agreed: “Faith is a matter which has to be respected.” 

Muslims are with their Hindu brothers in this crisis. We call upon everyone to respect the faith of Hindus.”
Mirwaiz Farooq, Hurriyat chief

Such provocative statements are uncalled for. Remarks like this polarise the country.”
Joseph Dias, Catholic Secular Forum

I don’t think such a thing should be said. It hurts the religious sentiments of the people.”
Javed Akhtar, script-writer

As far as religious icons (like Lord Ram) are concerned, we must discuss (them) with respect.”
Kamal Farooqui, MPLB member

Politicians have no right to make insulting statements on Ram’s existence.”
Rev Bernard Moras, archbishop of Bangalore,

Unbridled critique of a faith provides fodder for unscrupulous forces to exploit the situation.”
Babu Joseph, spokesman, CBCI