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ShareMumbai: It was heartening to read that Maqbool Fida Husain is all set to return to India, thanks to the Congress government's relentless efforts. It is certainly a triumph of secularism over fanaticism.
In order to balance the scale of secularism, it is high time another equally eminent celebrity Taslima Nasreen should also be allowed to return to India. She was forced to flee the country by the Congress government and the Muslim extremists protesting her modern and progressive writings.
Just as the Congress is working vigorously to remove the innumerable court cases against Husain for his controversial paintings, it should also make the atmosphere in the country conducive for Taslima's return.Upon her comeback, she must be allowed to live peacefully and continue her creative pursuits, however contentious they may be.
Leaving her in the lurch and allowing a free and safe passage to Husain will only attract the charge of communalism and appeasement of Muslims, on the part of the Congress.
Denying Taslima the right to live in India can be attributed to her antagonising the minorities, but Husain has not hurt the feelings of the majority any less.
If the Congress fails to see reason and spreads out a red carpet only to Husain, it will be giving a weapon in the hands of the right-wing BJP and other opposition parties.
One hopes wise counsel will prevail and the Congress proves its secular credentials in welcoming both the celebrities to India.
