Pavan K. Varma | Time to teach a lesson to Haridwar’s hatemongers
Deccan ChronicleThe so-called Dharma Sansad or “Religious Parliament” held at Haridwar over December 17-19 witnessed a level of hate, bigotry and open incitement to violence against Muslims that most Indians will find unbelievable. We need hundred soldiers who can kill 20 lakh of them to win this.” These are but samples of the extraordinary rant of pure vitriol and venom at this meeting against fellow citizens based entirely on religious hatred. Around 98 per cent of cattle lynchings since 2010 occurred after 2014; the overwhelming majority of these took place in BJP ruled states; and 86 per cent of the victims were Muslims. The attempt to consolidate Hindu vote has led the BJP to aggressively conjure the “other”, against whom enmity or ill will has to be fostered.