From the Urdu Press: ‘Instead of concern, Mohan Bhagwat should rein in Sangh Parivar’, ‘Politics in Ambedkar name does injustice to him’

Flagging RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent statement that Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a “matter of faith” for Hindus and that it is “unacceptable” to raise “such new issues on a daily basis” because of “extreme hatred, malice, enmity and suspicion”, the Mumbai-based Urdu Times, in its editorial on December 23, says Bhagwat’s concern over the resurgence of temple-mosque rows across the country has come as a “stunning development”. “Bhagwat seems to be asking the authorities to follow raj dharma. Against the backdrop of prevailing communal politics, he is suggesting that by raking up such disputes one does not become a Hindu leader,” the editorial says.

Bhagwat’s statement is however also “intriguing”, writes the daily. The question arises as to why would the Sangh Parivar functionaries not implement his suggestions, it asks. “And this is not the first time that Bhagwat’s advice is being ignored. So instead of offering them suggestions, the RSS chief should simply rein in his Sangh Parivar members, which would bring an end to the current round of disputes and ensure peace and harmony.”

The editorial points out that Bhagwat has the authority to curb the continuing attempts to stoke communal discord in the country. The RSS chief should prevail upon those who have been clamouring for Hindu rights over various Muslim places of worship, it says. “His suggestions need to have an impact on the ground. Otherwise, merely issuing platitudes on the issue from a stage would not serve any purpose.”

SIASAT

Referring to the face-off between the NDA and the INDIA alliance within and outside Parliament over Amit Shah’s remarks allegedly insulting B R Ambedkar, the Hyderabad-based Siasat, in its December 21 editorial, says the scuffles between the members of the two camps and lodging of complaints with police over injuries caused to a few MPs was a new low in parliamentary history.

The episode made it clear that the politics of our country is increasingly losing ethical and moral values, it says. “Our leaders should be a role model for the people, and they should set such examples that everyone would emulate. But the lawmakers in our Parliament and Assemblies seem to have forgotten it. The language they use for attacking their opponents cannot be part of any civil discourse,” the edit states. The ugly confrontation between the NDA and the INDIA MPs at the entrance of Parliament was “unfortunate”, it says. “Also unfortunate is the bid to deflect attention from the Ambedkar issue and indulge in political vendetta. PM Modi quickly waded into the row to defend Shah over his remarks. It is another matter that on the Manipur crisis, which has been raging for months, the PM has so far not spoken much.”

The daily points out that the BJP is going all out to target Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, even filing an FIR against him for allegedly inflicting injuries on two of its MPs. “The accusations being made by the BJP leaders and ministers against Rahul are not appropriate. Political rivalries should be defined by political and ideological differences, which are the hallmark of a democracy. It should not be about mounting personal attacks. Also, the great democratic traditions of our country should not be forgotten.”

ROZNAMA RASHTRIYA SAHARA

Commenting on the Ambedkar row, the New Delhi edition of Roznama Rashtriya Sahara, in its leader on December 20, notes that Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar set off a political storm which has again highlighted the contesting claims on the legacy of the Constitution’s architect by political parties.

Ambedkar is a towering figure who has a special place as an icon, the edit says. “Ambedkar’s struggles, his works and his contributions are exceptional, centred on ensuring social justice and equality as well as protection of Dalits. These are part of his great legacy. And using his name for garnering political dividends does not do justice to it.”

The daily says, “The BJP has slammed the Congress for allegedly having been against Ambedkar, projecting itself as a champion of Ambedkarite principles. But this is a political play. The objective of Ambedkar’s lifelong struggle was to secure the rights of deprived and vulnerable communities and push for their empowerment. What has been the BJP government’s track record towards Dalits and minorities that it can stake claim over Ambedkar’s legacy?” The edit goes on to state that there has also been an ideological divide. “Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP of believing in Manusmriti, which is at odds with Ambedkar’s vision,” it says. BSP chief Mayawati, it notes, has castigated both the BJP and the Congress for allegedly playing politics in the name of Ambedkar for electoral gains. “Mayawati has charged that the two national parties have merely paid lip service to Ambedkar without taking necessary measures for the uplift of backward and oppressed communities.”

The daily says a key question is whether we have succeeded in translating Ambedkar’s vision into a reality, where every citizen and each community has equal rights and equal access to opportunities and progress. “Ambedkar’s name should not be used just as a political or electoral tool. Fulfilling his objectives would be a real tribute to his great legacy.”