Nupur’s “Comments” Leave BJP-Stalwarts in a Fix!

Till recently former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma was hardly known in national and international circles. Diplomatic and socio-political reaction to her objectionable comments is probably spelling headache for several BJP-stalwarts for more reasons than one. They probably never expected such a reaction from Arab world. It is not the first and only time that certain “fringe elements” of saffron-brigade’s political wing have gone overboard in literally spewing communal venom against Muslims and their beliefs. Speeches delivered during electoral campaigns and other means of communication in the Hindi belt tend to deliberately exercise anti-Muslim tirade. This communal formula has been frequently tried by BJP to polarize Indian voters along “religious” lines.

Considering the importance Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded to boosting his “image” at home and abroad, he is apparently fairly apprehensive of this having been deflated considerably particularly among Arab leaders. With respect to politicking at home, what is probably proving to be a major irritant for him and other BJP leaders is the “publicity” earned by Nupur in this game. They are probably also extremely alarmed about “popularity” and “support” gained by Nupur in fairly active social media outlets, considered to be mouthpieces of right-winged sections linked with saffron brigade. This is not what Modi and his key circle had probably bargained for.

In lieu of diplomatic mess they have landed in, Modi cannot afford to loudly and openly express support for Nupur. Neither can he take risk of strongly criticizing Nupur. It is not without reason that she has been suspended and not expelled from BJP. Please note, she has only been suspended while BJP’s media head of Delhi unit, Naveen Kumar Jindal has been expelled from the party. The outrage provoked by Nupur’s “comments” probably prompted Jindal to post a tweet along similar lines, which was later deleted by him. However, his tweet led to limited reaction compared to that by Nupur’s comments. The same may be said about support for Nupur being displayed by right-winged social media, apparently linked with saffron brigade.

Considering her academic background, it is difficult to accept that Nupur was unaware of the impact that her comments could have. Rather, the nature of aggressive debates on certain channels appear to be directed in this direction that of spelling social disturbance. Besides, then as BJP spokesperson, participation in television debates for this purpose was apparently a part of her responsibility. Once this disturbance dies down, it wouldn’t be surprising if her suspension ends. Developments are gradually inching in this direction.

At present, Modi and BJP-stalwarts, as mentioned earlier, are probably alarmed by increasing popularity of Nupur and support displayed for her among their own cadre. They probably want this to fade away. It isn’t surprising that comments from her haven’t received any coverage following her so-called apology via tweet. She wrote, “If my words have caused discomfort or hurt religious feelings of anyone whatsoever, I hereby unconditionally withdraw my statement. It was never my intention to hurt anyone’s religious feelings” (June 5). Interestingly, she has withdrawn her statement, which has received coverage as her “apology.”

With respect to “support” displayed for her on ground of her “freedom of speech” and so forth, there is a difference between freedom of speech and exercising the same aggressively in a provocative manner. Democracy and freedom of speech do not permit their abuse and/or aggressive use. Similarly, right to worship and freedom of religion does not permit, constitutionally, practice of violence and/or abuse of anyone on religious grounds. Secularism, as per constitutional norms and dictates, permits practise of one’s religion but does not allow targeting others (irrespective of their religion, caste, class or any identity).

If Nupur has erred, there is also something amiss about nature of Muslims’ protests which suddenly rose against her in certain parts of country following Friday prayers on June 10. Cleric of no religion can claim to be representative of his/her entire religious community. Each religion is divided into too many groups, including caste, region, literacy, economic status as well as political linkages among numerous others. It is practically impossible for these divisions to disappear for several generations, maybe even centuries.

There is yet no clarity about who organized June 10 protests of Muslims. No key Muslim cleric of the country had issued any statement asking Muslims to protest. Also, protests – as indicated by video clippings – do not display participation of prominent clerics in these protests.

Besides, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari categorically stated that he was unaware of who the protestors were and which party they were associated with. Describing protestors as “outsiders” who had suddenly surfaced and started shouting after namaz, he said the police should investigate as to who they were.

A call for shutdown on Friday was apparently circulated on social media the preceding evening (June 9). Shahi Imam had reportedly been contacted by several people about it, seeking his opinion. He had advised them against participation in it. It may also be noted, in apparent response to Muslims being asked to protest, another Muslim cleric responded by saying that Muslims must protest democratically by staying indoors, in houses and in mosques and not coming out on roads.

Against backdrop of such statements specifically issued by Muslim clerics, probably taken aback by calls on social media provoking Muslims to protest, the question arises as to who really planned and initiated such a move?

The possibility of right-winged elements having deliberately planned protests for media-coverage, to provoke communal violence, political gains and/or similar factors cannot be sidelined. It is possible, if parliamentary elections were not forthcoming, “strategies” of this nature may not have been manipulated. While there is no doubt about political agenda behind that of Nupur’s comments, the “religious” nature of Muslims’ sudden protest demands attention. With key clerics having chosen to distance themselves from the same, the role of political elements from engineering the same cannot be ignored. Here, the reality of there being no political and/or religious group which can claim to represent Muslims across the country cannot be ignored. In fact, the same may be said about about Hindus. This is supported by existence of numerous parties along regional, caste and other leanings- ideological as well as ethnic.

If several Muslim countries had not issued statements regarding Nupur’s comments, it is possible, BJP may not have taken any action against her and/or Jindal. The reality that there has no change in certain leaders’ anti-Muslim attitude is marked by nature of their bulldozing property particularly belonging to Muslims in Hindi belt. Nevertheless, BJP stalwarts have apparently been quite taken aback by reaction to her comments. One, is of course the negative criticism earned in international circles. Perhaps, Modi needs to be more on guard about international leaders and media keeping a close eye on negative “news” in India. Though saffron-brigade has seldom refrained from using anti-Muslim card, public display of anti-Islamic beliefs may be expected to earn criticism from Islamic countries.

Secondly, apart from loss of their diplomatic image, BJP-stalwarts were apparently least prepared for “popularity” and “support” gained by Nupur in their own socio-political cadre together with substantial media coverage. The support displayed for her by Gautam Gambhir, Kangana Ranaut and Sadhvi Pragya also marks this reality. This certainly is equivalent to ringing alarm bells about their strategy of their own puppets going overboard in voicing communal jargon and their being left speechless by their (puppets’) “success”. Chances of BJP-stalwarts welcoming such “success” of other party-members are fairly limited.

Clearly, BJP-stalwarts cannot always gain on all fronts by unwarranted use of cards targeting religious beliefs, identities and so forth. These points are strong warning signals for BJP stalwarts about their communications strategies having certain limits. They apparently need to be more alert about Lakshman Rekha needed by “communal” communication strategies. Constitutionally, Lakshman Rekha is probably also being crossed by some protestors- whether against or in support of Nupur’s comments! – INDIA NEWS STREAM

The journey of Supreme Court and India’s fundamental rights has been a constant struggle: SG Tushar Mehta

Sonipat: “The journey of fundamental rights has been a constant struggle, a constant fight, a constant conflict between the majoritarian government and the Supreme Court of India," said Tushar Mehta,...

BJP could drop half a dozen more sitting MPs in UP

Lucknow: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in Uttar Pradesh is expected to drop half a dozen more sitting MPs, known for their ‘under-performance’. The party is yet to announce candidates...

Why is Akhilesh losing friends ahead of LS polls?

Lucknow: On the eve of the 2022 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav was a much-envied politician. He had created a rainbow alliance of OBC-centric parties...

VBA goes solo, Ambedkar names 8 LS candidates, allies with Jarange-Patil

Mumbai: Rattling the Opposition, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President Prakash Ambedkar has virtually snapped ties with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and named 8 out of 9 Lok Sabha...

With NC deciding to contest on all three LS seats, Mufti’s PDP likely to follow suit

Srinagar: After the regional National Conference (NC) headed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah took the wind out of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) sails, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)...

US ‘perplexed’ by Netanyahu scrapping Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington

Washington: The White House has said that it was "perplexed" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to cancel a planned visit to Washington by a delegation comprising senior Israeli...

Kangana, BJP candidate from Mandi, says politics is a way to work for society

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is currently gearing up for her upcoming political period film ‘Emergency’, has entered politics. The actress, who will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha...

Can BJP’s Surendran create Amethi show in Wayanad?

Wayanad (Kerala): With the BJP declaring its candidate K. Surendran in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, the party has made it clear that it is going to give a tough...

Tamluk to be toughest battle for Trinamool since 2009 as BJP aims for win

Kolkata: The battle in Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency in East Midnapore district for Trinamool Congress seems to be the toughest since it first won the seat in 2009 by defeating...

BJP questions authenticity of Kejriwal’s directive; can govern from custody, say experts

New Delhi | Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently under the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) custody, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari raised questions about...

India calls German diplomat’s remarks on Delhi CM’s arrest ‘most unwarranted’

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday called the German Foreign Office Spokesperson's comments on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest "most unwarranted" and said that it...

Cross-border terror from Pak happening at ‘industry level’: EAM Jaishankar

Singapore: Stating that the mood in "India is not to overlook terrorists", External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that it is "unfortunate" to deal with a neighbour like...

Read Previous

Commercial banks should hike interest rate proportionately for the depositors

Read Next

Priyanka running the show with Sonia in hospital and ED grilling Rahul

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

WP2Social Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com