By Raheem Khan
JAIPUR: Opposing a proposed rally on September 29 promoting a narrative for converting India into a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation), Rajasthan-based Dalit-Muslim Ekta Manch has appealed to the Election Commission of India and the State Election Officer to investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action against its convener Bal Mukund Acharya who is a BJP MLA from Hawa Mahal constituency in the state capital of Jaipur.
The rally titled “Sankalp Maatra Hindu Rashtra” is being planned under the auspices of the Yuva Shakti Manch.
The concept of a “Hindu Rashtra” was first articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1922. Savarkar, a prominent figure in the Hindutva movement, was arrested during the British colonial period but was released after submitting an unconditional apology to the British authorities. His vision of a “Hindu Rashtra” has since become integral to discussions within various organizations, including the RSS, VHP, and BJP, which are collectively known as the Sangh Parivar. This ideology continues to shape contemporary debates within these circles.
In Savarkar’s worldview, all non-Hindus whose religion has originated outside the geographical boundaries of India and their holy places are outside India, will not be entitled to the same rights as Hindus. Savarkar asserts that those whose religions were born in India and whose holy places are within the territorial boundaries of India will enjoy full rights. According to this hypothesis, Muslims and Christians that originated outside India and their holy places lie outside the geographical boundaries of India, will be treated as second-class citizens, a very dangerous proposition in total violation of the secular Republic of India.
If “Hindu Rashtra” is interpreted based on Savarkar’s definition, the term “Hindu Rashtra” contradicts the Preamble of the Constitution of India, which establishes the country as a secular Republic. This means that the state does not endorse any particular religion and maintains equal distance from all faiths, ensuring that no single religion is favoured. Consequently, India cannot be defined as a Hindu Nation, Muslim Nation, or Christian Nation. Instead, the state is committed to giving equal respect to all religions, reinforcing its identity as a pluralistic and inclusive society.
All elected public representatives, including MLAs, take an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution. By announcing plans to hold a rally in support of establishing a “Hindu Rashtra”, the MLA not only violates this oath but also demonstrates a rebellion against the foundational principles of the Constitution. Such actions undermine the commitment to a secular and inclusive governance that the Constitution mandates.
The MLA’s commitment to creating a “Hindu Rashtra” and organizing a public rally can be seen as promoting an ideology that has no sanction from the Indian Constitution. Numerous social and political organizations have expressed their concerns, arguing that such a rally could foster divisive narratives and jeopardize communal harmony. These groups have urged the administration and the Election Commission of India to prohibit the rally in the interest of national unity and integrity, as well as to ensure the maintenance of law and order.
The Dalit-Muslim Ekta Forum has called upon all citizens to uphold India’s Ganga-Jamuni culture and foster an atmosphere of communal harmony. Senior Vice President Mohan Lal Bairwa, along with Advocate Ghanshyam Brijwasi, emphasized that such events are in direct contradiction to the Preamble of the Constitution, which begins with “We, the people of India.” They warned that these gatherings could undermine the unity and integrity of the nation.
The Manch has raised alarms about the potential fragmentation of the country if these rallies persist. Consequently, they are urging the administration to take immediate action to halt the vehicle rally.
Bairwa has appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner of India and the Chief Election Officer of Rajasthan to take appropriate legal action and ban the September 29 rally. He contends that the event violates the principles of India’s secular Constitution and seeks to further the agenda of establishing a “Hindu Rashtra”.
In his letter, he highlighted that the actions of the MLA who has taken an oath to uphold the secular Constitution are a blatant disregard for constitutional provisions and directly contravene its preamble. Therefore, Bhairwa requested the Election Commission of India to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and take appropriate action against the MLA pointing out that such measures are essential for the public interest and adherence to the principles of governance.
