Down with divisive politics!

THE RECENT attack by Shiv Sena on Shah Rukh Khan is one more instance of its bigotry and anti-national politics. Not only does the attack smack of intolerance of others’ views, it also shows the issuers’ indifference to the rift it could cause between the communities. Sena may say that it is not against Muslims.

But then why does it tauntingly suggest that Khan should go to Pakistan for expressing a view that not giving Pakistani players a chance to play in IPL matches in India was a mistake? Aren’t they emboldened to say so just because he is a Muslim? Shah Rukh is a much loved citizen of this country. He is, besides, a brand ambassador for India abroad. Sena may take umbrage at his views, but why must they ask him to go to Pakistan? Are they not suggesting that his sympathies lie with Pakistan because he is a Muslim? Would Hindus in this country not have liked to see Pakistani players participating in IPL matches?

The Union Home Minister himself regretted the fact that Pakistani players would not be seen in action. Should he also go to Pakistan for expressing his views? Sena would not say so, neither dare, because his name is not Khan! The disservice to the nation, on the part of Sena, arises from their all too obvious belief that Muslims in this country must establish their Indian ness all the time. It creates a legitimate ire amongst the Muslims.

It gives opportunity to equally unthinking people in Muslim community to question the oneness of India. This is the kind of narrow minded insensitive politics that needs to be put down with a heavy hand. If the State should hesitate, misguided by vote bank politics, the Centre should step in and curb such insidious attacks on our unity. If people’s comments, as voiced by News Channels are any indication, the rest of India and even most of Maharashtra fortunately decries and condemns Sena’s stance.

The state governments have the responsibility to put down such disastrous postures as the Sena has adopted. And if perchance they dither, the Centre should invoke its powers to give a clear directive to the state concerned to take action or else give way for the Central intervention to take place. In the wake of how the Babri Masjid story unfolded, including the part played by Courts, it is necessary that an All-India consensus should be urgently evolved as to how to pre-empt such cases in time before they blow up out of proportion and threaten our nation’s unity.