Sir — This refers to the articles, “Exorcising the ghost of Tipu Sultan” and “A bigot called Tipu Sultan” (November 15 and 14) by Aparna Patwardhan. Political parties in India are fundamentally concerned about their unassailable hegemony in all sectors, rather than the bonafide welfare of the people and development of the country.
Religion and caste are the two inseparable basic ingredients of Indian politics and our politicos are well aware of this phenomenon and unhesitatingly take benefit of this bizarre situation.
Despite being a solid secular democratic republic, many of the national policies are framed to protect religious interests, even jeopardising the bonafide interests of the country. During the past seven decades, successive regimes in power did nothing to wipe out divisive religious forces, who are undermining the unity and harmony of various religions/communities.
Amazingly, our unbiased political stalwarts and intelligentsia, including apex level judiciary/lawmakers are fully aware of this open secret, yet feign ignorance or neglect at such crucial issues, apparently for vested interests.