Sir — This refers to the article, “Rahul’s Somnath visit is a gimmick” (November 29) by Anirban Ganguly. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the Somnath Temple in Gujarat has turned into a full-blown political row. The reason is not far to seek. The BJP believes that it is its sole prerogative to tap Hindu religious identity for political gain. As a party thriving on the encroachment of religion into politics, it cannot countenance any other party or leader seeking to beat it at its own game.
BJP raises the question of Rahul Gandhi's religion after his name appeared in the register meant for “non-Hindus” for fear that his temple-hopping might neutralize the ‘advantage’ of being seen as a “pro-Hindu” party. It hopes to stem the tide of growing popular support for the Congress on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home turf if it succeeds in portraying Rahul more as a Catholic than as a Hindu despite the Congress party’s assertion that he is a sacred thread-wearing Shiv bhakt.
To reach a situation where being not a Hindu is regarded as a disqualification to contest and win an election is to pronounce secular politics dead. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that the voters in Gujarat seem to have decided that economic distress is a compelling reason to consider voting for “regime change”.