Peoples Blood For Brownie Points?

Rahul Gandhis recent comments made one thing very clear to the nation that he has a long way to go before he attains political maturity. Congress didnt want to let the cat out but the cat was desperately suffocating. No doubt every country has its problems, some indigenous and some imported. So does India. Foreign agencies see opportunity whenever racist or communal riots occur. All countries do this, including Pakistan, India, US, USSR, China. What bothers Indians is the way peoples tragedy is converted into an arena for political boxing bout. Doubtlessly, what Rahul performed was a rare feat. He committed two blunders in one statement. First, he stated that an intelligence officer walked into his room and shared intelligence information. This is rather illegal. Even if an officer really did so, he didnt need to spill the beans. Second and the bigger one is something no Indian politician has tried so far. Rahul attributed cause and effect relationship to communal riots and ISI efforts. Though, for a few, this relationship looks lopsided. They believe that Muslims should be rioted under the pretext of connections with ISI. Rahul said riots are resulting in connections with ISI. Though these two views look opposite, both are wrong and are terribly dangerous for the weak minority community. Maya Kodnani, Amit Shah, Vanzara and Modi know first-hand, how Muslims react to riots. One must ask Rahul, does ISI function only in non-Congress ruled states? It doesnt work in Assam, Rajasthan and other states? Were there no riots bigger than Muzaffarnagar in these states recently? Why didnt Rahul talk about them? Who forgot those Muslims? ISI or IB or Rahul? Giving the benefit of doubt that Rahul didnt mean to accuse the Muslim youth, he definitely is too nave to be seriously considered for the top job. Modi wasnt as nave to let this golden opportunity go. But it happened naturally for Modi that his statement posed greater threat than Rahuls! He said if Rahul doesnt disclose the ten boys names, it amounts to accusing entire Muslim community (of hobnobbing with ISI). He cleverly shifted the focus from gullibility of ten boys to loyalty of Muslim community. He did try to pose sympathetic towards Muslims but he blurted out what he is used to. After all, he has been practicing this line of rhetoric since decades. Nation remembers his instigation to teach a lesson to those who believe only in multiplying population. Simplistic are the Indians who expect him to change and apologise for the massacre under his rule. Its too obvious that he wont be sorry for what he cherishes like an Oscar or World Cup! Given that Rahul committed a blunder and Modi cashed it, doesnt mean peoples perception has changed about either of them. What concerns the Muslim community is, all parties are offering only rhetoric. Seldom has any rhetoric benefited Muslims. While there are no concrete steps to protect and nurture the vulnerable community, Sachar Committee Report, Communal Violence Bill and dozen other promises are collecting dust. - Asifuddin Muhammed MBA, LLB Editor in Chief, ISLAMIC VOICE (Telugu Fortnightly) President, ISLAMIC ACADEMY FOR COMPARATIVE RELIGION Hyderabad