In the final lap of the Lok Sabha election campaign, many contenders and political commentators are claiming that voters have to choose between growth and secularism. This is a false claim. Why then, does the idea of a stark ‘choice’ between economic growth or secularism appear to be so compelling to a wide range of people? Firstly, the idea of growth and its mechanics are not closely examined. Secondly, it is assumed that a more decisive and forceful prime minister will work an economic miracle. Thirdly, therefore it is worthwhile to compromise on secularism which many view as being a sham in any case. To further complicate the matter, growth is seen as something tangible while secularism is treated as a fussy idea, or worse a political ploy, cynically deployed by both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. How then might voters resolve their polling day dilemma?
Elections 2014: Be wary of tall claims
The Rediff.com website carried an article written by Rajni Bakshi, Gandhi Peace Fellow, Gateway House in which she argues that the reasoning of 'economic imperatives must be given priority over secular principles of society' is profoundly flawed