Past misrepresented in attack Indian on PM

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said this week that minorities and Dalits should be allocated the “first claim on resources” – a very encouraging statement, which predictably earned him the wrath of the BJP. Interestingly, the BJP condemned Singh for “behaving like Mughal rulers” (Hindustan Times), an interesting statement not only because it is divisive and inflammatory, but also incorrect and misleading. The implication is that the Mughals disadvantaged the Hindus, which is generally not true (of course there were exceptions). The main reason that the statement is interpreted in this way is that the British established the idea as counterknowledge to their own advantage during colonial rule (they claimed that the Mughals had been cruel and ruthless in order to make their own domination of the Hindus seem kind in comparison). The (mis-)use of the past in politics continues…

Published: 3.14.08 / 8pm
Tags: BJP, india, politics