Oh, my God!

I had always thought that, one's religion was a personal matter. It is a light that guides us through our journey in life. I'm quite sure that even though religion may be a way of life, it is certainly not a matter of life and death! But lately, it seems to have become just that!
Actually, maybe that was a bit exaggerated. But, I can't help it! With all this election hoopla going on around me, I can't seem to think straight!

Observing the current political scenario, I can't help but draw some parallels between religion and politics in India today. See for yourself, the similarity is uncanny....

• There are two major political parties in India. Let's keep their names out of this; if you have been living in India, you know which ones I'm talking about.
• There are two major religions in India. Once again, no names!
• People rally to gather support for their parties..... People rally to gather followers for their religion.
• Parties are constantly trying to malign each other by attacking the other's reputation and credibility..... Some misguided 'followers' believe that their religion is superior to all others.
• Defactors are treated with mistrust and disrespect...... People who convert to other religions are treated like outsiders as well (in some rural areas, violence is used to settle such matters).

I think that's enough for now.... Isn't it strange though? I can't figure out whether religion has seeped into politics or is it the other way round? How did these two very different fields, get so intertwined, that it has now become difficult to tell them apart?!!

Religion, tradition and culture have their own place in society. I agree that its what binds us together and also gives us a sense of belonging. But, pitting one religion against another is not only ridiculous but also, futile... Because, this tug of war will never end!

What is wrong with these people??!!!!

Seriously, what is wrong with these people? India is suffering from many illnesses - poverty, starvation, unemployment, illiteracy and more recently, terrorism and recession... to name a few! But the only thing our political leaders are worried about is religion!!!
Frankly, I am more concerned about recession than religion, right now!

Does Varun Gandhi honestly believe that, expressing his (rather bold) opinions in a public forum such as a political rally was a smart thing to do? VG may be a young, misguided loose-cannon, but what about his speech-writers and political backers? Don't they have any sense of moral responsibility? Didn't it occur to them that this kind of action might fuel communal tensions (which is always simmering just underneath the surface)? Are they willing to sacrifice the country's peace and harmony, in their bid to make VG the next poster-boy for Hindutva?

India has enough real problems to deal with, as it is.... we need problem-solvers who can get us out of this mess! We do not need people who create more problems for the common man.

If these so-called leaders can come up with some kind of solutions for our problems, I'm all ears! If not, they might do well to shut up and stop hogging the limelight!!!