In a recent rally in Madhya Pradesh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made a noteworthy statement regarding poverty and religious rituals, particularly aimed at Home Minister Amit Shah’s participation in the holy dip during the Mahakumbh. Kharge’s assertion that “taking a dip in the holy waters will not remove poverty from the country” has ignited a debate about the interplay between faith, poverty, and the responsibilities of political leaders in addressing these issues.
At the heart of Kharge’s comments is a genuine concern about the stark contrast between the financial resources allocated for large religious gatherings and the persistent poverty that afflicts millions of Indians. He emphasized the plight of children who go hungry and labourers unable to find work, juxtaposing their struggles against what he perceives as a show of wealth during religious events. However, such statements, while rooted in a credible social critique, risk alienating segments of the electorate who hold their faith and cultural practices in high regard.
Mr Kharge must go and check in Mahakumbh how people are earning livelihood from this 45-day largest religious event in the world.
This is not the first time that Congress leaders have put the entire Opposition and especially the INDIA bloc allies in a spot – from Rahul Gandhi’s comments on Savarkar before the Maharashtra polls to the party’s boycott of the Ram Mandir inauguration.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘Sanatan Dharma’ comment and the silence of the Congress on the issue also made many uncomfortable.
Kharge’s remarks reflect an insensitivity towards Hindu customs and tradition, suggesting that faith-based celebrations, such as the Mahakumbh, are being unfairly vilified for the socio-economic conditions of the nation. The ritual of taking a dip in the Ganga is not merely a display for “television cameras”; it holds deep spiritual significance for millions and offers them a sense of community, hope, and belonging in times of adversity.
Furthermore, the history of poverty in India is complex and cannot be attributed solely to the actions or inactions of any single political party, including Congress. From 1947 to 2014, India’s governance has been a tapestry woven by various policies and initiatives, some effective and others less so. It is important to recognize that while the Congress party led the country for a significant portion of that timeframe, the roots of poverty are multifaceted, encompassing socio-economic challenges that transcend political lines.
Kharge’s remarks, while advocating for the downtrodden, present a stark challenge: if religious acts cannot rectify poverty, how are politicians expected to bridge this gap in public policy? His call to arms is certainly needed, yet it must focus more on actionable strategies rather than digressions that may seem to target particular faiths or opinions.
Moreover, the essence of political leadership is to foster unity and promote dialogue among diverse groups. Political rhetoric that seemingly belittles or scrutinizes cultural or religious practices can foment divisions rather than galvanise collective action against poverty. Would Kharge question similar rituals from other religious groups? This inconsistency in critique could be interpreted as selective engagement with issues that reflect larger societal values.
As we move forward, it is imperative for leaders from all parties to create inclusive dialogue that acknowledges the importance of faith while tackling the pressing issues of poverty and inequality. Addressing hunger and underemployment requires strategic planning and implementation of social welfare programs, alongside a respect for the spiritual needs of the populace. In the end, the goal should be a society where faith inspires hope and tangible progress in reducing poverty is achieved, rather than diminishing any religious expression in the process.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
