Friday, October 2, 2015

A prime minister, who understands Gandhi would have trekked to Bisari this October 2. Modi, however, chose to chase power in Bihar.

Said : Amrith Lal, an eminent journalist, in his blog published in today's The Indian Express
Amrith Lal

The article, published under the title "Mahatma Gandhi, Narendra Modi and two interpretations of filth", describes how the mob lynching of Akhlaq and his son Danish - just after someone orchestrated a rumour that they had beef in their home - can be equated with the killing of Mahatma Gandhi by  Nathuram Godse who had been a member of the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha. 

The incident of communal clash, in which Akhlaq was killed and Danish critically injured, took place in Jarcha area of Dadri in Bisada village just 50 kms from national capital city of Delhi on the night of September 28. According to Lal, the incident is a painful reminder of how this nation has betrayed its father who firmly stood for the Hindu-Muslim unity, a crucial factor to his idea of Swaraj.

Lal noted that "Until recently, Godse’s men lived on the margins. Today, they seek to sanctify him in public. Bisara is a reminder of Godse and yet another murder of Gandhi’s idea of India," hinting at the heightened activism of the Sangh Parivar responsible for current incidences of communal clashes and violence in UP and Bihar.

Family members of Akhlaq, who was killed in a communal clash
in Jarcha area of Dadri, mourn the loss at his residence
in Bisada village. (Source: Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)

According to Lal, Modi, who has consistently invoked Gandhi in his governance programmes, should have visited Bisari today. "Modi, however, chose to chase power in Bihar," he concludes.