Ever since Independence, there has been an endless debate on secularism. In his last days, Mahatma Gandhi defined it as sarva dharma sambhav: respect for all religions. Jawaharlal Nehru adhered to its western concept of complete separation of the Church and the State. Iqbal warned that the dogma was dubious—spirit and matter if separated would result “in an ill-adjusted state” which could provide neither peace nor harmony among various religious groups.

In practice, to gain the electoral support of Muslims, the ruling Congress used secularism to assure them that they would be treated generously. None of its leaders, big and small, did anything to improve their lot and the condition of the Muslims became worse under their successive rule. But the Muslims continued to help the Congress regain power, one election after another.

TOGETHER YET APART: Together yet apart: Secularism for Gandhi meant respect for all religions, but separation of the Church and State for Nehru

This sorely frustrated the opposition composed of hybrid forces. L.K. Advani found in the Muslims a scapegoat to beat the Congress. He mobilised Hindus on an anti-Muslim platform, accusing the Congress of appeasing the Muslims at the cost of the Hindus. This was not true and he knew it. Even so he went ahead with his rath yatra, whipping up Hindu sentiments. He denounced Indian secularism as pseudo-secularism. Advani then pushed his party ahead with his Hindutva slogan. It enabled the BJP to form the national government, more so because of the charismatic leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, Hindutva would not help the bjp to govern. It is a narrow, parochial and vengeful credo. Gujarat has proved it. Secularism had provided the Congress the cover to rule but it is too discredited now.

The secularists have mounted an onslaught on Hindutva, but it did not produce enough popular impact to throw out the Vajpayee Government. Meanwhile, the bjp lost its bigger prize in Uttar Pradesh where Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati, whose main strength has been casteism, mustered more votes and trounced the BJP. This encouraged Mulayam to revive the anti-Hindutva front. He asked Sonia Gandhi to rally behind him under a secular banner. As she has now become familiar with the art of politics, Sonia has cold-shouldered him. Harkishan Singh Surjeet has put aside his communism and is clutching at secularism. His record of failures, nevertheless, does not deter him from pursuing his tirade against the bjp. Laloo Prasad Yadav toys with his own game of blowing hot and cold. His secularism is confined to helping his wife to continue as chief minister. Hence, neither Hindutva nor secularism has been of any use in uplifting our people.

(The author’s latest book is on Mohammed Ali Jinnah, The Man Who Divided India)