In a landmark decision the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that no politician can seek vote in the name of caste, creed or religion. The court’s verdict came while it was hearing several petitions in the Hindutva case. A seven-judge constitution bench, in a majority verdict, said any appeal for votes on the ground of religion amounts to corrupt practices under electoral laws. This judgment which comes just few months before UP election will have significant impact.
Everyone is aware that elections in UP are fought over religion, caste, etc. BJP has always used Ram Mandir issue while BSP always plays caste card. Parties like Samajwadi and Congress have also been accused of using caste and religious politics. The judgment of apex court will bring some sanctity and avoid dividing people on caste and religious line. The icing on the cake is that a candidate will be disqualified if he or she was found violating the court order. Often during election politicians uses caste and religious angle to seek vote. While they do it for short term political gains its impact lasts longer and society gets bitterly divided. Also its time political parties seek vote on development issue and stop playing politics over those issue which can be detrimental to the idea of progressive India.