Protests and processions are not new to our country. But if the protestors are from Dalit, Muslims or other minorities or backward classes police get a license to open fire against them but if the protestors belong to majority community or upper class they are free to vandalise government or public property. The violent protest carried out by Karni Sena against the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Padmaavat’ in Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is highly condemnable. But mere condemnation is not enough. They even torched school bus in Haryana. Is it not a serious issue? But sadly the government is not taking any action against the violent protestors. As the Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi had said two days ago, BJP laid the red carpet for the ‘Padmaavat’ protestors. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omer Abdullah has also made a crisp remark saying ‘Why aren’t Karni Sena goons being tied to the front of jeeps & paraded in front of school buses & cinema halls?’ They are forced to say that because the government has a soft corner towards the Karni Sena members. Earlier Karni Sena issued threats to cut off Deepika Padukone’s nose but the government didn’t take notice of the threat.
A similar attitude of the government is seen towards Gau rakshaks and other Hindutva organizations.
The government gave the slogan ‘Sab ka saath, sab ka vikaas’, but failed to implement it. A particular community is being backed and other communities are subjugated. Dalits and Muslims are the main targets.
Government’s responsibility is to put a curb on the violence created by either Karni Sena or any other Hindutva outfit. If the government doesn’t nip in the bud the trivial matter will turn into major violence.