RELIGION & POLITICS

The SC baning religion for votes, (DC, Jan. 3) is a landmark judgement. Our Constitution is a documented reflection of our society. We all know our society is pluralistic and secular; and so is our Constitution. However, a few elements, including some political parties, have been using region, religion and caste as tools to divide and tear apart the secular fabric of the nation. We all must be vigilant against these elements. Syed Ahmed Sainikpuri, Secunderabad The SC judgement saying religion has no role in electoral process, means secularism remains as a basic pillar of the Constitution. The best part of the judgement was its wide interpretation of word “his” in clause 123(3) of the Representation of People’s Act. The judgement will help check ugly situations in the name of religion. K. Nagalakshmi, Nallakunta, Hyderabad. In India, name of an individual itself denotes his or her caste and religion. The name itself helps a candidate get votes by considerations of caste and religion. In the light of the SC order on candidates seeking votes in the name of religion, race, caste, community or language, a question is, should candidates exhibit their names? If yes, how will the SC order be implemented? Shamanth Venkata Kondagunta Hyderabad It's good the Supreme Court has banned the practice of candidates seeking votes in the name of religion, race and caste. Considering the size and population of this country, there is a need to establish monitoring cells to ensure that no candidate and no party violate this rule and also to put in place a system to take action on the violators. G.V.N. Murthy Hyderabad