Wooing the Muslims

The cover story “Angst & Aspiration” (March 17) has come at the right time. The General Elections are knocking at the door and political parties are trying their best to woo Muslims, who make up 13.4 per cent of the nation’s population. It is important for India’s growth that all communities live in peace and contribute in the development process. It is heart-warming to note that more and more people from the Muslim community are embracing modernity without giving up their religious beliefs. K. R. NAMBIAR, Navi Mumbai To ensure that Muslims as well as other minority communities are comfortable with BJP, the Modi government, if it comes to power, must work towards developing a society where there is no discrimination in the name of religion and where peace prevails. Speeches and promises will mean nothing unless they are followed by action. Economic growth alone is not the hallmark of a progressive society. Growth has to be inclusive. JACOB SAHAYAM, via email Muslims have always contributed significantly towards the growth of the country. No politician or government has the right to question their loyalty. Riots are an aberration and they must not happen in a secular country. The community must be supported in its efforts directed at educational and economic growth. VIRENDRA T., Dehradun The cover story was a timely reminder to Muslims not to become a tool in the hands of political leaders and use their right to vote with wisdom. Muslims must not allow themselves to be used as a commodity whose votes can be bought and bargained for pseudo secularism, a false sense of security or dummy development models. Islam advocates an egalitarian society and Muslims seeking reservation in jobs defy Islamic tenets. Muslims in India need to understand the

ground realities, they need to know what is good for their community and take decisions independently if they desire to come out from the shackles of poverty, illiteracy and backwardness. RAJESH SAHAY, Delhi