THE GREAT DILEMMA: USING GOD AS A WEAPON

Dheeraj Kumar Sinha Student, JNU.
Banning the rally is not enough
So far as rallies are concerned, they should not be banned, especially in a democratic country like India. However, keeping in view the present situation following Ayodhya and its fallout in cities like Bombay and Surat, banning the rally is just not enough. The BJP itself, as a political party, should be banned. This party has been using religion to exploit emotions.
At the same time the Congress’ game plan cannot be ignored. It has gone in for banning not exactly as a precautionary measure but this decision of the Government can also be taken as a consequence of its internal politics. For instance, an attempt to appease Arjun Singh.Since, I believe in peace and good relations, it is good for Delhiites that a rally of this kind has been banned, otherwise Delhi could have become another Bombay.
Still I doubt that the BJP would abide by the ban order. Because, by banning the rally, the Government has, undoubtedly, provoked it. And now if BJP tries to go ahead with the rally with a come-what-may attitude, things may become dangerous. It seems as if “Rain naam ki loot hai, loot sake to loot!”
S. Kalam,Student, JNU Ulterior mutive
By banning the BJP rally, the government has committed a grave mistake. The Bharatiya Janata Party has got another chance to capitalise on the so-called suppression. Now, BJP will earn more sympathisers and well-wishers.of course the rally could have created problem, more specifically, riots in Delhi, but the Government has not taken the decision to ban the rally to avoid any danger whatsoever. The decision has been taken to save its own skin. The Congress obviously did not want the BJP to be able to show its strength. The BJP is unlikely to abide by the ban order. In the post- demolition period, the BJP has been doing whatever it wants.I firmly believe that while BJP has been creating problems, the Congress has been flirting with It.
S. K. Basin, Electrical appliances distributor A wrong measure
B ANNING is a dictatorial step. In a democratic country, rallies are like exercising the right of freedom of expression. Irrespective of the organising political party, rallies should not be banned. I keep away from politics, but if I were a BJP leader I would have forcibly held the rally. At the same time, I do agree that rallies affect life in Capital. And, the affected are the daily-wage earners and employees while traffic gets chaotic. But, in India rallies cannot be stopped. I disagree with the view that the rally could have caused wide-scale violence. The BJP was holding the rally to mobilise its vote bank. They are preparing for elections. There is no other vested interest nor will it be in their interest to cause violence.
Mohamniad Shakir, Tailor All rallies should be banned
R ALLIES should not be allowed. This BJP rally could lead to violence. The BJP will try to gain from the ban- order, but in any case the BJP’ s strength is increasing day by day and it will keep increasing hereafter, too. We are peace- loving people. But the BJP’ s sole intention is to make life hell, that is why they want to hold the rally.
Prem Chand, Fruitwala The common man suffers
R ALLIES should not be organised. How does it benefit anyone? What does a petty worker get out of it? How is the country benefited by a rally? And what do we get out of it? Except that a shopkeeper has to close his shop, a worker has to go moneyless for two days and the employed are forced to take two days leave. Do the ‘rally wale’ pay for two days? Will they go to daily-wage earners to provide food for two days? It is good that the rally has been banned. All rallies should be banned forever.
Shashi Dhooper, A shop-owner Real reason for the ban
BANNING of the rally is in effect murder of democracy. When we believe in democracy. we must not forget that ever person in the society has a right to express himself, freely and unhesitatingly. If there is any internal problem (between the Congress and the BJP), as such, that can be solved across the table. Today, the Government has banned the BJP rally, tomorrow they will ban some other rally. Then, how will a party express its feelings. Moreover. I don’t think that the rally could cause any disturbance in Delhi. Let me narrate to you the l967 situation, when a countrywide violence had erupted except in Delhi. Then the Government in Delhi was of the Jana Singh. If  the Government really wishes to prevent violence, nothing can happen. However, there is no doubt that our Government  policy is extremely short-sighted. Whether it is the BJP or the congress or any other party they hardly think of the general masses. Every attempt of theirs is self- motivated. In general, rallies. Such rallies make
life hell for the Delhi people. During rallies, nothing is safe. They molest females, rob small shops and make the situation generally chaotic. But, I feel the BJP rally should not have been banned. I am sure that the BJP will hold the rally. What I feel at the  moment is that the Government has banned the rally because that would have shown the Strength of the BJP.
Manoj Kumar: A daily-wage earner Let BJP be tested
IN the present tense situation, the BJP rally has rightly been banned. But, I consider the BJP as competent and good enough party to takeover the centre. The more they will be prevented or suppressed, the more they will emerge stronger. And their of religion in politics will continue. The BJP should be given a chance to rule the country at least once. Then we will be in a better. position to judge its capability. Otherwise, we will face more worse situations in future.
V. K. Gupta and Ashu Gupta: Small factory owners Can’t afford anoth Ayodhya
SO far as disturbance of the normal life is concerned, the BJP rally has rightly been banned. But, the fact is that even I would have tried my best to hold  the rally, if I was in the party Because I believe that the rally could be held peacefully. we cannot afford another Ayodhya. But, the BJP should be given a chance to prove itself. I am afraid of the consequences of the ban. We don’t think that the BJP will be able to hold the rally forcibly, as the government is quite vigilant this time. The way violence has been prevented till now in Delhi, the rally can also be prevented.
Tajinder Singh: A street vendor Government can stop
WHAT I feel is that the rally should not be held. Because, rallies affect business and consequently people get harassed. However, according to newspapers, BJP will bold the rally, even forcibly. But I believe, that if the government wishes, it can prevent it. the BJP is creating problems to garner votes.
Sitesh Mukherjee,  Student, Delhi University BJP be given another chance
I CONSIDER the banning of the BJP rally an over-reaction of the Congress. After the demolition of the Babri Mosque on December 6, the Government has consistently been showing its frustration by dismissing BJP’ s State governments, and by banning its co-patties which is, in effect, giving an upper hand to rightists, the hardcore BJP supporters, activists, sympathisers and well-wishers. Ban order is an editorial boost to them. l am sure the BJP will hold the rally on February 25. Moreover, I am quite optimistic about it passing off without any untoward incident. If it does not, it will be a failure of the leadership of the BJP. I do agree with the fact that BJP politicians had failed in Ayodhya but I subscribe to the view that the BJP should be given a chance to correct itself. The Congress has now lost ground and its leaders are behaving like amateurs.
Ramesh: A dhabhawala Banning means suppression
‘GALAT hua ban ho kar’. It was wrong to ban the rally. The Congress has intentionally banned because it wants to suppress the BJP. The Government does not want the BJP to emerge. They are afraid of the increasing strength of the party. However, the BJP will try its best to hold the rally. I am in favour of this rally. Why will there be riots due to the rally? A rally has nothing to do with violence whatsoever, although they do make life difficult for a day or two. A lot of traffic congestion, low attendance in offices and sometimes arson and looting makes life bell for ‘Delhiwalas’.
Deepak Raj Sharma, Salesman BJP has the least to do with decency
T HE government did right by banning the rally Because I don’t believe in the objective of the BJP. It is totally worthless and useless to hold a rally. It seems that the BJP has nothing to do with decency. For a long time they have been creating problems. Trying to hold the rally was another attempt to incite emotions and enmity between Hindus and Muslims. And they are doing everything just for votes. I still believe that the BJP will try its best to hold the rally. They have broken the rule of law once they will not hesitate to do it again on the 25th.
Rajeev Malhotra, A shepkeepr in Chandni Chowk Ban is a right step
I consider the step of the Central Government to ban the BJP rally as correct and appropriate. Because, already for the last two months, after the demolition, people are frightened. Our business has slowed down. Above all, it is good for our Muslim friends. Otherwise, they would have thought that the Congress itself is interested in holding rallies and making the situation chaotic; though I believe that the purpose of the rally is solely political and not com munal. The BJP is basically wanting to mobilise Hindus, once again, to keep the environment warm for an election. Actually, my whole family is pro-BJP, but the way it is behaving we are disheartened. They are exploiting the issues like Mandir - Masjid and Mulsim - Hindu. If I would have been working in the party as an active member, I would have abided by the ban-order. Otherwise, find nothing wrong in organizing rallies. Rallies are one of the best sources of effective demonstration. And I hope, BJP will hold the rally if not on the 25th of this month, then after some time.
P. S. Dwivedi, Professor Delhi University Feeling relieved
IAM absolutely confused now, in the situation that has arisen in the past few months. However, in principle I maintain that there should be a freedom of expression. But, I question: Is rally the only means of expression? In other countries, people convey their feelings to their MPs etc. Any way, how does the rally concern the common man. For Delhi, a rally, is always a problem. People get harassed, law and order situation becomes chaotic. This time, I am quite relieved that for the next months no rallies will be held. Whether the BJP will hold the rally, forcibly, is unpredictable. Because the BJP leaders are very shrewd. If they feel it will beneficial to them, they will hold the rally otherwise they will come out with an excuse. In any case the general mass bears the brunt of the situation. I am primanly a citizen and no politi party respects my rights citizen.
Ravi John, Manager, Garmentshop, The ban is welcome
I AM against the rally. They will hold it, burn buses and disturb routes, which adversely affect our business. Sometimes our workers lose their jobs for not coming on the rally days. They hold rallies in the name of religion and we suffer the consequences. They get all the security sitting on the dais and we the people are left insecure Due to their vested interests and use of religion in politics, we are already facing a lot of problems at the social level. Of course, they have mobilized a lot of manpower and sympathizers but they themselves are unable to control the situation. Their mobs are uncontrollable. Instead of progressing, we have gone back 40 years. Can Maushr-Masjid solve our basic problems?
Mohd. Shamsul, Fruit vendor, A clash of interests
R ALLIES of such kind invariably lead to violence. “Aur unki rally mandir ke liy hogi, ki mandir wahan bana chahiye, aur hum log boleng ki masjid banal chahiyc to phir jhagra hoga: Obviously, their rally would be for the Mandir, and since we are in favour of the reconstruction of Masjid, it will ultimately result in violence. I am always against rallies which are held in the name of religion. And the irony is that when they - the Hindus - organize the rallies, nobody agitates, whereas, when we Muslims organize rallies, the Government tries to undo it. What benefit can I have from the BJP rally. Yes, I will naturally support the rally, which will be organized for the reconstruction of the Masjid. Because we want the Masjid to be reconstructed.
Brij Narain and Ranbir Singh Bindra: Traffic Policemen Always a problem!
I T is good that the BJP rally has been banned. But as far as the reporting of the newspapers are concerned, the rally will take place. The BJP will not abide by the ban order. We never want the rallies to be held in Delhi Because, our duty becomes more hectic and risky, In addition, rallies always hap - pen to be held on holidays. That leads to our holidays getting spoilt and we don’t even get overtime.
Narain Reddy, An Executive, A dangerous move
B ANNING of the BJP rally is more dangerous. This may provoke the BJP politicians and their sympathizers. The BJP has. no other option left except using religion for their self-interest. Once it has been allowed to grow in power, it should not be stippressed unnecessarily. It could create more problems. Preventing them could be more dangerous for the general public. The Government should have taken some other measures rather than banning the rally. At the moment the BJP is in a position to take all kinds of risks to undo the Congress government. Undoubtedly, the BJP will capitalize on the Government’s decision and further provoke its voters as well as sympathizers. It is not that the BJP believes in creating problems. We should not forget that once upon a time the BJP was considered to be the most disciplined party in India. But, due to lack of issues, the BJP has very much legitimized the use of religion in politics.
Naved  Rashmi: A worker in an Urdu daily Government is being defied
T HE decision of banning the BJP rally is right. There is no point in believing that it would have been peaceful. They promised that in Ayodhya too. They want to create disturbance where ever it is possible. Because that way they are gaining. They will defy the government order again, as they did in Ayodhya. I am sure the government cannot prevent them. It is worthless to repeat that this government is with the BJP, ever’since Narasimha Rao came to power. However, it is wrong to say that rallies in general have. caused trouble in Delhi. rally should be
Jal Bhagwan, A sweets’ shopkeeper Karol Bagh The rally should be allowed
T HE construction of the Mender is a sacred work and fighting for this purpose is even more sacred. The Mender should be constructed at the very sight of Ram Lalla. If the rally, in any way is related to the Mender it must take place: I support the rally and view the ban-order an extremely aggressive step of the Congress-cum-Central Government. The Government will face the consequences as the BJP is going to hold the rally, Yes, I agree that a riot can unfortunately erupt, but for that the government will be responsible. The Centre should be vigilant and prevent violence. If the rally had not been banned, it could have been held peacefully.
S. Akhtar: A restaurant owner: Public will suffer
A PPARENTLY, the ban order is the right step. But the BJP will hold the rally, because they have decided to face all consequences. Since the BJP’ s target is to take over the Centre, they will try their best, to do so by, all means. They will use all kinds of ploys, good and bad, to throw out the present government. As for them this is the last chance to achieve their target. Despite the ban order, they will hold the rally with the same number of volunteers. The BJP is an active and committed party. For the general public such rallies are always troublesome. Mostly, irresponsible and illiterates participate and ugly incidents do occur. But, that is the BJP rally’s sole purpose. They want to create violence in Delhi like Bombay. I am sure that the rally will take place and the government will not be able to do anything and the public will have to face the consequences.
Dharam Pal: An employee at Jan path BJP will not abide...
I N my view, banning the rally was not proper. This can lead to violence. And the Government will have to fight the irate mobs, who are pro-BJP. What 1 believe is that the BJP would not create any problems, if it is allowed to hold the rally. In fact, the government has banned the rally because it did not want the BJP’ s strength to be known. Nevertheless, the BJP will not abide by the government’s decision, as the general public is with the BJP. The masses are following the BJP’ s path. Today the party is like a balloon; if you suppress it and pressurize it, it will burst and if you play with it like a child, it would never harm you.  However, keeping in view the general situation, rallies should not be organized in Delhi. We face lots of problems due to that. Usually outsiders come who hardly know the capital, and disturb the normal life here. But, I do not agree with the allegation that the BJP is a problem-creating party. Tomorrow, if the BJP acquires power, other parties will create similar problems.
A Section Officer, Ministry of Welfare The cause is right
I N a democratic set-up, banning a demonstration or rally is not proper. Therefore, it does not make sense to abide by this ban order. Since, every one is free to express himself, I feel the BJP will hold its rally. It will be merely an exercise of a democratic right and not the breach of a government order. I don’t think that the rally will incite violence in Delhi, as the government is quite vigilant this and the BJP has also learnt lesson by its mistakes in Ayodhya. The Congress has committed a mistake by banning this particular rally. In my case I don’t find anything wrong in holding rallies. For a genuine demand, a party can always call for it. Moreover, the cause of this rally is very genuine. All the BJP governments in the States have been dismissed. On the contrary, the Maharashtra government has not been removed, where large-scale rioting and violence ruined the Bombay metropolis.
Mohammad Haroon: A Publisher Firm action needed
S OMETHING is better than nothing. At least the government has banned the rally. It should have been banned. This party has been consistently mixing religion with politics. Still, I have faith in the law and order machinery. If the BJP is planning to hold the rally forcefully, the government should take action and must prevent it. If the government does not control the BJP, they will become more strident and aggressive. The rally is one of their election strategy. They want to keep the environment hot for the elections. Anyway, how many of the ban orders have been implemented so far. Every party, which has been banned, is working actively and openly. Likewise, it will be no wonder, if BJP holds the rally forcibly.
Danish Kumar: Ice-cream vendor The day is lost
“HUM to rally wale din aate hi nahi.” We don’t come on the rally day. ‘Kyonki loot-mar mach jati hai’. Because of arson and looting we avoid to come on that particular day. We have never come to sell our ice-cream when rallies are held. However, I support the construction of temple in Ayodhya. Ant, request the Muslims and Hindus to live together in peace.
Nizami: A florist Fearful prospects
WE are very frightened. What will happen? The Government will try to prevent the BJP from holding the rally and the BJP will try its best to hold it. As a result violence may erupt. Already we are losing our business. We solely depend on daily wage workers. We know the government’s capability. If it could not do anything in Ayodhya, how can I believe that it will do something to prevent the rally? We are extremely disillusioned. Why don’t the two par ties - BJP and Congress - talk to each other?
Mohammed Riaz: Bookseller Violence should be contained
T HE banning is wrong. Nothing could have happened. It is the government that creates and sponsors violence and riots. I would have been more grateful to the government, if it would have prevented violence, after allowing the BJP to hold the rally. But the harsh fact is that the BJP will hold the rally. And no one can prevent it from doing so. Also, the riots will keep on happening - rally or-no rally.
Vilam Chand: A pamwala Right decision
‘RALLY mein fayda hi kya hia, nuqsan hi hai sirf’. What is good in a rally? It just causes losses. Loss of life, loss of time, loss of money, loss of public concentration in their work, and loss in business. Morever, the general public ultimately has to pay for whatever amount is spent on organizing a rally. Now, the BJP is in a commanding position. They can do what they want. ‘Zabardasti to woh karegi hi’. They will hold the rally, forcibly as they have more votes and are a much stronger party today. However, the government has taken the right decision. Congress has correctly banned the rally. Otherwise violence could have erupted. In general, also, I have never been in favour of rallies, ‘Koi bhi rally nahin hona chahiye’. No rally should be organized.
G. Viswanathan, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court BJP is creating problems
IAM against this rally. It has been rightly banned because the crowd could, not have been controlled. To control a mass of 20 lakh people is no joke. Ayodhya is the latest example. People gathered there in huge numbers, and later, the political leaders failed to control. The same thing could have happened here. I can’t say whether the BJP will hold the rally on the 25th or not but I must say that they should not. However, the BJP is an unpredictable party. They can take any step, they can do whatever they want. I have no faith in this party. I firmly believe, that the BJP always wants to create problems. They want to disturb the smooth life, to create disillusionment in Parliament and cause elections as soon as possible. I advise the Government to ban all their demonstrations. They should not be allowed to gather crowds.
Kabir: Three-wheeler driver BJP should not violate orders
R ALLIES should not be organized. I am in favour of the ban order. If the government would not have banned the rally, Hindu-Muslim riots would have possibly taken place. Since the situation is not good and everybody is tense and frightened, the huge masses at the rally could be dangerous. The BJP should not violate the ban. Otherwise also rallies are not healthy for Delhiites. Outsiders come to Delhi and make life hell here. ‘Kabhi kabhi to woh scooter per baith jate hain our kiraya bhi nahin dete ham’. Sometimes they don’t even pay the rickshaw fare.