It was shocking to note that permission for the annual Palm Sunday procession, a major event in the Christian calendar, was denied by the Delhi Police on vague grounds of ‘law and order’ and ‘traffic issues.’ Such action prima facie violates the Constitution, which guarantees the right to practise and profess one’s religion freely. Denial of permission is a concerted attack on religious freedom. This peaceful procession has been conducted by Sacred Heart Cathedral for past fifteen years, bringing all communities together. Contrast this with readily granted permissions for Ramnavmi ‘yatras’ wherein jobless youth brandishing trishuls and talwars go dancing in front of masjids to the beat of vulgar songs targeting the Muslims. Such ruffians are also provided state security to carry out their nefarious acts. Modi, during election campaigns, meets assorted bishops and cardinals, professes equality of religions, and discovers some ‘purana nata’ with the Christian community simply to garner votes. These double standards are par for the course for BJP; minorities should see through his jumlas and not entertain Modi and others of his ilk.
