Question

Consider the following statements on the meaning of communal politics. Communal politics is based on the belief that:
A.One religion is superior to that of others.
B.People belonging to different religions can live together happily as equal citizens.
C.Followers of a particular religion constitute one community.
D.State power cannot be used to establish the domination of one religious group over others.
Which of the statements is/are correct?

A.A, B, C and D
B.A, B and D
C.A and C
D.B and D

Answer 1

Hint: India is a land of diverse culture, due to which it is home to numerous ethnolinguistic groups and communities. Religion is a major element of culture as a whole and in India, people practice different religions. Religion can be a potent weapon to mobilise and unite people, and it has been used and misused in this way throughout history. Communal politics is based on the concept of communalism and that the identities and interests of all individuals are derived from their membership to a religion and beliefs of that religion.

Complete Step by Step answer: Let's look at the options one by one :
Option A: is incorrect because all the statements regarding communal politics are not true.
Option B: is also incorrect because out of statements A, B and C, only A and C are true.
Option C is correct. Both statements A and C are true. People who subscribe to communalism believe in and demand the superiority of one religion over others. This leads to religious extremism and separatism in some cases. Communal politics is based on the idea that religion is the only basis of forming a community. The most frequent form of communalism is political mobilisation and appeasement on a religious basis. This is done in a direct ploy to extend or secure their vote bank.
Option D is incorrect because both statements B and D are untrue.

Note: Since its inception, secularism has meant the separation of religion and State. The foundation of the concept is that religious activities or beliefs do not interfere with civic or state affairs. In the context of the Indian Constitution, the term “secular” implies that India is not a theocratic state and thus does not have an official religion. The Fundamental Rights contained in Part III of the Indian Constitution grants the Right to Freedom of Religion to all individuals and guarantees equal treatment to all irrespective of their religious beliefs or the lack thereof.