Maulana Wahiduddin Khan | Speaking Tree Website | March 27, 2017
In the age of kingship in previous centuries, kings held some in favour and others in disfavour. They wanted to crush those whom they thought were not their supporters.
Those who still have such anoutdatedmindset think along similar lines today – they believe that the elected government is either friendly or inimical towards them. But this is an anachronistic way of thinking. In the age of democracy, themandateofthe government that comes into power after the elections is always for a limited period of time. Since in a democracy it isthe voters who elect the rulers, no government can afford,once it is elected to power,to follow the policy of favouring one community and disfavouring another. This is because suchapolicy would go against its own political interests.
During any pre-election campaign, a party can engage in such rhetoric as go against the sentiments of a community or group, but such statements or speeches are only temporary. The tone of the party changes after the election campaign.
People must know that this is the age of democracy, and,in principle, democracy is not forsomeand against others,it is for all. Therefore in thisday and age, people should not form their opinions on the basis of media reports.
Considerthe saying: ‘There is no permanent enemy or permanent friend in politics.’ This applies particularly to a democracy. Democracy is government of the peoplebythepeople. Thus, in a democracy, if any partywereto makeapermanentenemyof any given voter community, that would go against its own interests. Therefore, it is in the interest of the ruling party itself to adopt a universal policy.