Congress leader raises concerns over majoritarianism after Maharashtra govt's decision to close liquor shops during Ganeshotsav

Congress leader Sachin Sawant said the BJP was unconcerned about the deep and far-reaching impact such politics could have on society. FILE PIC

Congress leader and All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Sachin Sawant has raised concerns over what he described as the growing influence of majoritarianism in the country, citing recent remarks by former judge Justice Deepak Gupta on the Maharashtra government's decision to keep liquor shops closed for 12 days during the Ganeshotsav period.

In a post on X, Sawant said Justice Gupta's concern over majoritarianism was not limited to the decision to shut liquor shops during the festival, but was a serious warning about the broader atmosphere that has developed in the country over the past few years.

Sawant alleged that over the past 12 years, the BJP has sought to remain in power by allegedly misusing government machinery and using organisations associated with the Sangh Parivar and BJP workers to exert pressure on the ground and gradually make society accustomed to majoritarian politics.

He said the party was allegedly unconcerned about the deep and far-reaching impact such politics could have on society.

Sawant said Justice Gupta's concerns about the role of courts made the issue more significant, stressing that courts have a responsibility to protect the freedoms, equality and rights guaranteed to citizens by the Constitution.

He further stated that governments should not consider only the sentiments of the majority community while taking decisions. They must also consider whether a decision infringes on the freedom of other citizens, affects their way of life or violates the rights of minorities, he said.

Congress leader cites Paryushan school row as example of majoritarian mindset

Sawant described this as not merely a political responsibility but a constitutional one.

He also referred to a recent incident during the Paryushan festival, alleging that students at a school associated with Mira-Bhayandar MLA Narendra Mehta were told not to bring lunch boxes containing onion and garlic.

Sawant said the incident was another example of the same mindset. He added that while everyone's religious beliefs should be respected, such beliefs should not be imposed on others.

Sawant also said he was relieved that judges such as Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Jamdar had taken clear positions on constitutional values.

However, he said Justice Gupta's concerns regarding other courts needed to be taken seriously.