BJP’s Anti-Lynching Message Too Little Too Late: Shatrughan Sinha

PM Modi must take “firm and swift action” against those who have “taken the law into their own hands.”

PM Modi recently made a strong statement against mob lynching in the name of cow protection.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

The most outspoken soldier of the ruling regime, Shatrughan Sinha, is shattered by the spate of mob lynchings across the country. The actor-turned-politician vehemently says:

I strongly condemn the lack of urgent and immediate police action against mobs who pick on individuals. This is a new trend and it is spreading all across the country. 

Sinha added, “If we don’t control it now, we would soon be staring in the face of utter chaos with the mobs deciding what we should eat and what we should wear.”

Also Read: In Hindu Village of Junaid’s Attackers, Muslims Spurned as ‘Other’

We Are All Indians First

Without naming the Prime Minister, Sinha feels there must be stronger action against mob attacks. Sinha told The Quint:

I am afraid the condemnation of mob attacks is a case of too little too late. Much sterner action is needed.

While Sinha identifies as a proud Hindu, he says that the actions of the mob have left him deeply mortified. He says,“We are all Indians first, then Hindus or Muslims.”

The hapless Muslim boy Junaid who was lynched [...] was also Indian. What crime had he committed? Who decides what is the correct way for an Indian to eat or behave?

Also Read: PM’s Rap Against Cow Vigilantism Admits Polarisation Went Too Far

Is Our Democracy Becoming a Mobocracy?

The outspoken Sinha feels this whole rigmarole over cow protection is a farce. He says it is better to protect cows from “hunger and homelessness” rather than from those who eat beef. 

Cows are mercilessly neglected in our country. We have left them to die on the roads. They eat plastic bags and die. Rather than pretending to protect cows from beef eaters, let the <i>gau rakshaks</i> save them from hunger and homelessness.

Shatrughan Sinha, Former Actor and BJP Minister

Also Read: ‘We Are Scared & Angry’: Khandawli Villagers After Junaid’s Death

Not one to mince words, Sinha wonders why goons and self-appointed moralists should decide our clothes and food. “Why should we be told what to eat and what to wear? Are we not responsible citizens?” He adds:

It is time strict laws were implemented against the mob mentality. Otherwise our democracy is heading towards a mobocracy.

Also Read: Data Doesn’t Support Islamophobia, But Who’ll Tell the Lynch Mobs?

Lynch Mobs Represent Hooligan Class

Sinha feels we are wasting our time on ‘non-issues’. According to the BJP MP, China is growing more aggressive and then there is the issue of Pakistani forces killing and mutilating our jawans. In the same vein, the parliamentarian says:

There is rape and violence against women and children, and we are concerned with people’s food habits. Look at the example our politicians are setting! One of them has been caught on camera urinating in public.

Also Read: What Swachh Bharat? Agri Minister Caught Urinating in Public

Sinha asks, “Just the other day a young man was lynched when he tried to stop public urination. If public figures spread the wrong message how can we control mob mentality?”

Sinha, who is all for swift laws against mob action, tells The Quint that he has always “considered our Prime Minister to be the biggest action hero of our country.”

Therefore, the BJP minister feels it is time for PM Modi to take “firm and swift action” against those who have “taken the law into their own hands.”

Sinha asserts that “the lynch mobs represent neither the BJP nor India; they represent only the hooligan class.”

Also Read: #NotInMyName: Don’t Let the Rage Fade, This Fight Is Far From Over

(The love of Lata Mangeshkar's voice and Hindi movies - in that order - has propelled Subhash K Jha to the pursuit of journalism for over 30 years.)

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