MAJORITY Vs MINORITY
Protection of minorities and their interests is now doing the rounds amongst the Indian
elites. Let us analyse this topic in minute detail.
1. Usually, when we talk of majority and minority, we take into account only the
majority and minority based on religions.
2. We very conveniently omit linguistic minorities, minority castes and minority groups
and minority professions. Don’t they need protection from the cultural and
psychological onslaught of the majority in their respective realms?
3. In a country like India, in all General elections (State/Central), the average voters’
turnout is only 60%. Even among those who vote, the percentage of votes polled in
favour of the successful contestant is usually in the range of 35 to 45% only. Then
it boils down to the fact that the successful candidate could secure just 27% of the
total population’s mandate. Then he/she is only a representative elected by a minority
of the population!
My question now is, does such successful MLA/MP or Minister or even PM or
President belong to the whole constituency that participated in the election process
or not? In other words, should not they also strive for the interests and welfare
of those who have not voted at all and those who have voted against them (who
constitute the majority say, 70%)?
4. For those who champion for the cause of the minorities, majority bashing has become
a routine affair. This is more so, in the case of religious sphere. The usual argument
heard is “the elder brother should cede and sacrifice more for the younger”. How can
this be always one-sided?
5. If the minorities are pampered, often at the cost of the majority, what role and what
say will the majority have (in matters affecting their interests too)?
6. If the majority is to bear more insults and losses, only to safeguard the minorities,
should the minorities observe stoic silence?
7. Why a section of the majority shall not raise their voice of protest, when they are
subjected to unfair treatment? How long they have to show tolerance?
CONCLUSION
If the minorities must enjoy the same rights and privileges as that of their majority counterparts, then it automatically follows that the majority community must enjoy
the same rights and privileges as enjoyed by the minorities. Is that wrong?