Tag: Hindu

Accommodating Muslims and Hindus “robs Britain of its community” and risks turning the country into a “crime-riddled cesspool” as a result, the Conservative candidate for London mayor declared in a thinktank pamphlet he wrote a decade ago. Shaun Bailey voiced concerns about the marking of Muslim and Hindu festivals, claimed children were being taught more about Diwali than Christmas, and argued Britain “removing the religion that British people generally take to” had allowed immigrants to bring their countries’ cultural problems with them. But by removing the religion that British people generally take to, by removing the ethics that generally go with it, we’ve allowed people to come to Britain and bring their culture, their country and any problems they might have, with them.” A few paragraphs later, Bailey argued it was easier for the black community to integrate into British society because there were shared Christian values. “Within the black community, it is not such a bad thing, because we’ve shared a religion and in many cases a language. Despite the revelations, Theresa May endorsed Bailey in her keynote speech at the Conservative party conference. A few hours after the Guardian article about his pamphlet was first published, May, arguing her party represented equality of opportunity, cited the example of Bailey. He was a youth worker who became an adviser to David Cameron on young people and crime before being elected to the London assembly, having previously failed to win a seat at Westminster. Andy Slaughter, a London Labour MP who defeated him in the 2010 general election, said: “It is increasingly clear that he holds views that are at best divisive and at worst Islamophobic. A spokesperson for Bailey said: “As a descendant of the Windrush generation, and someone who has worked with diverse communities for over 20 years, Shaun knows full well the challenges faced by BAME communities. Bailey needs to apologise and distance himself from this divisive bigotry.” The organisation said it would write to the Tories to see if they were aware of Bailey’s remarks prior to his selection.

The archbishop of New Delhi has waded into Indian politics, urging Catholics to pray for democracy and marginalized people ahead of national elections next year, bringing a quick rebuke from the ruling party. India is "witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution and the secular fabric of our nation," Archbishop Couto wrote in his May 8, 2018 letter, which was sent to all the city's churches. "I personally believe that no one should say things like this, for a religious person to make such comments cannot be accepted and appreciated," Shah said. A top party lawmaker, Subramanian Swamy, demanded the scrapping of diplomatic ties with the Vatican because of the archbishop's remarks. Archbishop Anil Couto, in a May 8 letter sent to New Delhi's Catholic churches, urged members to pray for democracy and for marginalized people ahead of national elections next year. The prayer also called for marginalized people to be "brought into the mainstream of nation-building." Minorities have complained of rising attacks by Hindu hardliners against them since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. Church leaders normally avoid getting too deeply involved in politics. The archbishop was, however, supported by opposition politicians. It is a fact."

The president of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Amit Shah, accused the archbishop of trying to divide people on the basis of religion. "I personally believe that no one should say things like this, for a religious person to make such comments cannot be accepted and appreciated," Shah said. A top party lawmaker, Subramanian Swamy, demanded the scrapping of diplomatic ties with the Vatican because of the archbishop's remarks. And your subscription makes it possible. Subscribe today for only $12.99 $7.99 per month Archbishop Anil Couto, in a May 8 letter sent to New Delhi's Catholic churches, urged members to pray for democracy and for marginalized people ahead of national elections next year. Christians make up just 2 percent of India's population, which is overwhelmingly Hindu but has a sizable Muslim minority. Church leaders normally avoid getting too deeply involved in politics. The archbishop's letter angered Hindu nationalists as it came at a time when Modi and his party are preparing for next year's national polls. Alphons, India's tourism minister and a BJP leader, said the archbishop's comments were unfair and that "godmen" should stay away from politics.

Image MUMBAI, India — They stormed a film set. They pulled the director’s hair. They burned movie posters. Hindu extremists in India have played just about every trick in their book to block the release of “Padmaavat,” a lavish Bollywood film about a 14th-century Hindu queen. The story centers on Padmavati, a legendary Hindu queen who killed herself rather than submit to invading Muslims. Some Hindus were convinced there were scenes showing Padmavati in less than an honorable light, which the filmmakers strenuously denied. “These politicians are trying to look for votes. “I think a lot of people are going to see it just to see what all the fuss is about,’’ Mr. Benegal said. A fringe Hindu group, representing members of the Rajput caste — Padmavati was believed to be a Rajput — said someone should cut off the lead actress’s nose. “I have made up the story and related it,” are the last words of his epic.