Reactions, over reactions and some finding an opportunity to take the first flight to Delhi to complain. The drama was high after Chief Minister A K Antony commented on the collective bargaining by the minorities to get their needs. At times, truth will not attractive. And unattractive truth will have many opposing it.
The feeling expressed by Antony has been brewing up among the majority community for quite some time. Antony expressed this when this feeling was moving towards an explosive level. The chief minister asked the minority community to understand this feeling before it turns to take a bad shape.
Though Antony did not mention any names, one community took up the blame and began cry for CM's blood. Support was not far away as many were waiting for such an opportunity to topple the government. Added by 'concern' from major political parties Antony was singled out. His arch rival and senior Congress leader sent his emissary to Delhi to dictate terms.
A factor to note is that Antony never said that the rights of the minorities should be taken away. Those who criticise him should agree that with the help of constitution, Court order or collective bargaining the minority communities have made their presence prominent in many sector, especially the education sector. This community feels that they are above the Government when it comes to higher education. The present crisis in self-financing colleges, regular Court visits seeking stay order up to not attending meeting called by the Government, are a part of it. The collective bargaining by the minorities were clearly seen when almost 35 unaided schools were suddenly switched to aided schools. The Chief Minister himself said that Maraad and self-financing college issue forced him to make such a comment. No cultural leaders or political parties severely condemned the attacks. The reason was simple. All the killed were from the majority community and words against the minority community will cost their votes. Not long back newspapers carried the news that the Government has withdrawn the criminal cases against six NDF activists following a request from a Muslim League minister and Kozhikode MLA and Antony had admitted the minister's role.
Naturally when the minority communities make such moves the majority community feels their rights are unduly curbed. And this fuelled the growth of, Bajrang Dal and various Hindu extremist organisations.
If the majority community is given their rightful share, then it is majority appeasement. Vice versa if the minorities demands (whatever it may be) are met, then it's their rights. What a predicament!! This structure will indeed sow seeds of hatred in the community and this is exactly what Antony warned.
It may be tolerant attitude of the majority community that might have prevented and outrage. But when pushed to the wall, things can go from bad to worse. And this feeling is prevalent in the majority of the people in the state. The NSS, SNDP and various community organisations have welcomed CM's comments. They have also requested Antony to put his words into practice.
Many inside his party as well as the Opposition were quick to condemn Antony. The various left parties said that it was the voice of the Sangh Parivar. A community leader said that Antony as a chief Minister should never have made such a comment.
Every ruler should have the courage and will to speak the truth. Like the majority community the minorities too should take care to crate a peaceful atmosphere in the state. Or of they feel they are humiliated to the extend, withdraw support to Antony government and seek fresh mandate.
Either way, the truth behind Antony's
comment will not change even if he withdraws or to the extend, resigns.