Stop politicizing Hindu religious events

Apr 02, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

I wish to express my deep concern over the increasing trend of government officials using Hindu religious events as platforms for political campaigning and partisan attacks. This blatant politicization was evident during the recent Maha Shivraatri observances at Cove and John, where President Irfaan Ali turned what should have been a solemn and sacred occasion into an opportunity to discuss election rigging and economic issues. Similarly, Attorney General Anil Nandlall did the same at the Enmore Mandir recently.

This is not an isolated incident. In 2015, during a Diwali motorcade in East Canje, former Finance Minister Ashni Singh attempted to use the stage for political purposes, an act that was met with resistance from Charrandas Persaud, who sought to prevent the politicization of the religious event. Such actions demonstrate a worrying pattern where Hindu religious events are exploited for political gain.

Hindu religious celebrations such as Shivratri, Navratri, and Diwali hold profound spiritual significance. They are meant to be moments of devotion, reflection, and community togetherness, not stages for political grandstanding. It is deeply disrespectful for politicians to attend these events, not to honor the religious occasion, but to promote their political agenda and launch attacks on the opposition. Such actions undermine the sanctity of these religious gatherings and create unnecessary divisions within communities that should be united in faith and tradition. Religious spaces should remain neutral and focused on their true purpose—spiritual upliftment and devotion to the divine.

I call on all political leaders to show respect for Hindu religious traditions and to refrain from using mandirs and religious events as campaign platforms. If they truly wish to engage with the Hindu community, let it be in a manner that upholds the dignity and sanctity of our faith, not one that reduces it to a tool for political maneuvering.

Sincerely,

Shana Ramsingh

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