Anshul HindalAIR 48 · CSE 2023 · 179 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
Religion is a set of beliefs and practices related to the sacred i.e the things which are kept apart and forbidden which constitute the group into moral community called church - Durkheim.
It is a threat to Indian democracy
Body · points
use of religious identity in voting behavior: use of religious symbols and gods like lord Ram.
Development would be sidelined
It can lead to majoritarianism in the society. Andre Beteille: lead to contestation between both minority & majorly nationalism.
It would lead to religious revivalism which could manifest itself in the form of communalism
Political parties formed on religious lines rather than ideology.
Marxist perspective: opium of the masses → unconsious individual detrimental for democracy.
They both can complement each other
→ More representation to the marginalised religious community in political arena → Indian democracy did not provide for strict separation between state and religion → Act as a pressure group: Multiple Influence Hypothesis: Karl Mannheim → less alienation when people are underrepresented
Close · a way forward
Therefore religion should be separated from religion as much as possible.