In a country where secularism is often touted as a fundamental pillar of democracy, it is shocking to witness the selective silence of self-proclaimed secularists when it comes to the atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has recently brought this hypocrisy to light, bluntly stating that these secularists are more concerned about their vote banks than the ongoing genocide of Hindus in the neighbouring nation.
What we witnessed (genocide of Hindus) in Pakistan in 1947, we are seeing today in #Bangladesh. If we remain ignorant, it could happen in India soon as well.
Yogi Ji speaks facts without hesitation. pic.twitter.com/VkqrkY3iHh
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) August 14, 2024
Yogi Adityanath struck at the heart of an uncomfortable truth. There is a conspicuous silence when Hindus abroad face persecution. The genocide in Bangladesh, which has seen temples desecrated, homes burned, and lives brutally taken, has largely gone unnoticed. Those who claim to champion the cause of secularism and human rights are silent.
The Secularist Double Standard Yogi Adityanath
The silence of these secularists is not just an oversight—it’s a deliberate choice. When religious minorities in India are perceived to be under threat, the uproar is immediate and loud. Politicians, activists, and intellectuals lining up to condemn the acts. But when Hindus in Bangladesh are systematically targeted, these voices suddenly go quiet. Why? Because speaking out would mean acknowledging a reality that doesn’t align with their narrative.
This selective outrage exposes a disturbing double standard. The so-called secularists prioritize a different set of concerns. They claim to stand for equality and justice, but their focus shifts from the victims of persecution to the potential backlash that could threaten their political fortunes. By remaining silent on the genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh, they prioritise their vote banks over basic human decency.
Genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh Yogi Adityanath
The ongoing crisis in Bangladesh starkly reminds us of the vulnerabilities Hindus face as a minority in the country. Reports from human rights organizations and independent observers paint a grim picture: authorities displace Hindu families, perpetrators subject women to horrific violence, and vandals reduce ancient temples that stood for centuries to rubble. These incidents do not occur in isolation—they form part of a systematic campaign to eradicate the Hindu presence in Bangladesh.
Yet, despite the mounting evidence, there has been little to no international outcry. The Indian media, too, has largely relegated this issue to the back pages, if it covers it at all. It is a moral failure on the part of those who have the platform and the power to speak out but choose not to.
The Political Calculus
Yogi Adityanath cuts through the political fog and exposes the cynical calculus at play. Secularists, he argues, focus more on avoiding alienation of certain sections of the electorate than on standing up for what is right. Their fear of losing votes from communities that might feel targeted by criticism of Bangladesh’s treatment of Hindus drives their alarming silence.
This is not just a matter of political strategy—it’s a betrayal of the principles these leaders claim to uphold. Secularism, at its core, means the equal treatment of all religions. But when leaders ignore the plight of Hindus for political expediency, they show that for some, secularism is just a convenient label to wear when it suits their interests.
Call to Action Yogi Adityanath
The genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh cannot be ignored any longer. It is time for India’s leaders, across the political spectrum, to take a stand. Silence in the face of such atrocities is not just cowardice—it is complicity. The international community, too, must be called upon to recognize and condemn these crimes.
In a world where the plight of minorities is often used as a political tool, the situation in Bangladesh reminds us of the dangers of selective outrage. If secularism is to mean anything, it must apply to all people, regardless of their religion or nationality. CM Yogi Adityanath’s words should serve as a wake-up call to those who have remained silent for too long. It’s time to put principles before politics, and humanity before votes.
