Religion and politics have been an obnoxious cocktail across India, with Goa which is known for its communal harmony, not being an exception. Political leaders across the spectrum understand the weightage of religion in electoral politics, and they also know well that at no point can the majority community be alienated. If we are to put this in perspective, polarisation has been the electoral mantra.
In times when the intersections of politics and religion are closely debated and scrutinized Transport Minister, Mauvin Godinho, has sparked controversy with a comment at Dabolim which said that he identifies more with the Hindu faith than his own Christian following. In plain understanding, there's nothing wrong when one professes love for another religion. In a democratic setup, the Constitution gives us the fundamental right to follow or practice any religion.
However, the announcement reveals a layering of personal belief and political strategy that reflects the complexities of identity within Goa's fluctuating political landscape. By asserting that he identifies more with Hindu beliefs than his own religious roots, Godinho has straddled two lines: the deep personal understanding of faith and the pervasive political motivations that dictate public discourse.
His statements were greeted with applause from BJP party workers, highlighting a palpable alignment. Sadly, it is these statements saddled with religious overtones that threaten a fragile environment and stir a majority versus minority debate. At face value, Godinho may defend his comment as a genuine expression of personal belief. But, beneath this veneer lies a question that holds intrigue: Is this a genuine reflection of faith, or merely a strategic manoeuvre aimed at solidifying loyalty among the BJP's core constituents?
Politicos wading into religion have stoked controversy in the past. Former Mapusa legislator, late Francis D’Souza had to retract and apologise for his controversial “Christian Hindu” comment in July 2014. From a broader perspective, such religious declarations highlight a precarious trend within the political space dominated by the BJP. It is dangerous because leaders who have changed party affiliations and are allowed to be remote-controlled have no choice. All of this is because of political desperation and to be part of the ruling framework.
Political relevance and survival become very crucial for legislators who have jumped ship, and seasoned politicos make those sensitive statements because they know that the religious card is an ace that works beyond mere ideological affiliations. In this context, Godinho’s statement is politically pragmatic although the genuineness is questionable.
The comments are emblematic of a troubling flow within Goa’s political fabric, where religious loyalties are recalibrated for political expediency. While he defends it is an expression of his personal belief, and yes it could be. But why does a political leader make his religious beliefs public? What difference would it make to either community? It is certainly not about religion.
The question is whether Godinho succeeds in what he has set out to do. It is to be seen whether these utterances will get an endorsement from voters to reassert his position or alienation from his own community. Nonetheless, the underlying message is that in the ballet of politics and beliefs, the lines are increasingly getting blurred.
