Extreme identity politics worrying- Teesta Setalvad

Kozhikode: Noted human rights activist and writer Teesta Setalvad said that identity politics is intervening unnecesarily in every phase of life. She said that extreme identity politics weakened the fight against extremism and fascism. She was speaking after releasing the book `Islamika Rashtriyam Vimarshikkapedunnu', written by M N Karassery, at the Mathrubhumi Penguin book festival. She said religious fundamentalist organizations are intruding in personal activities of common men. It is growing in such a way that it even dictates a girl, who had passed aeronautical engineering, on how to wear a dress. The freedom to wear a dress of ones choice exist in a democracy. The religious fundamentals are waging a war against democracy and secularism.

Use of religious symbols for politics is another kind of extremism. Majority and minority extremist outfits are responsible for the present crisis in India. In the Muvattupuzha hand chopping case of a lecturer, the Islamic fundamentalist groups have direct links but at the same time Hindu religious outfits can not wash their hands off.

Gujarat, which is a laboratory for Hindutva, is standing in the next phase. The authorities, in the name of development, are hiding the real problems. Teesta alleged that even if a bullet is shot by a Muslim, the brain behind the incident would rest on Narendra Modi.

She released the book by giving a copy to Kanesh Punoor. Mathrubhumi deputy editor V Raveendranathan welcomed the gathering.






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