![I, Prathyush Thomas [GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) or FAL], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.theindianwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/R_Ramalinga_Reddy_BNC.jpg)
On 22nd December 2017, a notice was issued to the DG and IGP’s office asking them to clear the cases of ‘innocent minorities’. This was with regard to those involved in communal clashes, farmers protests, among others. This notice has now been revised to include the innocent from every community. Prior to the revision, Congress was pulled up for playing the ‘minority appeasement’ card before the Karnataka elections.
The circular and revised notice
The notice generated much criticism towards the Congress and Siddaramaiah. At the helm were the criticisms of Shobha Karandlaje, a BJP representative. She accused Congress of appeasement politics. The revised circular in the light of the harsh criticism dropped the word ‘minorities’ and now refers to all innocent people. It is not surprising that Congress received the backlash from this issue. Despite Siddaramaiah and Ramalinga Reddy’s shaky defence of the circular, a revision was expected.
If one talks facts and figures, between 2015 and 2017, 414 cases were withdrawn against the accused. This out of a total of 3,164, out of which 2, 806 cases were cases against the Hindus and 341 were those against Muslims.
The Defence
As the elections near, BJP will use every weapon in their arsenal. Perhaps Congress must stop giving them bait. The politics in Karnataka seems to be solely two-sided, with Congress and BJP occupying all of the media space leaving none for other candidates. The usage of the word ‘minorities’ in the circular was named a ‘clerical error’. The revision came in on the 27th of January.
Home Minister, Ramalinga Reddy said, that the notice was issued according to the Sachar Committee recommendations. In his defence he went so far to say BJP doesn’t understand English. The revoking of cases from minority communities were among the list of recommendations of the committee. The entire conversation, rather battle is over the usage of the word ‘Minority’ that caused much anger among pro-Hindutva outfits. But, the ministry has cleared that if the case, is around murder, damage to property, etc. cases wouldn’t be dropped.
The impact
As the elections come closer, one should look out more for these accusations. Moreover, these circulars have a huge impact on the legal system, not only politics. While one must understand the needs of the minorities. Upliftment of minorities has been a necessity for the longest time. But one must ask in what manner. The matter though media will talk in terms of BJP and Congress is the fact that everybody in the country is entitled to the benefits of the law. The ministry must pinpoint those areas where the minorities don’t benefit and target those. In the case of criminal records, everyone should be entitled to be cleared of allegations. Communal politics will continue, or politics might remain communal for the longest time, but the citizen must see through it.