• QUWSTION: Among the 195 candidates announced by Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the BJP, there is only one Muslim and one Christian each. What does it tell you?

ANSWER: It foretells a future when the minorities will have only a miniscule pre-sence in the country’s parliament. A national party like the BJP must exhibit a national chara-cter even in the selection of its candidates. So, if there is only one Christian and one Muslim, it means that the party does not reflect its national chara-cter. Muslims make up 14% of the population of India and Christians make up a minimum of 2%. Adequate represen-tation for minorities is the hallmark of a democratic system. Communities like the Anglo-Indians who have an insignificant pre-sence were given privileg-ed representation. That privilege was also taken away by this government without any discussion. It again reflects the BJP’s attitude towards minority communities. If they are heading towards a Hindu nation, we will become a theocracy like some of our neighbours. We need to learn lessons from neighbouring countries.

• Bp Alex Vadakumthala, Kannur