Days after 100 filmmakers, over 200 writers urge citizens to ‘vote out hate politics’

NEW DELHI: Days after 100 filmmakers appeals voters to oust the BJP from power in upcoming ok Sabha election, more than 200 Indian writers on Monday issued an appeal to the citizens to vote out “hate politics”.

The appeal issued in English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Urdu, Bangla, Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu languages highlighted the marginalisation of Dalits, Adivasis and minority communities and said, “we want to safeguard our diversity and let democracy flourish.”

The statement, which was posted on the website of Indian Cultural Forum, read, “The upcoming election finds our country at the crossroads. Our Constitution guarantees all its citizens equal rights, the freedom to eat, pray and live as they choose, freedom of expression and the right to dissent. But in the last few years, we have seen citizens being lynched or assaulted or discriminated against because of their community, caste, gender, or the region they come from.

[also_read url=”https://www.siasat.com/news/over-100-filmmakers-urge-voters-remove-bjp-save-democracy-1482864/”]Over 100 filmmakers urge voters to remove BJP, save democracy[/also_read]

“Hate politics has been used to divide the country; create fear; and exclude more and more people from living as full-fledged citizens. Writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians and other cultural practitioners have been hounded, intimidated, and censored. Anyone who questions the powers-that-be is in danger of being harassed or arrested on false and ridiculous charges.”

The joint petition by 200 authors read, “The first step, the one we can take soon, is to vote out hate politics. Vote out the division of our people; vote out inequality; vote against violence, intimidation and censorship. This is the only way we can vote for an India that renews the promises made by our Constitution. This is why we appeal to all citizens to vote for a diverse and equal India.”

They said that they did not want ‘rationalists, writers and activists to be hounded or assassinated.’ “We want resources and measures for jobs, education, research, healthcare and equal opportunities for all. Most of all, we want to safeguard our diversity and let democracy flourish,” it added.