This is with reference to the report “BJP minister urges Muslims to give up eating beef” (Oct. 17). India is neither a Hindu state nor a Muslim country. Such statements issued by those sitting in the parliament are in violation of the constitution of India, which is a secular country. The saffron brigade is working over time to change the very fabric of the Indian society. Secularism is India’s strength. The current government appears to be more focused on people’s personal matters than proper governance. We still await the much-trumpeted “ache din” (Good days) but it seems that with each passing day, this great country is being dragged into the abyss of communalism.

I urge all secular and sane elements in India to join hands against the saffron brigade.