In her statement, Arundhati Roy criticizes a political strategy employed by India's Congress party over time. This strategy involves creating divisions among different communities with the aim of securing votes during elections. By fostering tension and rivalry between various groups, politicians can gain support from specific segments of the population who feel that their interests are being represented.
The deeper meaning behind this quote highlights how political parties manipulate communal identities to consolidate power. By pitting one community against another, they create a sense of division rather than unity, which can have long-lasting negative effects on society. This practice not only undermines social cohesion but also perpetuates stereotypes and prejudices among different communities. It suggests that such tactics are detrimental to the democratic process as it leads to voting patterns based more on communal affiliations than on issues or policies.
Arundhati Roy is an Indian author, essayist, and political activist known for her literary works and outspoken views on social and political issues in India. She gained international acclaim with her debut novel "The God of Small Things," which won the Booker Prize in 1997. Beyond her literary achievements, she has been vocal about various socio-political concerns in India, often critiquing government policies and highlighting human rights issues.
