Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi's statement reflects the understanding that religion, in its truest sense of universal ethics, morality, and Dharma, is vital to guiding politics toward public welfare and truth. Divorced from such an ethical anchor, political activity tends to degenerate into an unprincipled contest for power.
Religion as an Ethical Foundation for Politics
Gandhi distinguished between sectarian ritualism and universal moral religion. When conceived as a moral compass, religion injects probity, selfless service, and accountability into governance, ensuring that political power serves the common good rather than selfish ambition.
Role of Religion in Shaping Political Attitudes in India
- Ethical Governance and Welfare: Drawing on civilizational ideals such as Sarva Dharma Sambhava, religious values have historically inspired inclusive, welfare-oriented political philosophies aligned with constitutional principles of social justice.
- Vote-Bank Politics and Mobilization: Political socialization frequently aligns along religious identities, encouraging identity-based voting rather than evaluation of candidates based on developmental outcomes and policy performance.
- Communal Polarization: The politicization of religious sentiments is often utilized to consolidate electoral bases, reinforcing sectarian divides and posing challenges to social cohesion and composite culture.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
Unlike Western models founded on an absolute separation of Church and State, India embraces 'principled distance', allowing the State to intervene in religious affairs to uphold equality and social justice.
- Constitutional Guarantees: Articles 25 to 28 guarantee freedom of conscience and religious practice, subject explicitly to public order, morality, and health. Provisions like Article 17 dismantle oppressive socio-religious practices such as untouchability.
- Statutory Prohibitions: Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, classifies appealing to religious symbols or soliciting votes on religious grounds as a corrupt electoral practice.
- Judicial Enforcement: In Abhiram Singh v. C.D. Commachen (2017), the Supreme Court ruled that electoral appeals made in the name of religion—whether of the candidate, their agent, or the voter—vitiate the election.
Conclusion
The constructive integration of religion in politics involves imbuing governance with ethical values and compassion while strictly resisting sectarian division. India's constitutional secularism balances this dynamic by ensuring state intervention to eliminate orthodox evils while preserving the ethical spirit of a pluralistic democracy.