Minority politics in India

Christians in India as well as in Punjab usually suffer from the same socio economic and political problems. Their problems, in general are the same as the overall dalit problems in this country. Discrimination in the matters of employment, promotion in public services, economic benefits and facilities in education is becoming the policy of the state. Economic exploitation and social injustice is ongoing by the upper caste, majority religious groups and other fanatic groups. Despite all these the Christians have always accepted the utility of the Indian democratic model.

This study observes that the most important grievance of religious minorities relate to the operation of state agencies and ineffective right to propagate their religion and social activities. While portraying the true life of Christians of India and as well as of the Punjab state, the author attempts to reflect their socio-economic conditions and observes that the socio-economic hierarchy of landlords in the political institutions is the principle means through which the land lords deprive the dalits of fruits of their labour. They have no scope in the socio-economic political arena. The book attempts to reflect role and impact of Christian community in Punjab Politics. Although they are deciding factor in some of the constituencies yet they are not organised and do not get due importance. Their socio-economic problems compel them to caste their votes in favour of landlords be it from any political party. Atrocities of the minorities on the one hand and communal conflicts and tension of the other have resulted in a lot of violation of minority rights. States should cooperate in promoting and developing the respect for the rights of minorities, provide proper political representation and take appropriate measures so that persons belonging to minorities may participate fully in the economic progress and development.