Vadodara, India - The predominant Jain sect in Gujarat, the Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh, held a quiet meeting with state’s solicitor-general recently to assert that Jainism is a distinct religion and not a Hindu denomination. Meanwhile, the Catholic church of Gujarat is starting a statewide protest signature campaign. The Gujarat government’s proposed Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2006 seems to have stirred a hornet’s nest, as it has got activists as well as different faiths opposing it, even if on different grounds. But it is the unease expressed by the Jain groups, traditionally perceived to be BJP supporters, which seems to have queered the pitch for the Modi government.
For the Muslims and Christians, the state government’s proposed amendment, which gives a go-ahead to different sects within the same religion to move to another sect, has caused great resentment. For the Jains and Buddhists, their description as Hindu denominations brought the distinct identity issue to the fore. Interestingly, the Jains in Gujarat, most of them belonging to Shwetambar and that too Murtipujak sect, have been silent, while Digambars who are strong in numbers outside Gujarat have taken up the issue more vocally, even seeking Modi’s resignation.
Shrenik Shah, Gujarat’s leading industrialist as well as the president of the All India Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh said that they had held a meeting with Gujarat’s solicitor-general and expressed their view to recognise Jainism as distinct religion. ‘‘We are not primarily concerned with the conversion aspect of the bill. But we have asserted our view that Jainism is a distinct religion,’’ said Shah.
At the same time, opinion is divided amongst the Jains over being recognised as a minority. While a section was vocal in its opposition when Union Minister for Minority Affairs A R Antulay had proposed that Jains be recognised as minorities, Shah also asserted that while being different from Hindus religiously, they did not seek minority status.
The Catholic church of Gujarat has already submitted a memorandum to the Gujarat governor asking him not to give his approval to the bill. And in couple of days’ time, it is all set to start a signature campaign not only amongst its parishoners but also rope in other groups and faiths. ‘‘This is an unconstitutional move. We intend first to protest peacefully and are waiting for the governor’s decision, or else we will go to the courts,’’ said Father Thomas Macwan, who heads the Catholic Church of Gujarat.
The Muslim groups, who have so far been silent, do agree that it is a divisive political ploy. Professor Nisar Ahmed Ansari of Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, Gujarat, said,‘‘The matter of choosing faith is a personal matter and guaranteed by the constitution. There is no need to seek anyone’s permission.’’