pewforum.org Religion News on the Web
March 27, 2011

Times of India: Religion and politics: A lucrative alliance of convenience

by Falguni Banerjee
The Times of India

Furfura Sharif (Hooghly): Every dharmaguru you meet on a visit to Thakurnagar will insist he isn't into politics. "But leaders of all political parties come here," they'll also tell you. The huzurs in the Muslim pilgrim site of Furfura Sharif are no different. Politicians flock to them for their dua before every election, hoping that the blessing guarantees them votes from Muslims who gather at the congregations these religious heads address.

The huzurs, in turn, join hands with political leaders to demand development, but never directly join politics. Goodies flow to followers of the huzurs and dharmagurus from this relationship.

Read the complete story(Some news sites require registration)