An Unholy Nexus Between The Politicians And The 'Holy' Men In Today's Religiously Surcharged India

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 15 July 2025 Seeing an unholy nexus between the politicians and the 'holy' men in today's religiously surcharged India, I'm reminded of the famous French philosopher Denis Diderot's scathing statement, "Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest." This trenchant quote encapsulates Diderot's belief in the need for complete separation of church and state. Diderot, a prominent figure of the Enlightenment era, challenged traditional notions of power and authority that were intertwined with religious institutions. He saw the alliance between monarchy and religion as a mechanism for suppressing individual liberties and hindering progress. By demanding that both the king and the priest be eliminated, he symbolically advocates for a society where political and religious domination and denomination are eradicated, allowing true freedom to flourish. While the quote possesses strong and violent imagery, it underlines Diderot's firm conviction that the liberation of mankind can only be achieved through the dismantling of oppressive systems that subjugate the mind and limit human potential. This statement is not a literal call for violence, but rather a metaphorical depiction of the liberation of mankind from the shackles of autocracy and dogma. It speaks to his conviction that true freedom can only be achieved when the power structures that suppress individual autonomy and critical thinking are dismantled. Diderot's provocative words challenge the prevalent authority of his time and embody the spirit of enlightenment, demanding the overthrow of oppressive systems in order to usher in a society where every person can exert their rights and capabilities to the fullest extent. In today's context, the political leaders are the new kings. Priests and priest class have existed in all ages. Had Diderot been alive today, he'd have rued the fact that nothing had changed. In fact, things have worsened. Deterioration in all spheres is palpable. The way the current political dispensation is functioning, encouraging religiosity and religious elements of dubious character, it must be said that what Diderot suggested centuries ago must be implemented now in letter and spirit. We're doing nothing and letting these lumpen elements grow whereas in these 'advanced' times, we must question the validity of every belief and scrutinise every so-called truth. All things must be examined, debated, investigated without exception and without regard for anyone's feelings. Intellectual progress can only be achieved through rigorous examination and open debate. No topic, no matter how sensitive or controversial, should be shielded from investigation, as this hinders the development of understanding and stifles free thought. By prioritizing objective analysis over personal sentiments, societies must foster an environment where individuals are encouraged to challenge established ideas, promoting intellectual growth and advancing the collective wisdom of humanity. But what we're doing is just the opposite. The collective reason has gone to dogs. Remember, reason has never failed man. Only force and repression have made wrecks in the world. Reason has always played a pivotal role in guiding individuals towards discovery, innovation, and enlightenment. The failures and wreckage witnessed in the world are not the result of reason's inadequacy, but rather, the consequence of force and repression. When reason is suppressed and overpowered by tyranny and coercive measures, humanity faces setbacks and suffers the consequences. By emphasizing reason as a force for good and progress, the importance of fostering intellectual freedom and promoting critical thinking must be stressed to enable human beings to reach their full potential. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/unholy-nexus-religiously/d/136181 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism