Should religious bodies and institutions stay away from politics.

Absolutel No ! Men of God or the so called religious leaders have no business to be in politics. There are quotas and relegious MP's and MLA's to represent their community. Why do these people have to additionally interfere. See the case of Kanchi Seer's. The dignity of the entire Mutt itself is at stake because of the 2nd seers dallying in politics and other areas than religion.

the 17th century philosopher and mathematician, blaise pascal, once observed that "men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it for religious conviction."

throughout the world & throughout history there have been numerous examples of religions dictating governance. because religious heads could boast of almost guaranteed obedience of followers (which continues even today with some modifications) they were always in a position to dictate terms. followed by unthinking masses of religious fanatics or illitrate 'faithfuls', they drank of an alcoholic concoction which can make a man power hungry beyond reason. no rules apply in these self fuelling power games. history is full of examples of wars fought for religious reasons. notwithsatnding the fact that all religions talk of 'love', 'respect', 'equality', 'accomodation', 'peace' etc etc etc - they seem to achieve just the 'opposite' - they end up being divisive !!!!!

india needs serious, secular, objective thought and actions. india needs unity of all its religions. genuine unity in diversity - no cliches. unity towards our common national interests.

there is no place for religious bodies in governance here please.  

Any such law for such institutions and there role in politics and elections .  Religious institutions have strong money base ,how worth it is to take money /donations on account of god and faith, religious teachings practices and  value for blessings ,are such blessings real ?

God never asks for money but true devotion and service to mankind .

Any provision to add such fund base  50% to govt treasury or any restriction on holding such money . It is harmful to have such grouping of people on account of religion and faith and used as dominating factor . In future it could lead to religious lobbing . Lack of knowledge ,intelligence and behavioral gap  that could give rise for such approaches  .

very right  ,Religion not concerned to nations administration, development, growth i.e.politics- .

it should be open ,free . Religious gurus and entities and there blessings should not be part of politics and nation growth . Deep architecture of body and energy is taught to every one ,no will have to rely on such gurus real god of respective religion will support any way , no middlemen required . People can command growth and humanity , human body do not have religious tag on eyes ears , nose lips, etc. 

There is no identity in atom and nutron level about any religion tag . .nations are man made .  Growth  should be free and open atmospheres.

It is really wishy washy to debate the propriety of mixing religion with politics. India is a society where religious whims and fancies are pandered to for every decision a household takes. In fact in this matter there is not much of a difference between the rich and the poor. Hence the same is going to be true in major political matters including elections. It is not in short term reality that we can see a India with minimal religious interference in the polity. It is a depressing scenario really regards this issue. I would however be thrilled to be proved wrong by my countrymen on this matter. In fact, I will pray for the day to come soon. 

Wonderful insight there P-rak. Needs all of us to think over this simple fact we always forget.

There is no room for politics in religion  and such organizations.  Where ever politics have entered religious bodies it is ruined. For the single reason politicians come with the one agenda that is get vote and secure their position. it is the same world over.

Religion and politics should never get engrossed under ideal conditions.

Yet when society is involved with religion and politics as well,they invariably tend to get into each others ways sometimes unknowingly while mostly by design to draw advantages. It is the practitioners of religion who must take lead in course correction as expecting politicians to day anything in this matter is absolutely of no use. Of course exceptions have existed but are far and few where a politician could compartmentalise his duties away from the personal life. 

Unfortunately secularism in India has been totally misunderstood because of above anomaly and a cocktail created by politicians in self benefits. Lessons on chanakya's theories in school may help youth develop better understanding and clarity.

Murthy Sir is right? Religion is definitely not to be allowed to be  mixed with politics. Everywhere it has been done in the past, the record shows that the community and state has had to pay a big price.