In the complex realm of Indian politics, the relentless surge of Hindutva under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has triggered profound alarm among critics and concerned citizens. The concept of Hindutva, an ideology with historical roots dating back to the early 20th century and led by influential thinkers like V.D. Savarkar and M.S. Golwalkar, sought to uphold the significance of Hindu culture amidst India’s religious diversity. However, the forceful institutionalisation of this ideology has birthed an era where “cultural nationalism” takes precedence, even if it leads to ignoring the essential idea of treating everyone equally, regardless of their religion.
The BJP’s unwavering pursuit of cultural nationalism has been nothing less than alarming and highly divisive. By placing the Hindu cultural identity on a pedestal and attempting to assimilate diverse communities into this narrow framework, the party has demonstrated a dangerous disregard for India’s pluralism and religious diversity. This analysis delves into the unsettling consequences of Hindutva evolving from an ideology to an imposing institution, making India’s diverse ways irrelevant and prompting debates about the nation’s cherished pluralism and democratic principles.
Promised on its 2014 and 2019 manifestos, the BJP’s steadfast emphasis was on matters such as the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya (a pet project for the BJP) and the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. These actions have played a significant role in worsening societal rifts and escalating communal strains. The party’s persistent emphasis on these matters, propelled by its Hindutva ideology, has deepened pre-existing fault lines and sowed discord among religious and regional communities. The construction of the Ram Mandir, though celebrated by Hindus, has been viewed as a symbol of exclusion and bias, leaving other religious groups feeling marginalised and disregarded.
With Article 370 scrapped and the Ram temple in Ayodhya well on its course, a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) remains among the last unfulfilled items as part of the BJP’s manifesto promise in the upcoming elections.
Similarly, the abrupt abrogation of Article 370 has stoked feelings of alienation and discontent among the Muslim-majority Kashmiri population, further distressing communal relations in the region. These actions, backed by various laws and measures, have engendered legitimate concerns regarding the potential dilution of India’s secular values and its commitment to fostering an inclusive and harmonious society. Moreover, such steps seem to prioritise divisive identity politics over the pursuit of genuine national unity.
In the prevailing circumstances, the BJP’s steadfast emphasis on Hindutva principles and identity-based politics has faced substantial backlash. The rise of communal violence and the polarising impact of divisive rhetoric have deeply unsettled India’s social fabric, posing a grave threat to the state’s ethos of religious harmony and pluralism. The BJP’s focus on Hindutva politics has been a driving force behind communal disharmony, raising serious apprehensions about the party’s commitment to promoting a united and inclusive society for all citizens, regardless of their faith or ethnicity. The party leaders, through their controversial statements and actions, have played a significant role in cultivating an atmosphere of intolerance where minority groups feel increasingly excluded and targeted. This has been attributed to the escalation of communal tensions, evident in the surge of communal violence in places like Manipur. Additionally, this approach has been criticised for contributing to the marginalisation of religious and ethnic minorities, with particular attention to the Muslim community.
Under the guise of promoting Indian culture, the BJP has marginalised religious and ethnic minorities, with a notable focus on Muslims, by stigmatising their customs and traditions. Modi’s policies towards Muslims are part of broader measures that may contribute to the discrimination of the Muslim population in India. For instance, the cow protection agenda has been wielded to target Muslims, leading to violence and instilling apprehension among those who do not align with Hindu convictions. Similarly, the BJP’s attempts to rewrite historical narratives and promote a skewed portrayal of Indian heritage can be characterised as a kind of propaganda. By engaging in the manipulation of school curricula and promoting a distorted narrative of ancient India, the party is attempting to erase the contributions and historical legacies of non-Hindu communities, thereby alienating them from the broader national narrative.
As India approaches the impending 2024 general election, the BJP retains a formidable stance on its skewed perspective, with Prime Minister Modi’s widespread popularity and the party’s organisational strength and resources giving it a significant advantage. However, despite the apparent dominance, the BJP is not without its concerns. The party’s continued focus on institutionalising Hindutva ideology in Indian polity raises potential concerns of discrimination and racism, and it may exacerbate regional tensions and deepen social divisions. With Article 370 scrapped and the Ram temple in Ayodhya well on its course, a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) remains among the last unfulfilled items as part of the BJP’s manifesto promise in the upcoming elections. A UCC is conceptualised as a set of laws that govern personal matters, including marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession, for all citizens regardless of their religion. It aims to replace the existing diverse personal laws that vary based on religious affiliations. The party’s push for UCC, despite India’s diverse population, could raise further alarm, potentially eroding the rights and freedoms of religious minorities and fueling apprehensions about India’s secular fabric. While the BJP’s base remains committed, there are signs of quiet worry within the party as it faces an unprecedented set of political dilemmas heading into the election. The next year holds uncertainties, and the political landscape could deteriorate dramatically, making the 2024 election a highly contested and controversial event in Indian politics.
