Majoritarian State

Modi’s push for Hindu consolidation contrasts starkly with Indira Gandhi’s political ideology, despite some similarities in their political styles. Indira Gandhi, leading the Congress party, was influenced by the pluralistic ethos of the Indian freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi’s inclusive vision, upholding the belief that India belongs to citizens of all faiths. Conversely, Modi’s vision seeks to impose Hindu dominance on India’s present and future.

Modi’s push for Hindu consolidation contrasts starkly with Indira Gandhi’s political ideology, despite some similarities in their political styles.

Modi often emphasizes a historical narrative where Hindus supposedly endured 1,000 years of subjugation under Muslim rulers, such as the Mughal dynasty, and later British colonial rule. He pledges to restore Hindu pride and rightful control over India. This narrative aims to consolidate Hindu nationalist sentiment while marginalizing India’s substantial Muslim minority, portraying them as unrepentant for historical Muslim rulers’ actions and not sufficiently loyal to modern India.

India’s over 200 million Muslims have faced increasing marginalization and hostility. Since Modi’s ascent to power in 2014, the BJP has often been accused of stoking communal tensions to consolidate its Hindu vote base. High-profile incidents of violence against Muslims, such as lynchings over alleged cow slaughter and mob attacks, have been met with silence or inadequate responses from the government. This perceived indifference or tacit approval has emboldened extremists, exacerbating communal divides.

Moreover, the government has enacted controversial policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which many critics argue are designed to disenfranchise Muslims. The CAA, for instance, provides a path to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, which effectively discriminates against Muslim refugees.

Christian minorities have also faced increasing pressure, particularly in states like Madhya Pradesh. Reports of attacks on Christian-affiliated schools and institutions have risen, with accusations of forced conversions often cited as justification. These actions undermine India’s secular constitution, which promises equal rights and protection for all religions.

This dynamic has heightened tensions along the already volatile border. Incidents in Kashmir, a region claimed by both countries, have seen escalations in violence and militarization. India’s revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, has further fueled hostilities. India’s actions also reverberate beyond Pakistan. Bangladesh, home to a significant Muslim population, views India’s CAA and NRC with suspicion, fearing an influx of refugees deemed illegal by India. The Rohingya crisis, involving Myanmar’s Muslim minority, similarly puts India in a difficult position. While India has provided some aid to Rohingya refugees, its internal policies towards Muslims cast doubt on its commitment to broader human rights.

Nepal and Sri Lanka, both of which have diverse religious communities, observe India’s internal policies with concern, wary of similar majoritarian trends taking root. These nations value secularism and inclusivity, and India’s departure from these principles could destabilize regional harmony.

The story of India’s march from a pluralistic society to a Hindu majoritarian, politically polarized, theocratic state would not be complete without mentioning the well-directed, masked moves choreographed by one man: Amit Shah. Often referred to as the ‘great defender of the Hindu faith,’ Amit Shah is a pivotal figure in the Indian political landscape, renowned for his strategic acumen and organizational prowess. As a key architect behind the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral victories, Shah’s role in bolstering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political dominance cannot be overstated. His influence has morphed the party from its erstwhile façade shrouded by a political veneer to now its more conspicuous religious identity.

Born on October 22, 1964, in Mumbai, Amit Shah’s political journey began in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP. His early association with the RSS instilled in him a deep commitment to the organization’s vision of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation). Shah’s political career took a significant turn when he met Narendra Modi in the late 1980s. The duo’s collaboration started in Gujarat, where Modi was the Chief Minister, and Shah served in various capacities, honing his skills in political strategy and grassroots mobilization.

Shah’s strategic brilliance came to the fore during the 2014 General Elections, where he played a crucial role in orchestrating the BJP’s campaign. Appointed as the party’s National General Secretary in 2013, Shah was tasked with the challenging Uttar Pradesh campaign. His approach was meticulous: he focused on micro-level booth management, leveraging data analytics to identify potential voters and tailor campaign messages to resonate with diverse demographic groups. This granular approach was instrumental in securing a landslide victory for the BJP, winning 71 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, a performance that was pivotal in Modi’s ascension to the prime ministership.

Shah’s campaigns are characterized by their high-octane, well-coordinated nature. He is known for his ability to manage large-scale electoral operations, deploying thousands of volunteers and utilizing sophisticated IT systems to track and influence voter behavior. His strategy often involves polarizing issues that appeal to the party’s core Hindu nationalist base, thereby consolidating votes through a mix of social engineering and ideological rhetoric.

Amit Shah’s moniker as the ‘great defender of the Hindu faith’ reflects his pivotal role in advancing the BJP’s Hindutva agenda. His political strategies often emphasize themes of cultural nationalism, appealing to the sentiments of Hindu voters. Shah has been instrumental in pushing through significant legislative changes that align with this ideology, such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The 2019 General Elections were another testament to Shah’s electoral mastery. The party secured an even larger mandate than in 2014, with the BJP winning 303 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha. This victory underscored Shah’s ability to connect with the electorate using the bogey of religion in Indian politics. His role in Narendra Modi’s electoral success underscores the symbiotic relationship between the two leaders, a partnership that has reshaped the political landscape of India. The duo’s efforts to centralize and personalize political power are centered on constructing a unified Hindu identity and leveraging historical narratives to consolidate the Hindu vote. This approach aims to transform India’s pluralistic society into one dominated by a singular religious identity, thereby redefining the nation’s democratic and secular character.

If the BJP wins its third general election in a row, it will likely magnify Prime Minister Modi’s aura, enhancing his image as India’s Hindu redeemer. However, this victory could also solidify a majoritarian governance style that erodes the pluralistic foundations of Indian democracy. India stands at a crossroads. To avoid the pitfalls of majoritarianism and ensure a prosperous and inclusive future, it must recommit to its democratic and pluralistic ideals. This requires not only a political shift but also a societal commitment to embracing and celebrating the country’s diversity. Only by doing so can India harness the full potential of all its citizens and continue on a path of growth and harmony.