Cover Story 
 

Cover Story

Boom and Bust

The relationship between Narendra Modi, the Hindu religion, and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is a complex and multifaceted one, shaped by political strategy, cultural narrative, and electoral dynamics.

By Dr. Rajkumar Singh | July 2024

On June 9, 2024, Narendra Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term. The oath-taking ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and was attended by various dignitaries, including foreign leaders such as the Presidents of Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mauritius.

Modi’s new government, referred to as NDA 3.0, includes 72 ministers. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), secured a comfortable majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The alliance includes prominent parties such as Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP). With their combined strength, the NDA presented a strong majority of 293 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

More than fifty years ago, in 1971, after completing his schooling, Modi became a full-time pracharak and formally joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1975. He rose quickly within the BJP, gaining a reputation as an efficient organizer and strategist. He played a key role in the party’s campaigns in Gujarat and nationwide. In 2001, following internal party strife and the declining health of the incumbent Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, Modi was appointed as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He assumed the CM office on October 7, 2001, and led the BJP to successive electoral victories in Gujarat in 2002, 2007, and 2012, solidifying his position as a prominent leader within the party.

In 2013, Modi was chosen as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 general elections. His campaign focused on economic development, governance, and a strong stance on national security. The BJP won a decisive victory in the 2014 general elections, securing a majority in the Lok Sabha. Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014, and re-elected in 2019.

His second term has seen continued focus on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and a more assertive foreign policy. Modi’s association with the RSS has played a crucial role in shaping his ideological framework and political strategies throughout his political journey. The RSS’s support has been instrumental in his rise within the BJP and his electoral successes.

Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2014 to 2024 has significantly aligned with Hindu religious values and symbolism, a defining aspect of his political strategy and governance.

Here is an overview of how Modi’s alignment with Hindu religion has manifested during this period:

Temple Visits and Religious Celebrations
Modi has frequently visited Hindu temples and participated in religious celebrations. His visits to prominent temples like Kedarnath, Varanasi (his parliamentary constituency), and Ayodhya have been highly publicized.

Promotion of Hindu Festivals
His government has actively promoted and supported Hindu festivals. Modi’s speeches often highlight the cultural significance of festivals such as Diwali, Navratri, and Kumbh Mela.

Policies and Initiatives
· Ram Temple in Ayodhya: The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been a significant event during Modi’s tenure. The foundation stone for the temple was laid in August 2020 following a Supreme Court verdict that resolved a long-standing dispute. Modi’s government facilitated the process, which is seen as fulfilling a major demand of Hindu nationalist groups.
· Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Launched on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) campaign also drew on the concept of cleanliness from Hindu traditions and values, associating it with a broader cultural narrative.
Legislation and Political Moves
· Article 370 Abrogation: In August 2019, Modi’s government revoked Article 370, which granted special autonomy to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Many Hindu nationalist groups celebrated this move as it fully integrated the region into India.
· Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): Passed in December 2019, the CAA provides a path to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, which critics argue discriminates against Muslims but is seen by supporters as protecting persecuted Hindus and other minorities.

Educational and Cultural Promotion
· Promotion of Yoga and Ayurveda: Modi has promoted traditional Hindu practices like yoga and Ayurveda globally. June 21 was declared International Yoga Day by the United Nations in 2014 following Modi’s proposal, reflecting the global push for these traditional practices.
· Educational Reforms: Modi’s government has pushed for educational reforms that include the promotion of Sanskrit and ancient Indian texts, aiming to integrate more Hindu cultural elements into the education system.

More than fifty years ago, in 1971, after completing his schooling, Modi became a full-time pracharak and formally joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Engaging the Hindu Diaspora
Modi has actively engaged with the global Hindu diaspora, which has a significant presence in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. His visits to these countries often include large public events with the diaspora, where Hindu cultural themes are prominently featured.

Promoting Hindu Culture Abroad
Modi’s international diplomacy includes promoting Hindu cultural sites and practices abroad. For instance, his visits to various countries often include visits to local Hindu temples and cultural centers.

In summary, Narendra Modi’s alignment with the Hindu religion from 2014 to 2024 is evident in his government’s policies, cultural promotions, and public rhetoric. While this has strengthened his support base among Hindu nationalists, it has also led to significant controversies and criticisms regarding secularism and minority rights in India.

The relationship between Narendra Modi, the Hindu religion, and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is a complex and multifaceted one, shaped by political strategy, cultural narrative, and electoral dynamics. Here’s an in-depth look at how these elements interact:

Hindu Nationalism as a Central Theme
Modi’s campaign strategy has heavily utilized Hindu cultural symbols and religious narratives. This includes his frequent visits to temples, participation in religious festivals, and public endorsements of Hindu cultural heritage. The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which became a focal point with the ground-breaking ceremony in August 2020, symbolizes this strategy, aligning with the aspirations of many Hindus.

Promotion of Hindu Values
Policies and public messaging often emphasize Hindu traditions, festivals, and ancient texts. Initiatives like International Yoga Day, the promotion of Sanskrit, and the celebration of Hindu festivals are central to his government’s cultural agenda.

Mobilizing the Hindu Vote
Modi and the BJP have used narratives that emphasize national pride, Hindu unity, and the protection of Hindu culture. This includes rhetoric that positions the BJP as the defender of Hindu interests against perceived threats from minority groups.

Targeting Key States and Constituencies
The BJP’s strategy often focuses on states with significant Hindu populations and historical ties to Hindu cultural and religious movements. States like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar are critical, with the party deploying tailored strategies to consolidate its support among Hindu voters.

Read More