ON 2 December 2023, Pravin Togadia, President of Antarashtriya Hindu Parishad, ignited a firestorm of controversy by advocating for open genocide of Muslims worldwide. This alarming statement, made in Haridwar, reveals a disturbing trend of rising religious extremism in India. Togadia’s distorted historical narrative, asserting that Europe and Arab world were originally Hindu, lays the foundation for dangerous rhetoric. Such narratives have fuelled efforts to erase Muslim heritage in India, evidenced by the renaming of cities and sites and alteration of textbooks to glorify Hindu mythology while vilifying Muslim rulers. This deliberate rewriting of history contributes to the marginalization of Muslims and other minorities, creating an environment where hate crimes go unpunished and dissenting voices are silenced.
Secular India’s resistance to these alarming developments faces significant challenges, primarily from the influence of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) trolls. The ‘Reason’ documentary by Anand Patwardhan sheds light on the involvement of RSS-affiliated groups in targeted assassinations of liberal voices. Despite revelations connecting these groups to heinous crimes, individuals associated with extremist Hindutva organizations have secured positions in the Indian Lok Sabha, further undermining the secular fabric of the nation. The 2019 re-election of Modi marked a turning point, solidifying the realization that RSS’ Hindutva agenda is now a tangible reality. The influence of corporate-funded “Godi media” dominates mainstream discourse, relegating legislative institutions to mere notice boards. This shift in political landscape has marginalized Muslim, Dalit and Christian voters, creating a pattern of appeasement toward the majority Hindu populace known as ‘Soft Hindutva.’
Against the backdrop of ongoing Muslim genocide in Gaza, organizations like Genocide Watch warn of India’s potential slide towards a Muslim genocide. Gregory Stanton’s ‘Ten Stages of Genocide’ model highlights India’s progression through stages such as classification, symbolization, discrimination, dehumanization, systematic persecution, annihilation and denial. The arrogance displayed by RSS-led groups ruling in Delhi, coupled with allegations of state-sponsored death squads and espionage, raises serious questions about India’s diplomatic and intelligence community.
As Modi gears up for potential victory in upcoming Lok Sabha elections, concerns mount that India could declare itself a Hindutva Republic. The international community faces daunting task of preventing India’s descent into a neo-Nazi abyss. The question arises: Can global community exert enough influence to halt India’s slide and if so, how? India stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the challenges posed by rising Hindutva extremism. The distorted historical narrative, erasure of cultural heritage, political landscape shifts and international concerns about potential genocide demand careful consideration. The international community must pressurize India to uphold its secular ideals and prevent erosion of its diverse cultural fabric. As the world watches, the outcome of India’s upcoming elections will play a pivotal role in determining the nation’s path and the global response to growing threat of religious extremism.
The assertion that “Nehruvian secular India is dying” reflects a poignant observation on the evolving sociopolitical landscape of country. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Indian PM, laid the foundations of a secular state that sought to uphold the principles of pluralism and tolerance. Nehru envisioned a secular India that embraced diversity and ensured equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations. His vision, rooted in principles of Indian National Congress, aimed to foster a nation where religion did not dictate political decisions or societal norms. This Nehruvian secularism formed bedrock of India’s identity as a democratic and inclusive nation.
One of the prominent challenges to Nehruvian secularism is increasing trend of religious polarization and identity politics. Politicians, in pursuit of electoral gains, have exploited religious sentiments, leading to a division among communities. This has given rise to the concept of “Soft Hindutva,” where appeasement of the majority religion takes precedence over the principles of secular governance. The reinterpretation of history and cultural landscape is another factor eroding Nehruvian secularism. Efforts to rewrite textbooks, rename cities and glorify specific cultural narratives have marginalized contributions of diverse communities. The distortion of historical narratives undermines the inclusive vision of Nehru and fosters a climate where certain religious and cultural identities are prioritized over others.
The ascent of extremist ideologies, both religious and political, poses a significant threat to secular fabric of India. Instances of violence against religious minorities and stifling of dissent raise concerns about the erosion of democratic values. The influence of organizations with extremist agendas has permeated various facets of society, challenging Nehruvian vision of a harmonious and inclusive India. The decline of Nehruvian secularism has tangible repercussions for minority communities and dissenting voices. Hate crimes, discrimination and the marginalization of religious and cultural minorities have become more pronounced. The erosion of secular principles jeopardizes the rights and freedoms that were envisioned as fundamental to India’s democratic framework.
The observation that ‘Nehruvian secular India is dying’ reflects a nuanced understanding of challenges facing the nation. The complex interplay of religious polarization, cultural revisionism and rise of extremist ideologies has created a scenario where ideals of Nehruvian secularism are under strain. It is imperative for Indian society to engage in a thoughtful discourse on the trajectory of its secular identity, considering the implications for democracy, diversity and the nation’s future. As India navigates this critical juncture, the question remains: Can the principles of Nehruvian secularism adapt to the changing times, or is a new paradigm of inclusive governance necessary for the nation’s continued progress?
—The writer is Islamabad based expert of Indian political culture.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
