Hindu nationalism, once a fringe ideology in India, has surged in prominence and now profoundly influences the nation's political landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, renowned for his charismatic leadership and adeptness in mobilizing supporters, has played a pivotal role in elevating this ideology to the forefront of Indian politics.
Under Modi's leadership, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has wholeheartedly embraced Hindu nationalism as a central pillar of its agenda. This commitment is evident in the party's advocacy for policies and initiatives that prioritize the interests of the Hindu community.
As millions of Indians head to the highly anticipated 2024 elections, Modi has strategically leveraged Hindu nationalism to galvanize support for the BJP. This strategy, characterized by rhetoric often directed at Muslims, has garnered both staunch endorsement and fierce criticism.
Modi's campaign has prominently featured a robust celebration of Hindu identity and cultural heritage, aligning seamlessly with the BJP's fundamental ideology of Hindutva.
Modi's anti-muslim rhetoric to boost BJP's approval
In the heat of India's 2024 election campaign, Prime Minister Modi, who is seeking a third consecutive term, has strategically turned to anti-Muslim rhetoric as a key tactic to bolster the BJP’s approval ratings. This move underscores the growing influence of Hindu nationalism in Indian politics and the BJP's efforts to consolidate power through divisive narratives.
Modi's recent speeches and public addresses have prominently featured themes of Hindu nationalism, often coupled with thinly veiled anti-Muslim sentiments.
"Infiltrators" remark sparks controversy
In a recent campaign speech, where Modi referred to Muslims as "infiltrators," has ignited a firestorm of controversy, prompting over 17,000 individuals to sign a petition urging India's election commission to take action against Modi for hate speech and violating the commission's moral code of conduct.
During the speech, Modi's use of the term "infiltrators" in reference to Muslims has been widely criticized as inflammatory and divisive. Critics argue that such language not only demonizes a religious minority but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to a climate of fear and hostility. He also said that the opposition Congress party would confiscate the gold and jewellery of Hindu women and that its election manifesto calls for the distribution of the confiscated wealth to Muslims.
The speech follows a couple of different kinds of speeches that he's been making recently, in which he's been using the pejorative associations with Muslims to demean the Congress party.
The opposition Congress party has also petitioned the election commission.
As the petition gains momentum, it puts pressure on the election commission to respond to allegations of hate speech and ensure that political discourse remains respectful and inclusive. The outcome of this controversy will not only influence the ongoing election dynamics but also shape the broader conversation about tolerance, diversity, and democratic norms in India.
In a move aimed at bolstering his popularity and appealing to Hindu nationalist sentiments, Modi visited a Hindu temple in northern India in January. The temple, constructed on the site of a former mosque destroyed by Hindu extremists, was still under construction at the time of Modi's visit.
Consecration of the temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, embodies the triumph of Modi’s muscular Hindu nationalist politics and marked an unofficial start to his re-election campaign in general elections.
The temple has been built on grounds where the Babri mosque, named after Mughal emperor Babur, stood for centuries before it was torn down in 1992 by a Hindu mob.
Most of India’s opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, declined the invite to the event, saying it did not befit a secular India.
But for Modi, the temple’s opening was a landmark moment in a decades-long campaign to align the country’s governance with its majority faith.
Modi's presence at the inauguration ceremony of the temple drew both praise and criticism. Supporters lauded his commitment to Hindu heritage and applauded the temple's construction as a symbol of cultural revival. However, critics viewed Modi's visit as a provocative gesture that deepened religious polarization and disregarded the historical significance of the site.
Religious polarization and communal clashes
Modi and his BJP have been accused of stoking religious divisions in India over the past decade through their promotion of Hindu nationalist policies. This has led to a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment and been linked to deadly communal violence, a troubling trend in the world's largest secular democracy.
For India's 230 million Muslims, the prospect of another Modi term is particularly concerning. Many feel marginalized by his policies, which they see as fulfilling the BJP's vision of transforming India into a Hindu-dominated state, departing from its secular and pluralistic traditions.
Foreign policy and the Gaza conflict
The ruling BJP has been noted for aligning with what critics describe as the "Israeli line" regarding the conflict in Gaza. This alignment has been visible in various statements and actions taken by BJP leaders. For instance, during the ongoing war in Gaza, BJP leaders have expressed solidarity with Israel and refrained from criticizing its military actions, in contrast to many other countries that have called for de-escalation and ceasefire.
One significant event highlighting this alignment was India's abstention from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution concerning the Gaza conflict. The UNGA resolution called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the protection of civilians and humanitarian access to Gaza. While a majority of UN member states supported the resolution, India, under the BJP-led government, chose to abstain from the vote rather than endorsing the resolution.
This abstention reflected India's nuanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict under the BJP's leadership. The BJP government has emphasized strong diplomatic ties with Israel, viewing it as a strategic partner in areas such as defense, technology, and counter-terrorism. This stance has led to criticisms from some quarters, accusing the BJP of aligning too closely with Israeli policies and neglecting the plight of Palestinians in the Gaza conflict.
The BJP's position on the Gaza conflict and its abstention from the UNGA resolution have sparked debates within India and internationally about the country's foreign policy priorities, its stance on humanitarian crises, and its role in global peacekeeping efforts.
Citizenship law fuels controversy
In a move stirring major controversy, India implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) ahead of the election. The controversial law passed in 2019 by Modi’s government allowed Indian citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from India’s neighbouring countries.
It declared that Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians who fled to Hindu-majority India from mainly Muslim Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan before December 31, 2014, were eligible for citizenship.
The law was declared “anti-Muslim” by several rights groups for keeping the community out of its ambit, raising questions over the secular character of the world’s largest democracy.
The timing of the CAA's enactment further heightened political tensions. Muslim groups and others see it as discriminatory and an attack on religious equality. The BJP defends it as a humanitarian measure for minorities facing persecution in Muslim-majority countries. Critics see it as part of a larger plan to marginalize Muslims.
The CAA, along with other perceived Hindu nationalist measures, has intensified debates about identity, citizenship, and communal relations. The law's deep divisions raise questions about the BJP's vision for India's social fabric and its electoral strategy.
Will Modi’s re-election bid influence surrounding countries?
Modi’s re-election bid is poised to influence surrounding countries in several significant ways. On the positive side, his continued leadership could offer stability and predictability in India's foreign policy, which is crucial for fostering diplomatic relations and regional cooperation. This stability can create a conducive environment for economic partnerships, trade agreements, and infrastructure development, benefiting neighboring nations and promoting regional prosperity.
In addition, Modi's focus on regional security cooperation, especially in areas like counter-terrorism and maritime security, could lead to strengthened collaborations with neighboring countries, contributing to overall security and stability in the region. Strategic dialogues and partnerships may also be enhanced, leading to improved coordination on shared challenges and opportunities.
However, there are potential negative impacts to consider as well. Modi's firm stance on certain issues, such as border disputes or regional rivalries, could strain relations with neighboring countries, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions or conflicts. His emphasis on Hindu nationalism might also raise concerns among neighboring nations with diverse religious or ethnic populations, potentially affecting cultural and political dynamics in the region.
The policy of Hindu supremacy advocated by Modi's government could lead to significant concerns and reactions in neighboring countries. In nations like Maldives, where diversity and pluralism are integral to national identity and governance, the perception of India moving towards exclusivist policies could strain diplomatic relations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s January 2024 visit to the Lakshadweep islands has led to diplomatic fallout between New Delhi and the Maldives. This has further strained an already uneasy relationship that has worsened since Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu assumed power in November 2023.
The controversy erupted after Modi supporters compared Lakshadweep with the Maldives as an alternative tourist destination. Soon, supporters of both Modi’s and Muizzu’s governments resorted to mudslinging. The situation worsened when three deputy ministers in Muizzu’s government waded into the social media debate, making disparaging remarks against Modi.
These disinformation campaigns worked in favour of the opposition by creating anxieties about India’s apparent interference. New Delhi’s own treatment of its Muslim minority also emboldened these sentiments.
Leaders in Maldives may find it challenging to align with India on certain issues if they perceive Hindu nationalism as a threat to regional harmony and cooperation.
Similarly, in Bangladesh, historical and cultural ties with India are significant, but sentiments can be complex. The rise of Hindu nationalism in India might fuel nationalist sentiments in Bangladesh, especially among groups that perceive India's policies as favoring Hindu interests over regional inclusivity. This has been evident in the 'India out' campaign gathering momentum on social media and the simmering discontent that resonates with some segments of Bangladeshi society.
These sentiments can extend to economic ties, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural relations, affecting the overall fabric of regional cooperation. They could also lead to challenges in addressing shared regional issues and finding common ground on strategic priorities. Therefore, addressing these concerns through inclusive policies and diplomatic engagement will be crucial for maintaining positive and constructive relations with neighboring countries amidst evolving political dynamics in the region.
