It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Narendra Modi has done the biggest damage to India more than the foreign invaders or the British. He has single-handedly destroyed the brotherhood and poisoned the minds of Indians, which today looks unhealable.
It would be unfair to say that Communalism did not exist in India before Modi came to power in 2014. Yes, it did but these flares were temporary and mostly fanned by radical groups among Hindus and Muslims.
The rise of communalism in India under the Modi government has been long-lasting and has permeated the core of the consciousness of many Indians and is a matter of grave concern both domestically and internationally. Communalism, characterized by the promotion of religious or ethnic identities for political gain, has seen a resurgence in India, particularly since Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister in 2014. This resurgence has manifested in various forms, including increased incidents of religious violence, the propagation of divisive rhetoric, and the implementation of policies that many argue marginalize minority communities.
When the State lights the communal fire and then turns a blind eye
One of the most notable aspects of the rise of communalism under the Modi government has been the escalation of religiously motivated violence. Incidents of communal riots and attacks targeting religious minorities, particularly Muslims, have risen in recent years. The government’s failure to swiftly address such incidents and hold perpetrators accountable has emboldened extremist elements and created an atmosphere of impunity.
Divisive agenda as a political strategy
Moreover, the Modi government has been promoting a divisive agenda through its rhetoric and policies. During election campaigns and public speeches, politicians affiliated with the ruling party have been criticized for making inflammatory statements that stoke religious tensions and reinforce communal divides. In each election rally, Prime Minister Modi releases more and more venom. He has nothing to say about the developmental work done by the government. He only focuses on dividing society by playing the Hindu-Muslim Card. He repeatedly demonizes minority communities and fosters a sense of fear and distrust among different religious groups.
CAA and NRC as a tool to divide the society
Policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have further fueled concerns about the government’s commitment to secularism and inclusivity. There is a strong argument that these measures discriminate against Muslim immigrants and threaten the citizenship rights of millions of people, particularly those from marginalized communities. The CAA, in particular, grants expedited citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries, leading to accusations of religious discrimination and undermining India’s secular principles.
Rewriting History and molding culture
Additionally, the Modi government’s handling of religious and cultural issues has also drawn criticism. The promotion of Hindu nationalist agendas, including efforts to rewrite history textbooks and rename cities with Islamic heritage, has raised concerns about the marginalization of minority cultures and the erasure of India’s diverse heritage.
Fake propaganda
Despite these criticisms, supporters of the Modi government argue that its policies are aimed at promoting national security and economic development. They contend that measures such as the CAA and NRC are necessary to address illegal immigration and safeguard India’s borders. Furthermore, they argue that accusations of communalism are often politically motivated and exaggerated by opposition parties and the media.
In conclusion, Indian society needs to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards fostering inclusivity and tolerance to address the underlying causes of communal tensions. The India National Congress with its secular thinking and agenda is working tirelessly to counter the religious venom that the Modi government is continuously spitting throughout the country.