With India’s pivotal general elections unfolding, the incumbent Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, issues a stark warning to voters contemplating his removal from office. He contends that the opposition, particularly the Congress party, harbors intentions to redistribute wealth among what he terms as “infiltrators” and those with numerous children. Addressing a fervent crowd in Rajasthan, PM Modi questions whether hard-earned money should be allocated to such groups. However, in a world where the underlying implications of such rhetoric are transparent, one might ponder the utility of maintaining a dog-whistle approach. Does persisting with this thinly veiled discourse not signal a crossing of a yet uncrossed red line?
The crux of the matter lies in the normalization of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) anti-Muslim rhetoric, which is frequently accompanied by acts of violence and discrimination against the Muslim community. This rhetoric has permeated Indian political discourse to such an extent that it often fails to elicit widespread condemnation beyond the realms of activist groups and NGOs. The apparent immunity enjoyed by PM Modi, despite allegations linking him to past atrocities, underscores a concerning reality. His ascent to power, despite his controversial past, raises questions about accountability and justice within the Indian political landscape.
PM Modi’s tenure has been marked by a series of contentious actions, including the annexation of the region known as IIOJK (the only Muslim-majority area under Indian control), the passage of discriminatory legislation such as the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019, and the proliferation of anti-conversion laws. Furthermore, vigilante groups targeting and lynching innocent Muslims have operated with impunity, while the judicial system and mainstream society have largely remained passive observers or, in some cases, enablers.
It is crucial to acknowledge that not all Indian Hindus endorse the policies enacted under the banner of Hindutva ideology. However, the BJP-led NDA coalition has managed to retain power despite never securing more than 40 percent of the popular vote, relying instead on pluralities in diverse constituencies where Hindus constitute the majority. This electoral strategy underscores the potency of identity politics in a nation characterized by religious and cultural diversity.
In this context, the efficacy of democratic institutions such as the judiciary and the media in upholding constitutional principles and safeguarding minority rights is called into question. While the judiciary has been criticized for its perceived passivity in the face of government overreach, the media has often served as a propagator of the ruling party’s agenda rather than as a watchdog.
The prevailing political landscape in India highlights the enduring influence of Hindutva ideology and the challenges posed to democratic norms and minority rights. The normalization of anti-Muslim rhetoric and the consolidation of power by the BJP underscore the need for a robust defense of democratic principles and the rule of law.