The Threat to Minorities in India: The Role of RSS and BJP
India, the world's largest democracy, prides itself on its secular constitution, which guarantees equal rights and protections to all citizens, regardless of their religion, caste, or creed. However, in recent years, certain political and ideological groups have posed significant challenges to the country's pluralistic fabric, especially with regard to its minority communities. Among these groups, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political affiliate, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have emerged as major forces, leading to an increasing atmosphere of fear and marginalization for minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians.
The RSS and BJP: Ideological Roots
The RSS is a Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925 by K.B. Hedgewar, with the goal of promoting a vision of India as a Hindu nation. The RSS espouses the idea of Hindutva (Hindu-ness), which seeks to define Indian culture and identity through a narrow, exclusionary lens that marginalizes religious and cultural minorities. The BJP, currently in power at the national level, is the political arm of the RSS, and its ideology is heavily influenced by the RSS's vision of an India centered around Hindu supremacy.
While the BJP initially presented itself as a party with a broad appeal, it has increasingly aligned itself with the RSS's radical Hindu nationalist agenda under the leadership of Narendra Modi. This alliance has led to a rise in the political and cultural dominance of Hindu nationalism, with far-reaching implications for India's minorities.
A Threat to Religious Minorities
Under the growing influence of RSS and BJP ideology, religious minorities in India—especially Muslims and Christians—have experienced an increasing sense of insecurity. The BJP's rhetoric often centers on portraying these communities as "outsiders" or "enemies of the state," despite their deep historical and cultural ties to India.
Muslims
Muslims, who make up around 14% of India's population, have been one of the primary targets of this ideological push. The BJP's association with the RSS has fueled a climate of suspicion and hostility toward Muslims, with many of the party's leaders and affiliates openly making derogatory remarks about them. For instance, BJP leaders have frequently been accused of using inflammatory language that demonizes Muslims, labeling them as "terrorists" or "traitors."
The situation has worsened with the passage of laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which critics argue discriminates against Muslims by providing a path to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries. This law has been seen as part of a broader strategy to marginalize Muslims and strip them of their rights as equal citizens. The CAA, combined with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, has sparked widespread protests across the country, with many fearing that it could lead to the disenfranchisement and disenfranchisement of millions of Muslims.
Violence against Muslims, including lynching, mob attacks, and communal riots, has also increased in recent years. The 2020 Delhi riots, which were fueled by anti-Muslim rhetoric from BJP leaders and the media, were a particularly devastating example of this violence.
Christians
Christians, who make up about 2.3% of India's population, are also increasingly vulnerable under the influence of RSS and BJP policies. Christian communities, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, have faced violent attacks and accusations of forced conversions. These accusations are often used as a pretext for anti-Christian campaigns and attacks on churches, schools, and pastors. In many cases, these attacks are supported or tacitly endorsed by local BJP leaders, further emboldening extremist groups.
Moreover, the BJP's close ties with Hindu right-wing groups such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have exacerbated tensions between Hindus and Christians. These groups often accuse Christians of trying to "convert" Hindus to Christianity, an accusation that is regularly used to justify acts of violence, intimidation, and the passing of anti-conversion laws in several states.
Institutional and Legal Backing
The RSS and BJP have not only mobilized grassroots support but have also established a strong presence within India's institutions. The government has given these groups considerable leeway to push their ideological agenda through the media, education, and legal reforms. The rise of right-wing media outlets sympathetic to the BJP and RSS has allowed for the spread of propaganda that vilifies Muslims and Christians while promoting Hindu nationalist ideals.
Under the BJP government, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other law enforcement agencies have been accused of bias, especially in cases involving Muslims. Human rights organizations have raised concerns over the selective application of justice, where crimes against minorities are often ignored or downplayed, while actions of minorities are scrutinized with a heavy hand.
The Danger to Secularism and Democracy
The rise of RSS and BJP's influence in India poses a serious threat to the country's secular and democratic foundations. India’s pluralism is rooted in its diverse cultural and religious identities, and any attempt to erode this diversity undermines the very essence of the nation. The increasing marginalization of religious minorities signals a move away from the principles of equality and inclusivity, and towards an authoritarian, majoritarian state.
The promotion of Hindutva by the RSS and BJP challenges India's commitment to secularism, as enshrined in its Constitution, and creates deep divisions among its citizens. The threats to religious freedom, the rise of hate speech, and the increasing number of incidents of communal violence are signs that the forces of Hindu nationalism are eroding India's democratic ideals.
Conclusion
While RSS and BJP leaders continue to assert that their policies are in the service of national unity and progress, the reality for many religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, is one of fear and marginalization. As these groups continue to push their exclusionary ideology, India's minorities face an uncertain and dangerous future. The onus is now on India's citizens, civil society, and international community to stand up against the forces of division and ensure that India remains true to its founding principles of secularism, democracy, and equality for all.