The recent statement by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar—”I am a born Hindu and will die a Hindu”—is more than just a personal assertion of faith. It is a significant political development within the Congress, a party that has long championed secularism but is now facing internal dissent over its stance on Hindu identity.
Shivakumar’s remark, made after he visited the Art of Living campus during Shivratri celebrations, was questioned by the AICC Vice President and sparked controversy within the party. The All-India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership expressed discontent over a senior Congress leader attending an event linked to a spiritual leader perceived to have ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This episode reflects a broader trend within the Congress: a growing discomfort among its Hindu leaders. Historically, Congress has pursued policies of minority appeasement, often sidelining Hindu sentiments in the process. However, leaders like Shivakumar, who played a pivotal role in Congress’ Karnataka victory through a mix of welfare promises and strategic alliances, seem unwilling to adhere to the party’s traditional narrative. His statement suggests an emerging resistance against the party’s long-standing political approach, which many believe has systematically downplayed Hindu concerns to cater to a minority vote bank.
The Congress’ approach to secularism has often been criticized as one-sided. While advocating for minority rights, it has been accused of neglecting Hindu interests. Over the decades, the party entrusted key ministries, especially education, to individuals from the minority community, shaping a historical narrative that often-glorified Mughal rulers while downplaying the contributions of indigenous Hindu traditions. The party’s electoral decline, starting from the Emergency era, has been exacerbated by these perceived biases. The imposition of the Emergency in 1975, which sought to suppress opposition voices and consolidate power under Indira Gandhi, marked the beginning of Congress’ fall from dominance. The subsequent rise of the BJP and other regional players further challenged its once-unquestionable hold over Indian politics.
The present crisis within Congress is twofold. First, it faces an existential challenge from a resurgent BJP, which has successfully positioned itself as the defender of Hindu identity. Second, there is growing dissent within its ranks, with leaders like Shivakumar signalling their discontent with the party’s approach. The pushback from the AICC leadership, including reminders that spiritual leaders like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have criticized Rahul Gandhi, underscores the party’s rigid stance on maintaining ideological distance from any Hindu nationalist sentiments.
Congress’ unease with openly embracing Hindu identity is also tied to the legacy of the Gandhi family. The party’s first family has often been at the center of debates regarding their religious affiliations. From Jawaharlal Nehru’s contested lineage to Indira Gandhi’s marriage to a Muslim-turned-Parsi Feroze Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi’s wedding to Sonia Maino, an Italian Catholic, the family’s multi-religious background has fueled speculation about its commitment to Hindu concerns. The claim that Rahul Gandhi is a ‘janeu-dhari’ Brahmin, in contrast to his political positions, has often been met with skepticism. The fact that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has openly embraced her Christian heritage further complicates this dynamic.
Hindutva sentiment is no longer confined to the BJP. The rise of leaders within Congress who openly assert their Hindu identity, coupled with the grand spectacle of Hindu unity witnessed at events like the Kumbh Mela, suggests a shift in the political landscape. The recent Mahakumbh, where nearly 66 crore Hindus participated, demonstrated a pan-India Hindu resurgence cutting across caste and regional divides. Such large-scale religious mobilization is likely to influence political alignments, making it harder for any party to ignore Hindu concerns.
Karnataka, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has witnessed a precarious balancing act. While Congress has pushed for minority welfare schemes, the undercurrent of Hindu assertion within its own ranks is growing stronger. Reports suggest that the BJP is already in touch with Shivakumar, raising questions about the longevity of the current Congress government in the state. If Shivakumar, who enjoys significant support among MLAs, decides to break away, it could spell disaster for Congress, which is already struggling to maintain a foothold in national politics.
The political implications of this internal divide are significant. If Congress continues its current trajectory, prioritizing minority appeasement while ignoring Hindu sentiments, it risks further alienating its Hindu voter base. The BJP, on the other hand, has strategically positioned itself as a party that, while championing Hindutva, has not discriminated against minorities in welfare distribution. This contrast is becoming increasingly apparent to voters.
Beyond Karnataka, similar challenges loom in other Congress-ruled states. In Himachal Pradesh, the government’s decision to tap into temple revenues to manage financial crises has triggered outrage among Hindu groups. In Telangana, where Congress recently gained power, the BJP is watching closely for any potential political realignments. If the Karnataka model plays out in other states, Congress could face further erosion of its base.
The idea of a “Congress Mukt Bharat” (Congress-free India), long championed by the BJP, seems closer to reality if the current trends continue. The internal rift within Congress, amplified by leaders asserting their Hindu identity, could accelerate the party’s decline. While it still holds power in a few states, its national prospects appear grim. The growing dissatisfaction among its Hindu leaders suggests that unless Congress recalibrates its approach and acknowledges Hindu concerns more equitably, its relevance in Indian politics may diminish further.
Shivakumar’s assertion is not just an isolated statement—it is a reflection of a broader transformation within Indian politics. The Congress leadership now faces a stark choice: continue down the path of selective secularism and risk further alienation, or embrace a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the rising assertion of Hindu identity. The outcome of this internal struggle will shape the future of the party—and possibly Indian politics—in the years to come.
