India, a nation that proudly claims to be the largest democracy in the world, is witnessing a disturbing rise in intolerance. Recent incidents in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, where Ganesh processions were attacked, raise critical questions about the state of communal harmony in the country. These events aren’t just isolated acts of hooliganism; they point to deeper issues that need urgent attention. The growing frequency of such incidents begs the question: why do attacks on Hindu festivities seem to be recurring, and why is this issue not addressed more robustly by those in power, regardless of their political affiliation? India, a predominantly Hindu nation, has always prided itself on religious tolerance. It’s a land where multiple faiths have coexisted for centuries. Yet, the recent attacks on Hindu processions suggest a growing undercurrent of religious intolerance that cannot be ignored. In a nation where the Hindu population is the majority, how is it that minority communities are increasingly allowed to disrupt religious activities? More importantly, why does the legal and political machinery not respond swiftly to these provocations? A point worth discussing is whether this is truly a matter of religious insecurity. Hindu festivities, unlike those of minority faiths, often require formal permission to proceed, especially in areas with a high density of minority populations. This raises a fundamental question of equality: should minority groups not be subject to the same requirements when celebrating their religious festivals in predominantly Hindu areas? It seems incongruent that in a nation founded on the principle of secularism, one faith should face more bureaucratic hurdles than others. Secularism, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, implies equal respect for all religions. Yet, the reality on the ground appears starkly different. Religious places, particularly in minority-dominated areas, have been used as staging grounds for protests and attacks against Hindu processions. This goes beyond the individual acts of violence—it is a manifestation of how religion is weaponized in public discourse and action. And, for this the general perveption is that the minorities appeasement policies designed, promoted and practiced by the party in power for more than six decades since independence.
Hence, the real question is, who is driving this divide? Is it the BJP, the party often labelled as promoting a Hindutva agenda, or is it the so-called secular parties like Congress, Samajwadi Party, or regional caste-based outfits that frequently pander to minority vote banks? These parties often claim to stand for communal harmony, yet their actions—or lack thereof—speak volumes. The rhetoric of these so-called secularists has often emboldened extremists within minority communities, creating an environment where violence and intolerance are justified under the guise of victimhood. Take for instance the Mandya incident in Karnataka, where minority groups clashed with Hindus during a Ganesh procession. This and similar incidents in Madhya Pradesh indicate a troubling trend: the minority communities, far from being the victims of oppression, are increasingly the instigators of unrest. This brings us to the paradox of India’s socio-political landscape: minority communities, despite thriving in every aspect of Indian life—be it politics, business, or entertainment—are projected as living in fear. If this fear is real, how then do Muslim stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan rise to the pinnacle of success, amassing wealth and influence, primarily due to the patronage of Hindu audiences? This fabricated fear psychosis is not only a tool for political mileage but also undermines the very idea of India’s pluralistic society. India is, after all, the land of Sanatan Dharma, a civilization that predates most major religions and has absorbed numerous faiths over the centuries. Despite facing historical invasions and forced conversions during Mughal and British rule, Hindus have remained overwhelmingly tolerant.
In recent years, the idea of India as a “Hindu Rashtra” has gained traction in public discourse. This debate has been stoked by events like the partition, where the Muslim League, led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, successfully carved out Pakistan as an Islamic state. Yet, post-independence, India, despite its majority Hindu population, chose to remain secular. Why then is it so controversial for Hindus to assert their cultural identity in their own homeland? India’s secular framework, while noble in principle, is being stretched thin. When minority communities continuously claim to live in fear, despite thriving in various fields, one has to ask: who is really feeling insecure in India today? The narrative of minority oppression does not stand up to scrutiny when viewed against the backdrop of incidents where minority communities actively target Hindu festivities. In a democracy as vast and diverse as India, it is crucial for every community to exercise restraint and respect the rights of others. Provocative actions and unwarranted violence can only lead to a cycle of retaliation, further deepening divisions. Governments, whether at the state or central level, need to act decisively. The judiciary, too, must ensure that communal violence is treated with the gravity it deserves, without favouritism. It is high time that the political establishment, irrespective of its ideological leanings, comes together to address these issues. The social fabric of India depends on the ability of its people to coexist peacefully. Intolerance, from any community, must be condemned unequivocally, and steps must be taken to ensure that no one feels insecure in their own land.
