Around the world, political campaigns typically focus on past achievements, promises for the future, and addressing societal issues. They aim to instill hope and present a vision for a better future. However, the political landscape in India often diverges from this norm. Election campaigns frequently witness not only anti-Pakistan rhetoric but also a significant amount of religious hate politics, particularly targeting the country’s Muslim minority. This strategy, prominently employed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during its election campaigns, raises concerns about communal harmony and the future of Indian democracy.
The BJP’s Election Tactics
The BJP has historically leveraged anti-Pakistan sentiment to garner votes, a strategy evident in both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The 2019 Pulwama incident, widely viewed as a false flag operation, was strategically used to benefit the BJP politically. In the current election cycle, the party’s rhetoric has expanded to include explicit anti-Muslim sentiments.
Anti-Muslim Rhetoric
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches have frequently targeted Muslims, attempting to sow division and fear. On April 6, 2024, during a rally in Saharanpur, Modi equated the Congress party’s manifesto with the ideology of the Muslim League, insinuating that Congress was pandering to Muslim interests . This set the tone for a series of inflammatory remarks aimed at vilifying Muslims and painting them as threats to Hindu interests.
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Conspiracy Theories and Fear-Mongering
In Rajasthan on April 21, 2024, Modi warned that a Congress victory would result in the redistribution of wealth to communities with higher birth rates, implicitly targeting Muslims . He propagated the baseless conspiracy theory of Muslims deliberately having more children to outnumber Hindus. Government data, however, contradicts this claim, showing that the Muslim fertility rate is declining faster than that of other communities in India .
‘Vote Jihad’ and Other Allegations
Modi further escalated the rhetoric by accusing the Congress of launching a ‘Vote Jihad,’ alleging that the party was mobilizing Muslim votes against the BJP . Such divisive language not only stokes communal tensions but also undermines the democratic process.
Impact on Sports and Other Areas
The divisive rhetoric extended beyond politics. On May 7, 2024, in Madhya Pradesh, Modi suggested that a Congress-led government would select the Indian cricket team based on religion, an unfounded claim intended to inflame communal sentiments . This kind of rhetoric threatens to spill over into all aspects of society, including sports, which traditionally serve as a unifying force.
Reservations and Economic Divisions
Modi also accused Congress of planning to implement reservations based on religion, which he claimed would undermine the constitutional values of India . He vowed to protect the reservations for Dalits, Adivasis, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from being given to Muslims, thus pitting one marginalized group against another.
Visual Propaganda
The BJP’s Karnataka chapter released an animated video depicting Congress leaders feeding a disproportionately large ‘Muslim egg’ at the expense of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs . Such visual propaganda is designed to foster resentment and fear among Hindu voters.
Consequences of Religious Hate Politics
The continuous targeting of Muslims has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that no previous Prime Minister has indulged in such overt communal incitement. They accuse Modi of lacking a genuine understanding of democratic principles .
Electoral Strategy and Long-Term Impact
By exploiting religious divisions, the BJP aims to consolidate Hindu votes and undermine Congress. However, this strategy poses significant risks. While it may yield short-term electoral gains, it threatens the social fabric of India. Long-term reliance on communal divisions can lead to increased violence, social unrest, and a weakened democracy.
Religious hate politics
The BJP’s use of religious hate politics in India is a deeply concerning trend that undermines the principles of unity and democracy. By targeting Muslims and fostering divisions, the party risks eroding the social cohesion necessary for India’s progress. It is imperative for political leaders to prioritize inclusive and constructive rhetoric that addresses the real issues faced by the populace, rather than resorting to divisive tactics for electoral gain. India’s future depends on its ability to rise above hate politics and build a more inclusive and harmonious society.
