The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been accused of systematically persecuting Muslims in India, raising questions about whether this is rooted in ideological beliefs. The ideological underpinnings of the BJP’s actions and examines whether the global community is silent on human rights violations due to India’s economic power.
Historical Context and Rise of BJP
The BJP’s ideological roots lie in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925. The RSS promotes Hindutva, which views India as a fundamentally Hindu nation and perceives other religions, especially Islam, as alien influences. The BJP, established as the political wing of the RSS in 1980, initially moderated its stance to gain broader support but has consistently pursued Hindutva goals.
The Ideological Foundation
Hindutva ideology envisions India as a Hindu state, marginalizing non-Hindu communities. The BJP’s policies and rhetoric often reflect this ideology, seeking to transform India’s secular constitution into one that aligns with Hindu nationalist ideals. This includes advocating for a uniform civil code, the construction of a Hindu temple at the disputed Ayodhya site, and the revocation of the special status of Kashmir.
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Systematic Persecution of Muslims
Legal and Extrajudicial Measures
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has implemented and supported numerous policies that disproportionately target Muslims. “Anti-conversion” laws in several BJP-governed states aim to prevent interfaith marriages, portraying them as strategies for Muslim men to convert Hindu women. Bans on wearing hijabs in educational institutions and restrictions on the sale of beef, a common practice among Muslims, are other examples.
The practice of “bulldozer justice” involves the demolition of homes and businesses under the pretext of lacking proper permits, often targeting Muslims involved in protests. This extrajudicial punishment aims to intimidate the Muslim community and suppress dissent.
Political Marginalization
Muslims in India face significant political marginalization. Despite constituting about 14% of the population, they hold a disproportionately low number of seats in Parliament. As of recent counts, Muslims occupy only 25 out of 543 seats, with none representing the BJP. This exclusion from political power limits their ability to influence policies and secure resources for their community’s development.
Specific Incidents
- Karnataka Hijab Ban: In Karnataka, a BJP-governed state, Muslim girls were banned from wearing hijabs in schools in 2022. Although the ban was later overturned after the BJP lost political control, it highlighted the party’s discriminatory policies.
- Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Directives: In 2024, the Uttar Pradesh local administration mandated that all food outlets display the names of their owners and staff during the Kanwar Yatra to maintain “purity of faith” for Hindu devotees. This directive, seen as targeting Muslim employees, was adopted by other BJP-governed states.
- Violence and Lynching: Incidents of lynching and mob violence against Muslims, often over allegations of cow smuggling or eating beef, have become more frequent. These acts of violence are rarely condemned by the BJP leadership, contributing to an environment of impunity.
Global Economic Influence and Silence
India’s rapid economic growth and significant market potential have positioned it as a crucial player in the global economy. This economic influence often translates into diplomatic leverage, allowing India to deflect international criticism of its human rights record. Many countries prioritize economic ties over human rights concerns, resulting in muted or non-committal responses to India’s treatment of Muslims.
Economic Considerations
- Trade and Investment: India’s large consumer market and growing economy make it an attractive partner for trade and investment. Countries and multinational corporations are often reluctant to jeopardize these economic opportunities by criticizing India’s human rights record.
- Diplomatic Relations: Major democracies, including the United States and European Union member states, have strategic and economic interests in maintaining good relations with India. This often leads to a cautious approach in addressing human rights issues, prioritizing diplomatic and economic engagements over condemning violations.
Discriminatory policies
The BJP’s persecution of Muslims in India is deeply rooted in its Hindutva ideology, which seeks to redefine India as a Hindu nation. This ideological stance manifests in various discriminatory policies and practices that marginalize Muslims. While the international community has the tools to pressure India to uphold human rights, economic interests often overshadow these concerns, leading to a global silence that allows these violations to continue.
To address this issue, it is imperative for global leaders and human rights organizations to prioritize human rights over economic interests and hold the Indian government accountable for its actions. Only through sustained international pressure and domestic advocacy can India move towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all its citizens.
References
- Council on Foreign Relations. “India’s Muslims: An Increasingly Marginalized Population.” Available at: CFR.
- The Diplomat. “India’s Parliament Has Fewer Muslims as BJP’s Strength Grows.” Available at: The Diplomat.
- SabrangIndia. “Elections 2024: Democratic Ethos and Plight of Minorities.” Available at: SabrangIndia.
- Tribune. “Modi’s BJP accused of encouraging persecution of Muslims in India.” Available at: Tribune.
- Foreign Affairs. “India’s Secularism Under Siege.” Available at: Foreign Affairs.
