India's minorities lead the fightback against Hindutva juggernaut
Despite threats, violence, voter suppression, India's electorate delivers a slap to Modi's colossal ego
Chandrashekhar Azad, a prominent Dalit leader, secured a significant victory in Uttar Pradesh's Nagina constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Azad, leading the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), won by over 1.5 lakh votes, defeating BJP's Om Kumar and marking a notable shift in Dalit politics. His win comes amidst a backdrop of declining influence for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which historically represented Dalit interests in the region. Azad first gained prominence with the formation of the Bhim Army in 2015, advocating for Dalit rights and fighting against caste-based discrimination. His political journey includes active participation in major protests, such as those against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the farmers' bills. Despite facing arrests and political opposition, Azad's resilience has elevated him as a significant figure in Dalit and minority politics in Uttar Pradesh.
In "To Think of Modi 3.0 as Less Dangerous Would Be a Misreading," Anand Teltumbde argues that underestimating Narendra Modi's third term as Prime Minister of India is a mistake. Despite facing significant opposition and a reduced seat count in the 2024 elections, Modi's government continues to exhibit authoritarian tendencies, eroding democratic norms and marginalizing minorities. The article highlights Modi's strongman persona, which resonates with many voters, masking the failures and constitutional violations under his administration. The BJP's stable vote share, despite these issues, underscores Modi's persistent appeal and the fragmented opposition's challenges.
Foreign Policy discusses the transformative impact of Narendra Modi and the BJP on India, highlighting the rise of Hindu nationalism under Modi's leadership. This shift has led to increased religious polarization and controversial policies, such as the citizenship law perceived as discriminatory against Muslims. Despite these domestic issues, Modi's government maintains strong international relations, particularly with the U.S., due to shared strategic interests against China. The article underscores the erosion of democratic institutions and media independence in India, emphasizing the complex balance between nationalist policies and democratic principles under Modi's regime.
In Uttar Pradesh's recent elections, the BJP's narrow victory was marked by significant violence and intimidation. The article describes how BJP supporters employed lathis, threats, and even gunshots to influence the voting process. The use of force was particularly evident in the Khatauli assembly seat, where the party narrowly defeated the Samajwadi Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance. This aggressive approach led to a tense and chaotic atmosphere, reflecting the broader challenges and contentious nature of the electoral process in the state.
The Wire delves into the complex relationship between the RSS and the BJP, highlighting their joint push towards the Hindutva agenda. While the RSS ideologically mentors the BJP, occasional tensions arise, such as when BJP President J.P. Nadda stated that the BJP no longer needed RSS support for elections. Despite these rifts, the RSS has largely backed Modi's BJP, celebrating milestones like the abrogation of Article 370 and the Ram Temple construction. This synergy has seen Hindutva ideologies permeate educational and political spheres, though strategic disagreements persist.
Vineet Bhalla examines the legal implications of the Indian government's sanction to prosecute author Arundhati Roy under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act). It argues that the sanction is legally questionable due to procedural flaws and constitutional concerns. Roy's criticism of government policies, particularly related to Kashmir, has led to accusations of unlawful activities. The article questions the fairness of using UAPA against dissenting voices and highlights the broader implications for freedom of expression in India. It calls for a reconsideration of such legal measures to protect civil liberties and uphold democratic principles amidst increasing authoritarian tendencies.