India: A secular turned Hindu state

In the era when every nation is rushing towards civic nationalism, secularism, liberal democracy, universalism and inclusiveness, India at the same time is undergoing a transformation from secular state to a Hindu fundamentalist state.

Secularism as a concept is highly misunderstood, particularly in the sub-continent. It’s not a separate political or social system, but different types of systems can be categorized under secularism. Secularism is the separation of religious institutions from the institutions of the State. Which means that any religious organization would not interfere in state affairs. States in 21st century are mostly secular, even theocracies like Saudi Arabia are practicing secularist principles. However, India declared as a secular state in its constitution, is systematically converted to a Hindu supremacist state.

Indian constitution does not declare any religion as the official religion of the country. It also provides all citizens and communities freedom to practice and propagate any religion. The preamble of Indian constitution declared that the country is secular, which was reinforced with the enactment of the (42nd Amendment) 1976.

From the day BJP has taken the reins of government it has tried every means to transform India into a Hindu fundamentalist state in a systematic way. India has seen a rise in anti-Muslim violence and religious intolerance. The situation of all minorities is terrible, not just Muslims. Sikh community has also been facing discrimination and denied their freedom, this is why they are demanding for a separate homeland for Sikhs. However, Muslims are particularly targeted by BJP leaders. Muslims have experienced discrimination in employment, education, and resources. Many Muslims face obstacles in their pursuit of wealth and political influence, as well as limited access to essential services like health care. Furthermore, they frequently face difficulties obtaining justice after being the victims despite constitutional protections.

Modi and his party are getting votes by threatening Hindus with Muslim occupation. Words like ‘Muslims are infiltrators, and they have more children’ they will occupy your lands, were daily routine for BJP leaders particularly in election days. The Modi government is dictating not only legislative and executive bodies but, they dictate the courts as well. Events like, rewarding the land of Babri Masjid as for a Hindu temple is uncontestable evidence of transforming India a Hindu State. Modi from his early days of politics was a member of RSS. Its RSS which assigned him to the BJP in 1985.

Being in RSS itself shows the mentality of Modi who after becoming the premier of India started to transform India systematically into a Hindu Supremacist state. When Modi became the chief minister of Gujrat clashes between Muslims and Hindu became usual routine, one of the notable examples, is when a train of Hindu Pilgrims caught fire, Hindu mobs attacked Muslims rapped Muslim and destroyed their businesses due to a crime that Muslims had not committed. The violence in that case was even encouraged by BJP leadership.

Attacks of Hindu mobs have been so frequent in recent years that the Indian Supreme court has issued a warning that they may become ‘new normal.’ One of the most prevalent instances of anti-Muslim violence is lynch mob targeting individuals who are thought to trade or slaughter cows, which are revered by many Hindus.

This all is happening through a systematic effort to make India a Hindu state, by spreading hate through anti-Muslim speeches, and calling Indian Muslims as Pakistani spies. BJP is injecting hatred and fear of each other in once a diverse and cooperative society, and they are dividing Indian society on communal basis to hold the political power, by transforming a secular state into a Hindu Extremist state.