In a fawning biographical sketch of Golwalkar, Modi has compared him to Buddha, Mahavir and Ambedkar. Image credit https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/
by Sudhanshu Roy 8 October 2023
India, touted as the world’s largest democracy, has witnessed a profound transformation in its political and social landscape under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the overarching influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a far-right organization. This analytical article undertakes a comprehensive examination of the policies and actions executed by the Indian government, employing analytical frameworks to scrutinize the role of Hindutva ideology and its multifaceted implications across various facets of Indian society.
Prime Minister Modi’s leadership tenure has served as a laboratory for the convergence of Hindutva principles into the nation’s political discourse. He has adroitly instrumentalized the writings and philosophies of Hindutva ideologues such as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, thereby accomplishing the permeation of these ideological tenets into the collective consciousness of the Indian populace. This analytical exposition endeavors to dissect the consequential implications of this ideological metamorphosis on India’s contemporary political landscape.
Prominently discernible within the contextual tapestry of this ideological shift is the recurrent employment of religious symbolism in the formulation of public policy. A prime example lies in the COVID-19 pandemic’s handling, wherein PM Modi invoked the “Laxman Rekha” from the Ramayana to demarcate the lockdown boundaries. While ostensibly intended to raise public awareness, these symbolic references have engendered questions pertaining to the intersection of religiosity and empiricism within the policymaking milieu. PM Modi’s judicious use of symbolism, such as the nationwide call for citizens to clap and clang utensils, as well as the “lighting of lamps and candles” spectacle, raises concerns regarding the potential exploitation of public emotions to solidify political support. This discourse serves to unveil the subtleties underlying the blurred line between governance and religious ceremonialism.
The RSS, serving as the ideological vanguard of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), exerts a formidable influence over India’s policies. Analytically, this article dissects the extent to which the RSS’s vision of a Hindu Rashtra has permeated the fabric of governmental policymaking and legislative initiatives, unraveling its implications. A key analytical focal point involves the societal repercussions of the mounting sway of Hindutva ideology. The delineation of Muslims and Christians as “aliens” or “foes” within the national identity discourse fuels an atmosphere of suspicion and discrimination. Analyzing these developments offers insights into the societal cleavages that threaten to disrupt India’s social cohesion.
Beyond its religious symbolism, this article scrutinizes the economic and social policies championed by the Modi government, notably the contentious debate over reservations and affirmative action for historically oppressed castes. Analytical inquiries herein scrutinize the perceived preferential treatment afforded to dominant caste groups, alongside perceived erosions of the rights of marginalized communities. The rise of Hindutva ideology has ushered in challenges to democratic values in India. Analytical scrutiny is warranted in the context of shrinking freedom of expression, eroding media independence, and the marginalization of civil society organizations. This article contemplates these developments through the prism of democratic governance and its imperatives. Analyzing the domestic impact of Hindutva ideology is incomplete without considering its international implications. The article endeavors to explore the potential ramifications for India’s foreign policy and international relations, particularly within the South Asian region.
In summation, this analytical article casts a discerning gaze on the evolving political and social landscape in India under the tutelage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underpinned by the influence of Hindutva ideology and the RSS. It elevates critical questions surrounding the symbiosis of religion and governance, societal fault lines, and the repercussions for India’s diverse populace. This comprehensive analysis underscores the paramount importance of comprehending these dynamics to assess the trajectory of India’s democracy, both within its domestic sphere and on the broader global stage. As India continues to navigate these complexities, the international community watches with a mix of interest and trepidation, cognizant of India’s pivotal role as a global actor in the 21st century.