In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the people of India have sent a clear message to the incoming government: Do not undermine the ideals of diversity, constitutionalism, and federalism. This article argues that the idea of a Hindu Rashtra, where Muslims are marginalized or disenfranchised, is a dangerous and divisive fantasy. Instead, all citizens should focus on promoting development and upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religion.
Hindus Must Unite: The Continuing Debate on Hindu Nationalism in India
The phrase "Hindus Must Unite" has been a rallying cry for Hindu nationalists in India for decades. The ideology of Hindu nationalism, also known as Hindutva, seeks to establish a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation, in India.
Background
The roots of Hindu nationalism lie in the late 19th century, when Hindu reformers began to assert the superiority of Hindu culture and values over Western and Islamic influences. After India's independence in 1947, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a paramilitary organization founded in 1925, became the primary proponent of Hindu nationalism.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Hindu nationalism has gained significant political support in India. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power since 2014, is closely associated with the RSS. The BJP's policies, such as the introduction of laws criminalizing cow slaughter and the construction of a Hindu temple on a disputed site in Ayodhya, have been seen by some as attempts to consolidate Hindu power.
Criticism of Hindu Nationalism
Critics of Hindu nationalism argue that it is a divisive and dangerous ideology. They point to instances of violence against Muslims and other minorities, including the 2002 Gujarat riots and the recent lynchings of suspected cow smugglers. They also argue that Hindu nationalism undermines India's constitutional values of secularism, pluralism, and equality for all citizens.
Arguments for Hindu Nationalism
Supporters of Hindu nationalism maintain that it is necessary to protect Hindu culture and values from perceived threats from Islam and the West. They argue that India is a Hindu-majority country and that Hindus have a right to assert their religious and cultural identity. They also claim that Hindu nationalism promotes national unity and strength.
Top 5 FAQs
Hinduism is a religion, while Hindu nationalism is a political ideology that seeks to establish a Hindu nation in India.
Critics of Hindu nationalism argue that it is a divisive and dangerous ideology that undermines India's democratic principles.
These policies include the introduction of laws criminalizing cow slaughter and the construction of a Hindu temple on a disputed site in Ayodhya.
Supporters of Hindu nationalism argue that it is necessary to protect Hindu culture and values from perceived threats from Islam and the West.
The future of Hindu nationalism in India is uncertain. It remains a powerful force in Indian politics, but it also faces significant opposition from those who believe it is a threat to democracy and pluralism.
The largest gathering of nationalist thinkers and practitioners, Lokmanthan 2024, is set to begin in Hyderabad on November 21. President of India Droupadi Murmu, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and several Union ministers will engage in talks, exhibitions, cultural performances, and a food festival over the course of four days. Organized for the first time in South India, the platform aims to promote the oneness of ancient civilization through discussions with prominent academicians, thinkers, artists, and activists.
With 7 candidates vying for the Karhal MLA seat, the bypoll elections were necessitated by the resignation of Akhilesh Yadav. Watch live updates on the election process, including who is leading, trailing, and ultimately wins the seat. Karhal is part of the 21st Mainpuri Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh and had previously been won by Yadav's wife, Dimple Yadav. As per the gazette notification, the bypoll will take place on November 20, 2024, and the results will be announced on November 23, 2024.
On Sunday morning, Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh saw an outburst of violence when a team of surveyors arrived at the Shahi Jama Masjid to conduct a second survey of the mosque. The police had to resort to lathi charge and tear gas shells to control the crowd, who were throwing stones and attacking media personnel. Amidst all this chaos, the police announced that they would take strict action against those who were involved in the violence, stating that their actions were illegal under section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita.
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The bypoll for the Meerapur Vidhan Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh has attracted attention with a total of 11 candidates vying to be elected as the MLA. The constituency, which is part of the Bijnor Lok Sabha seat, has been necessitated due to the resignation of Chandan Chauhan. Stay updated with live result updates to find out who will be the new Member of Legislative Assembly for Meerapur.
A heated debate has arisen between the Samajwadi Party and the BJP over the issue of voter identity verification for Muslim women wearing burqas, hijabs, niqabs, and ghunghats in the upcoming UP by-election. The Samajwadi Party has approached the Election Commission demanding that Muslim women should not have to remove their burqas for checks, while the BJP argues that every voter must be identified. The Election Commission has confirmed that only the polling officer is authorised to verify voter ID cards, and police or security personnel are not permitted to check ID cards or request a woman to remove her burqa. As polling continues, the outcome of this controversy remains to be seen.
Amidst growing controversy and criticism, the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh seems to have a dilemma over its slogan, "Batoge to Katoge" coined by CM Yogi Adityanath. Within the party, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya has expressed ignorance about the slogan's context, causing opposition parties to question the party's unity. The BJP's attempts to present a consistent narrative seem to have failed as even party leaders like Ajit Pawar have spoken against the slogan. With differing slogans from top leaders, the opposition accuses the BJP of contradictions.
The results for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly polls are in, with the Shiv Sena-NCP alliance and the JMM facing a stiff challenge from the BJP. Despite facing internal divisions, the Maha Yuti alliance in Maharashtra looks set to secure a victory. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the JMM, bolstered by its I.N.D.I.A. allies, is expected to retain power. Stay updated with live updates and coverage on Deccan Herald and make sure to follow their Whatsapp, X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram channels for more news.
In the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Congress faced a major defeat in direct contests with the BJP, winning only 10 out of 75 seats. This is a significant decline from their performance in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year. The BJP's average vote share per seat contested rose by 6 percentage points, while the Congress saw a decline of 14 percentage points. In some key constituencies, the Congress finished in fourth place, highlighting the immediate need for the party to reassess its strategies and connect with the voting public.
In a surprising turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance has emerged victorious in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing a record-breaking 234 out of 288 seats. With the BJP coming out as the single largest party, winning 132 seats on its own, all eyes are now on who will be the Chief Minister of the state. The ruling alliance's stunning win has left Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar's NCP far behind, with only 57 and 10 seats respectively. As celebrations break out in the winning camps, the people of Maharashtra eagerly await the next CM's announcement.