India’s recent trajectory under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has witnessed a series of drastic shifts, posing significant challenges to its democratic fabric and societal inclusivity. The political landscape is marked by a conspicuous absence of Muslim representation within the ruling party, exemplified by the lack of a single elected Muslim member of parliament. Textbook revisions have also erased references to prominent Muslim figures and eras, contributing to an environment steeped in Islamophobia.
Modi’s additional drastic actions include the unexpected demonetization of a major portion of the country’s paper currency in 2016, the sudden revocation of autonomy and change in statehood for the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, and the establishment of a religious pathway to Indian citizenship via the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2021. Concurrently, numerous less conspicuous but highly impactful alterations to regulations, institutions, and procedures have taken place. These changes aim to restrict free expression, suppress political opposition, and narrow down accountability, even if they don’t always grab the headlines. Furthermore, there’s an alarming trend towards digital authoritarianism through increased surveillance and changes in legal provisions. The ruling party’s IT cells cultivate online trolls known for engaging in graphic misogyny and gender-based abuse. Social media platforms censor content at government requests, and the frequency of internet shutdowns across provinces has surged.
At the heart of this shift is the dominant presence of Prime Minister Modi, whose image adorns billboards and newspapers, highlighting the colossus of a figure he is in India. The Modi myth propagates the idea of an ascetic yet efficient leader steering a civilizational resurgence, projecting India as a “Vishwa Guru” (world leader). However, this narrative starkly contrasts with the reality of violence and atrocities faced by minorities within the country.
In the international arena, Modi’s foreign policy exhibits strategic silences and a departure from conventional stances on global issues, notably the Ukraine War. India’s alignment on critical matters raises concerns about its dedication to democratic values and human rights, potentially paralleling authoritarian regimes.
One of the fundamental shifts in India’s trajectory is Modi’s brand of nationalism, often criticized for being exclusionary and divisive. The rise of Hindu nationalism, exemplified by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliated organizations, challenges the secular vision of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Critics argue that this ideology threatens the pluralistic fabric that has been an intrinsic part of India for decades. The stifling of dissent, curtailment of press freedom, and the muzzling of civil society voices have raised alarms about the erosion of democratic institutions.
This tug-of-war between preserving Nehru’s vision and embracing Modi’s ideological shift mirrors a broader societal debate within India. The struggle between tradition and progress, authoritarianism and democracy, and majoritarianism versus inclusivity is a battle for the very essence of the nation.
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