AS Modi gears up for potential victory in upcoming Lok Sabha elections, concerns mount that India could declare itself a Hindutva Republic. The observation that ‘Nehruvian secular India is dying’ reflects a nuanced understanding of challenges facing the nation. The complex interplay of religious polarization, cultural revisionism, and rise of extremist ideologies has created a scenario where ideals of Nehruvian secularism are under strain.

India stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the challenges posed by rising Hindutva extremism. The international community must pressurize India to uphold its secular ideals and prevent erosion of its diverse cultural fabric. As the world watches, the outcome of India’s upcoming elections will play a pivotal role in determining the nation’s path and the global response to growing threat of religious extremism.

The first Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru, laid the foundations of a secular state that sought to uphold the principles of pluralism and tolerance. Nehru envisioned a secular India that embraced diversity and ensured equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations. One of the prominent challenges to Nehruvian secularism is the increasing trend of religious polarization and identity politics. Politicians, in pursuit of electoral gains, have exploited religious sentiments, leading to a division among communities. This has given rise to the concept of “Soft Hindutva,” where appeasement of the majority religion takes precedence over the principles of secular governance.

The ascent of extremist ideologies, both religious and political, poses a significant threat to the secular fabric of India. Instances of violence against religious minorities and stifling of dissent raise concerns about the erosion of democratic values. The influence of organizations with extremist agendas has permeated various facets of society, challenging Nehruvian vision of a harmonious and inclusive India.The decline of Nehruvian secularism has tangible repercussions for minority communities and dissenting voices. Hate crimes, discrimination, and the marginalization of religious and cultural minorities have become more pronounced.

The erosion of secular principles jeopardizes the rights and freedoms that were envisioned as fundamental to India’s democratic framework. The observation that ‘Nehruvian secular India is dying’ reflects a nuanced understanding of challenges facing the nation. The complex interplay of religious polarization, cultural revisionism, and rise of extremist ideologies has created a scenario where ideals of Nehruvian secularism are under strain. It is imperative for Indian society to engage in a thoughtful discourse on the trajectory of its secular identity, considering the implications for democracy, diversity, and the nation’s future.

—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.

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views expressed are writer’s own.