Critics have derided Modi’s win for changing the very idea of India into one associated with the far-right Hindu nationalist ideology of the BJP.
The long-awaited exercise of the Indian elections is finally over, re-electing Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party with a commanding victory in parliament. While the successful turnout of 67 percent constructs a narrative of democratic achievement, critics have derided Modi’s win for changing the very idea of India into one associated with the far-right Hindu nationalist ideology of the BJP.
During the elections, as the 68-year-old leader campaigned across the country, he constantly underscored the idea of national security and safeguarding India from outside forces and threats. Besides, under his previous tenure, hardline Hindu nationalism has been encouraged and the idea of what India really means in terms of its identity is too close to escape comment.
The new India which Modi propagates has a certain form of sectarian ‘Hinduness’ with a simplified characteristic where language holds little importance, ensuring a revival within society, to lay an ideological tradition for its future. Simplifying the nation’s identity by remaining simply Hindu allows new passions to be evoked – rejecting the diversity of India, remaining more inclined towards a form of relationship with blood and soil of the land, rather than the dominions of development, secular India and dynastic politics.
Access Full Article
