In India, the credibility of institutions like the media, election commission, and judiciary to maintain democratic principles has been undermined due to the compromise of their impartiality and autonomy. India’s rich cultural and religious diversity is on the decline as a result of Hindutva’s narrow ideology. The fundamental heterogeneity that democracy depends on is threatened by initiatives to homogenize culture and the marginalization of religious minorities. Marginalized communities such as indigenous groups, Dalits, and religious minorities are disproportionately impacted by the erosion of democratic norms. There is less scope for freedom of expression and religion as a result of Hindutva fascism. These communities are frequently the targets of violence, prejudice, marginalization due to socioeconomic status, and legal harassment.
Hindutva has gained significant weight in Indian politics, influencing decisions, shaping policies, and reshaping India’s sociocultural fabric. The violations of fundamental human rights such as the right to free speech, the right to practice one’s religion, and the right to equal treatment for underrepresented groups, raise serious concerns about the state of democracy and social justice.
Under PM Narendra Modi’s administration, the focus placed by Hindutva on a Hindu-majoritarian identity threatens the secular and pluralistic principles that are part of India’s constitution. As a result, religious communities are now treated unfairly, undermining the notion of a diverse and inclusive society. Hindutva’s propagation has played a part in the religious division of Indian society. This separation erodes the social fabric and restricts democratic debate by fostering tensions, animosity, and prejudice among various religious communities.
Legislative attempts to alter India’s ethno-communal fabric like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have sparked worries about minority communities being treated unfairly. Due to these developments, vulnerable groups may lose their citizenship privileges because of their religious beliefs. Lately, there have been demonstrations voicing concerns about religious minorities being denied citizenship due to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The Ayodhya dispute and the 1992 destruction of the Babri Masjid serve as prime examples of how the emergence of Hindutva ideology has weakened India’s secular fabric by inciting inter-communal violence and destroying places of worship. Other than Muslim community, Indian Sikhs have long been the target of prejudice and marginalization, frequently as a result of their unique religious identity. Discrimination in India has taken many different forms, such as restricted access to resources, chances for work and education, and representation in politics. Social and economic marginalization has also become evident from the treatment of Sikh people and minority communities as second-class citizens.
Human rights abuses and the deterioration of democratic norms have damaged India’s standing as a democratic and developing country abroad. International observers are concerned about India’s future course due to the emergence of Hindutva and its accompanying effects. For minority rights to be protected within the democratic system, legal protections must be strengthened. Enacting laws that support equality, nondiscrimination, and freedom of religion is essential to halting the growing deterioration of democratic ideals.
