Secularism Challenged: Hindutva’s Rising Tide

Omay Aimen

08 December 2023

Human rights organisations have expressed concern over rise in violence in India after Modi regime took power in 2014. Legislation adopted by BJP in a number of states raises questions regarding both individual rights and religious freedom.

Recent acts by BJP, such as prohibition on Muslims eating halal cuisine, cast doubt on party’s commitment to inclusion and secularism. Though purportedly intended to preserve culture, these actions indicate a desire to force particular cultural and religious beliefs on India’s heterogeneous population, undermining secularism itself.

Nation was built on ideals that must be upheld and challenges presented by growth of Hindutva, communal conflicts and human rights concerns highlight delicate balance that needs to be maintained.

It is crucial for international community to actively support preservation of democratic values, religious pluralism and secularism for sake of humankind.