1. Variants of Communal Politics in Post-Independent India

Communal politics in India has appeared in different forms and intensities since 1947.

A. Soft Communalism

• Implicit religious appeal without open hostility
• Symbolic use of religious language and imagery
• Often linked with welfare targeted at religious communities

B. Aggressive / Militant Communalism

• Open portrayal of one religion as superior
• Political mobilisation against “the other”
• Leads to communal polarization and violence

C. Electoral Communalism

• Seeking votes on religious identity
• Creation of religious vote banks
• Strategic ticket distribution based on religion

D. Communalism in Governance

• Policy decisions influenced by religious considerations
• Perceived bias in administration and law enforcement

E. Communalism in Civil Society

• Spread through media, social platforms, and cultural organisations
• Use of historical narratives to strengthen religious identity

2. Factors Responsible for the Growth of Communal Politics in India

A. Historical Legacy

• Colonial “divide and rule” policy
• Trauma of Partition and communal violence

B. Socio-Economic Factors

• Poverty, unemployment, inequality
• Marginalisation creates insecurity and identity assertion

C. Political Factors

• Weak governance and failure of development
• Use of religion for electoral mobilisation
• Decline of ideology-based politics

D. Identity Insecurity

• Fear among religious groups about culture, numbers, and rights
• Minority insecurity and majority anxiety

E. Media & Communication

• Sensationalism
• Misinformation and propaganda via social media

F. Global Influences

• Global religious revivalism
• Transnational ideological flows

3. Hindu Nationalism: A Historical Analysis

Meaning

Hindu nationalism is an ideology that views India as a cultural nation rooted in Hindu civilization, often expressed through the concept of Hindutva.

Historical Evolution

A. Pre-Independence Roots

• Emerged in response to colonialism and minority politics
• V.D. Savarkar articulated Hindutva as cultural nationalism
• Formation of RSS (1925) to promote Hindu unity

B. Post-Independence Phase (1950s–1980s)

• Hindu nationalist groups remained politically marginal
• Focus on cultural and social organisation rather than state power

C. Political Rise (1980s–1990s)

• Formation of BJP (1980)
• Mobilisation around cultural-religious issues
• Increased mass support and electoral success

D. Contemporary Phase

• Hindu nationalism as a dominant political discourse
• Strong leadership and electoral consolidation
• Emphasis on cultural identity and national pride

Arguments in Favour

✅ Cultural self-assertion
✅ National unity through shared heritage
✅ Political mobilisation and participation

Criticism

❌ Challenges secularism
❌ Marginalisation of minorities
❌ Risk of majoritarianism

Conclusion

Post-independent India has witnessed multiple variants of communal politics, shaped by history, socio-economic challenges, political strategies, and identity insecurities. Hindu nationalism, rooted in cultural assertion, has evolved from a marginal ideology to a major political force.
The key democratic challenge is to balance cultural identity with constitutional secularism, ensuring unity, equality, and social harmony.

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