Communal politics in contemporary India has evolved into a significant and often divisive force in the country’s political and social landscape. The term “communalism” refers to the exploitation of religious identities for political purposes, where the politics of a particular community is promoted at the expense of others. In India, this phenomenon primarily involves religious groups, particularly Hindus and Muslims, though other religious minorities like Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits have also been impacted by such politics. Over time, communal politics has shifted in form and intensity, and its current manifestation plays a pivotal role in shaping political discourse, electoral outcomes, and social harmony.
Historical Roots of Communal Politics
Communal politics in India has deep historical roots that go back to colonial rule. The British policy of divide and rule exacerbated religious differences, leading to the creation of separate electorates for Muslims and Hindus under the Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms), which institutionalized religious divisions in the political system. This was further entrenched by the Partition of India in 1947, a direct result of communal tensions that resulted in the creation of India and Pakistan. The partition was accompanied by one of the largest mass migrations and communal violence in history, leaving a deep-seated legacy of distrust and division between the two largest religious communities in India—Hindus and Muslims.
In the post-independence period, India adopted a secular Constitution that sought to bridge religious divides and create a pluralistic society. However, the legacy of colonial communalism and subsequent political developments continued to shape communal relations. The rise of political parties and leaders who could successfully mobilize people based on religious identities contributed significantly to the emergence of communal politics in the post-independence era.
The Rise of Communal Politics in Post-Independence India
In the post-independence period, communal politics was initially subdued due to the nation’s commitment to secularism and nation-building under leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru. However, the 1980s and 1990s witnessed the rise of religion-based politics, with the involvement of religious organizations, political parties, and various social groups that started to capitalize on communal sentiments.
- The Shah Bano Case (1985): The controversy surrounding the Shah Bano case, in which the Supreme Court granted alimony to a Muslim woman, highlighted the growing role of religion in politics. The case led to the rise of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), which garnered support from conservative Hindu sections by opposing the Supreme Court’s verdict and advocating for the implementation of Muslim Personal Law. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 was enacted to overturn the judgment. This marked the beginning of the BJP’s journey of mobilizing the Hindu vote through religious issues.
- The Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi Movement (1990s): The destruction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in December 1992 was one of the most defining moments in the rise of communal politics in India. The event, backed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and BJP, sought to build a temple in place of the mosque, claiming it was the birthplace of Lord Ram. This movement intensified Hindu-Muslim tensions, leading to widespread riots and violence across the country. The Babri Masjid demolition and the subsequent Gujarat riots in 2002 further deepened communal fault lines.
- The BJP and Hindutva Ideology: Under the leadership of Lal Krishna Advani, the BJP increasingly adopted the Hindutva ideology, which advocated for the idea of India as a Hindu nation. The party, with its emphasis on Hindu nationalism, gained significant support in the 1990s. The party’s success in the 1998 and 1999 general elections, followed by the 2002 Gujarat riots, marked the political mainstreaming of Hindutva politics. The rise of Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as the Prime Minister of India further consolidated this ideology.
The Role of Political Parties in Communal Politics
- BJP and Hindutva Politics: The BJP’s success in communal politics can be traced to its focus on religious identity as a basis for political mobilization. The party’s core constituency has been the Hindu vote, and it has frequently used religious symbols, issues, and events (such as the Ram Mandir movement, cow protection laws, and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir) to consolidate support among Hindu voters. Its rise has been accompanied by a parallel rise in Hindu nationalist sentiments and anti-Muslim rhetoric.
- Congress and Secularism: On the other hand, the Indian National Congress, which historically positioned itself as the guardian of secularism, faced criticism for its alleged appeasement of Muslim interests, particularly during the tenure of Rajiv Gandhi and in the aftermath of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Congress’s efforts to reach out to religious minorities for votes have sometimes been accused of playing into the hands of communal politics, even if its secular stance was meant to prevent such divides.
- Regional Parties: Regional parties such as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) also play a role in communal politics, but their involvement tends to be more localized. For instance, the SP has positioned itself as a representative of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, while the TMC has often aligned with minority communities in West Bengal to create political majorities.
The Current Pattern of Communal Politics
In contemporary India, the pattern of communal politics has become more intertwined with identity politics, where religious identities are increasingly being mobilized in the electoral arena. The rise of social media and digital platforms has also given a boost to communal propaganda, where misinformation and hate speech can spread rapidly.
- Rise in Anti-Muslim Sentiment: Under the Modi government, there has been a noticeable rise in anti-Muslim sentiment. Issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam have led to widespread protests, with accusations that these policies discriminate against Muslims. Additionally, incidents like the Delhi riots (2020), fueled by religious rhetoric, highlight how communal tensions have reached a boiling point in recent years.
- Religious Polarization: The increasing use of religion for political gain has led to the deepening of religious polarization. The framing of issues through a Hindu-Muslim lens has made governance more contentious and divisive. For instance, the framing of Muslim voters as “anti-national” or the portrayal of Hinduism as under threat from Islam has intensified political and social polarization.
- Social Media and Communalism: The advent of social media has created new spaces for communal politics to thrive. Political parties, organizations, and individuals use social platforms to spread religious narratives, often leading to the incitement of violence. Memes, videos, and posts reinforcing stereotypes about Muslims, Dalits, and other minorities have amplified these communal divides.
Impact on Social Harmony and National Integration
Communal politics poses a severe threat to India’s secular fabric. It fosters intolerance, discrimination, and violence, particularly in mixed communities where religious identities have historically been fluid. It undermines the principles of pluralism and social harmony, and poses challenges to national integration. The pattern of communal politics in contemporary India, while not without its critics, has reshaped the nation’s political discourse and has often been divisive in its consequences.
Conclusion Communal politics in contemporary India is a complex phenomenon rooted in historical divisions but exacerbated by modern-day political strategies. While it is essential to acknowledge that many parts of India continue to live in harmony and celebrate their diversity, the increasing political use of religious identity is a growing concern for India’s democratic future. Secularism, tolerance, and social justice must be defended to ensure that communal politics does not erode the foundational values of the Indian Constitution.