Descent of Democratic into Fascism
India has seen drastic backsliding of democracy since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. His ascension has seen the rise of Hindu nationalism or Hindutva, a political ideology that advocates for turning India into a Hindu majoritarian country, where social and religious minorities, especially Muslims, Christians, and Dalits, are relegated to second class citizens, depriving them of all the basic rights.
For nearly a century the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a paramilitary group whose founders were open supporters of ethno-fascism in Europe,1 has preached and practiced the Hindutva ideology. PM Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the political wing of the RSS. It now claims to be the world’s largest political party.
Founded as a constitutionally secular democracy in 1947, India is increasingly being flagged as a dangerous place for minorities.
