The waters of the Ganges in Varanasi, a city revered by Hindus as their spiritual capital, reflect not just the physical light of the sun, but also the growing shadows of communal tensions. Here in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency, the rise of Hindu nationalism has left many of India’s Muslims apprehensive and uncertain about their future. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with historical links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing paramilitary organization, has been accused of steering the nation away from its constitutionally secular principles toward a Hindu rashtra, a homeland primarily for Hindus.
The sentiment on the ground in Varanasi reflects the concerns of a community feeling increasingly marginalized. Sana Sabah, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, vocalizes the unease: “It’s scary that someone like Modi … is not only celebrated but validated,” highlighting the brazenness of Hindu nationalists “not even trying to hide it anymore.” Similarly, Syed Mohammad Yaseen, a local Muslim leader, expresses a sense of vulnerability and fear for hate crimes, stating, “We are tolerating these things, maybe one day there can be change. But we are hopeless.”
Nasir Ali’s terrifying story of almost dying because of his religious identity during the Delhi riots contributes to the narrative of victimization. He thinks he was singled out for being Muslim, and his account of the police not taking his complaint seriously highlights the perceived bias against Muslims in institutions.
This rise in polarization is not limited to urban chaos but echoes in the daily lives of Muslims across India. Usman, a Kashmiri who moved to Rajasthan, confronts housing discrimination solely based on his Muslim name. Such prejudice has seeped into the societal fabric, exacerbated by episodes of violence against Muslims performing prayers or by slogans projected on mosque walls.
The political rhetoric mirrors these ground realities. BJP politician T. Raja Singh’s incendiary speeches calling for violence against Muslims have stirred alarm, yet he continues to find electoral success, illustrating an apparent lack of serious political repercussions for hate speech.
Reports from human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International emphasize the discrimination faced by religious minorities, calling on authorities to tackle these inequalities. However, the BJP’s stance refutes any bias, with National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill stating the party’s impartiality towards Muslims.
This conflict between policy, reality, and personal experience brings up concerns about the actual status of secularism in India. The situation of the Gyanvapi Mosque, a place of conflict and a representation of Hindu-Muslim harmony turned into a battleground, represents the national tension. The issue, which has sparked legal discussions, represents a wider fight over India’s secular values.
The echoes of the past, from the destruction of the Babri mosque to the inauguration of a Hindu temple on its site, signal a vision for India’s future that rekindles fears of a community that once coexisted in harmony. Shamsher Ali, a Varanasi shopkeeper, laments the erosion of Hindu-Muslim camaraderie, blaming the government for driving a wedge between the two communities. His fear for his daughters’ future is shared by many who recall an era when religious identities did not dictate the tenor of their daily lives.
Relevant articles:
– Rising Hindu nationalism leaves Muslims fearful in India’s holy city, cnn.com, 05/02/2024
– What is “Hindutva,” the ideology of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi?, La Croix International, 05/01/2024
– 2024 Elections: What’s at stake for India’s minorities?, asianews.network, 04/30/2024
– The Rising Tide of Hindu Extremism in India: A Threat to Minority Rights and Democracy, Global Village space, 05/01/2024
– Swastikas of Both Sorts: Hindu Nationalism’s Fascist Nostalgia, Quillette, 04/30/2024