How assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra showcased divisive agenda

By Ram Puniyani* 

The RSS-BJP and their affiliates consistently exploit opportunities to deepen the demonization of religious minorities. Although legal provisions exist to penalize hate speech, such incidents often go unpunished. Over the past decade, with a communal party in power, this trend has dangerously escalated, fostering negative perceptions about religious minorities. These attitudes, reflected in community WhatsApp groups and social interactions, have normalized hatred against minorities across significant sections of society. This intensifying hate rhetoric undermines the principles of fraternity and communal harmony, which are foundational to the Indian Constitution.

Newer dog whistles have evolved into overt calls for action. These narratives build on existing misconceptions and deepen societal divisions. Misperceptions such as portraying Mughal rulers as foreign oppressors who destroyed temples and forcibly converted Hindus are now amplified by slogans like “Hum Do Hamare Do, Woh Panch Unke Pachees” (We [Hindus] are two; they [Muslims] are twenty-five). Refugee camps for Muslims are disparagingly referred to as "child production factories." Additional divisive rhetoric labels Muslims as identifiable by their attire, cow slaughterers, and perpetrators of "love jihad," which has expanded into a series of conspiracies like "land jihad" and "vote jihad."

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Modi delivered numerous hate speeches. According to Human Rights Watch, he made 110 Islamophobic remarks during the campaign. The report highlights that these remarks aimed to undermine political opposition by accusing them of promoting Muslim rights and instilling fear among the majority Hindu population through disinformation.

In another shocking instance, Modi referred to Congress's reservation policies for Muslims as “appeasement,” describing them as part of a "despicable attempt" at Islamizing India. He accused Congress of trying to divide the nation by exploiting the Justice Verma and Sachar Committee reports to "loot" the reservation benefits of OBCs, SCs, and STs (The Times of India, 2024c).

The assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra further showcased this divisive agenda. In Jharkhand, BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma spread propaganda about Muslim infiltrators, despite the state having no international border. A derogatory BJP advertisement depicted a large Muslim family invading a Hindu household. Although the Election Commission eventually pulled it down, the ad had already circulated widely. Another baseless claim suggested that Muslim men marry Adivasi women to take over their land. The Prime Minister himself amplified this narrative with the slogan "Roti, Beti, Mati" (livelihood, daughter, land), implying that Muslims were threatening these essentials.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath added to this divisive rhetoric with his slogan “Batenge to Katenge” (If we divide, we’ll be butchered), emphasizing Hindu unity. RSS leader Dattatraya Hosabale echoed this, stating that the unity of Hindus is the organization’s "lifetime pledge." Modi modified Adityanath’s slogan to “Ek hain to safe hain” (If Hindus are united, they will be safe), reinforcing the narrative that Hindu unity is essential for protection from minorities, who are portrayed as a threat under the slogan “Hindu khatre mein hai” (Hindus are in danger).

In Maharashtra, the Chief Minister not only perpetuated myths of "land jihad" and "vote jihad" but also derided the Bharat Jodo Yatra by labeling its participants as “Urban Naxals” and ultra-left elements.

These divisive strategies have deepened polarization, influencing voting patterns and shaping social perceptions. This is evident in countless WhatsApp groups and everyday conversations in Hindu households.

Prominent scholar Christophe Jaffrelot highlights a study by CSDS (conducted in March-April 2024) that explores Hindu perceptions of Muslims. The study found widespread negative views, with respondents questioning Muslims' trustworthiness and alleging undue appeasement.

Despite this, BJP leaders, including Modi, publicly deny using communal rhetoric. In interviews, Modi claimed, “The day I start talking about Hindu-Muslim [in politics], I will be unfit for public life.” Yet, his actions starkly contradict these assertions. This hypocrisy exacerbates the atmosphere of hate, pushing Muslims toward second-class citizenship and driving ghettoization.

To counter this growing polarization, it is essential to promote an alternative narrative rooted in India’s syncretic traditions. This narrative, central to the freedom movement, emphasized unity among people of all religions. Upholding these constitutional values is crucial to preserving communal harmony and fostering fraternity.

---

Political commentator.