Secularism under strain: The persistent role of religion in indian politics

By Harasankar Adhikari 

India has often been described as a nation built on “unity in diversity,” a phrase that reflects its pluralistic character and distinguishes it globally. The idea that “united we stand and divided we fall” has long been central to the vision of its leaders, who sought to preserve integrity and sovereignty. Yet history shows that internal divisions repeatedly left the country vulnerable to shifts in power. The Mughal Empire, established by Babur in 1526, rose at a time of conflict among Indian rulers. 

While some historians view the Mughals as foreign conquerors, others argue they became deeply rooted in the subcontinent, shaping its culture, politics, and society over centuries. Later, as the Mughal state weakened, the East India Company consolidated its influence, eventually leading to nearly two centuries of colonial rule. In both cases, divisions among Indians themselves played a role in enabling new powers to dominate, and religion often served as a tool of political strategy.

Religion has historically been a powerful force in shaping social and political life. Rulers frequently advanced their authority by aligning with their own faith traditions, sometimes encouraging conversions or suppressing rival practices. Akbar’s attempt to promote tolerance through Din-i Ilahi reflected an effort to transcend divisions, but such initiatives did not endure. The partition of India in 1947, based explicitly on religious identity, underscored the deep-rooted role of faith in shaping political outcomes and national boundaries.

In independent India, multiparty democracy has continued to reflect these divisions. Political parties often appeal to religious identities to secure electoral support, making faith a significant factor in the competition for power. Nationalist slogans and calls for integration coexist with strategies that emphasize religious affiliation, creating tensions that surface most visibly during elections. 

Secularism, introduced into the Constitution in 1976, was intended as a principle of governance rather than a personal identity. Citizens continue to be recognized by their religious affiliations, and secularism functions more as a political framework to balance diverse beliefs than as a lived identity.

This dynamic has contributed to recurring strains in Indian politics. As elections approach, appeals to religious sentiment intensify, and leaders exploit these divisions to consolidate support. The result is a cycle in which secularism is invoked but rarely practiced in a balanced way, leaving the promise of unity vulnerable to manipulation. The challenge for India remains how to reconcile its pluralistic ideals with the realities of political competition, ensuring that diversity strengthens rather than undermines national harmony