India’s holy city increasingly threatened by rising Hindu nationalism

 

The ancient city of Varanasi, with its sacred Ganges River and centuries-old temples, has long been revered as India's spiritual capital. However, beneath its veneer of spirituality lies a city grappling with rising tensions between Hindu nationalism and the Muslim community, exacerbated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political agenda.

Modi's decision to make Varanasi his constituency a decade ago was strategic, allowing him to merge his party's political aspirations with its Hindu nationalist agenda. Despite initially rising to power on promises of development and anti-corruption, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) now stands accused of undermining India's secular foundation by promoting a Hindu-centric vision of the nation.

For many Muslims in Varanasi, Modi's leadership has instilled fear and apprehension about their place in Indian society. The BJP's ties to right-wing Hindu organizations, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have fueled concerns about discrimination and marginalization. Despite claims of inclusivity, Muslims often feel neglected and vulnerable, particularly in the face of hate crimes and communal violence.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing legal disputes over religious sites, such as the Gyanvapi Mosque, which have become flashpoints for religious tensions. The BJP's efforts to reclaim Hindu places of worship allegedly destroyed by Mughal rulers centuries ago have reignited debates about India's history and identity, exacerbating divisions within society.

The repercussions of Modi's tenure are felt not only in Varanasi but across India. The government's policies and rhetoric have led to increased religious polarization and discrimination against minorities, particularly Muslims. From rewriting history textbooks to passing controversial citizenship laws, the BJP has been accused of promoting a Hindu supremacist agenda at the expense of religious pluralism and tolerance.

Instances of hate speech and violence targeting Muslims have become alarmingly common, reflecting a broader trend of intolerance and bigotry in Indian society. Despite constitutional protections and assurances of equality, many Muslims feel marginalized and insecure, with incidents of discrimination and harassment going unchecked by authorities.

Modi's leadership has undoubtedly brought economic growth and international recognition to India, but it has also come at the cost of religious harmony and social cohesion. The BJP's promotion of Hindu nationalism has eroded the secular fabric of the nation, undermining its founding principles of diversity and inclusivity.

In Varanasi and beyond, there is a growing sense of unease among Muslims, who fear for their safety and rights in an increasingly hostile environment. The legacy of Modi's tenure will be defined not only by economic prosperity but also by the impact of his divisive politics on India's social and cultural landscape.

As the country grapples with the consequences of Hindu nationalism, the need for dialogue, tolerance, and respect for religious diversity has never been more urgent. Only by embracing pluralism and rejecting sectarianism can India truly fulfill its promise as a secular democracy where all citizens are treated with dignity and equality, regardless of their faith.