Anti-Muslim rhetoric flaring in India ahead of state election

Munawar Zaman
Press TV, New Delhi

Muslims in India are marred by the history of communal violence and hatred for decades but it all swelled since the ruling Hindu nationalist BJP came into power in 2014.

It is the second largest minority community in the world’s largest democracy, accounting for 200 million or more of the population. Apparently their existence is passing through challenging times in Modi’s New India.

In India, the last decade has seen growing fear and panic among minorities, particularly Muslims. There is growing mistrust in Modi’s Hindu Nationalist BJP. Critics accuse the ruling party of polarizing the country on religious lines; therefore, playing a divide and rule policy for another possible vote. Many argue this could damage the country’s diverse fabric and cause social discord.

Recent months has seen dramatic violence against the Muslim community. Street Vendors, industrialists, businesses, advertisement agencies and now even Bollywood stars are being targeted in a vicious anti Muslim rhetoric using social media. Experts say efforts are underway to transform the secular India into a theocratic supremacist Hindu state.

Hindu extremists are also accused of using social media to spread hatred and hurt the diverse fabric of India. Based on reports by rights groups, the ruling BJP has adopted various laws that legitimize discrimination against religious minorities. This has drawn criticism against the government.

Violence against Muslims and other minorities has prevailed since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947 but the last decade has been far worse after the rise of right wing hindu supremacy. Muslims have been suffering repression in India in various forms. The ruling party denies any bias against minorities. Critics call the claim vague.

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