THERE is a systematic campaign of hate against the Muslims of India, where the ruling BJP has made no attempt to rein in Hindutva’s militants, and has, in fact, fanned the flames of communal violence. On Saturday, some 25 people yelling “Jai Shri Ram” attacked 75 foreign Muslim students offering taraweeh prayers in Gujarat University. The mob lobbed stones and launched an attack that left many injured and destroyed personal property. Only a handful of the vandals were arrested. Interestingly, just a day before, the UN had observed the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. A resolution was adopted, calling for “the appointment of a Special UN Envoy for combating Islamophobia”. Independent UN experts stated, “We stand in solidarity with those who have suffered intolerance, discrimination, violations, and violence, purely on account of being Muslims.”

As polls approach in India, the times will turn several shades darker for Muslims in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is vying for a third term in office on his patent Hindutva pitch. Once blended traditions have given way to violence, Hindu religious chants are war cries and state apathy is the new normal. Mr Modi’s rule has created a set pattern of polarisation in society. Incidents of atrocities are escalating to alarming levels as the BJP enters the electoral battlefield. Meanwhile, the socioeconomic situation of Muslims continues to deteriorate, leading to mass dehumanisation and exclusion of the country’s largest minority. But Mr Modi’s past credentials and present policy of suppression and indifference betray his mission of absolute minority isolation. As smug as the BJP government is about its majoritarian vote bank, every incident of communal cruelty will essentially be seen as a failure of the state until mechanisms to curb injustice through institutional participation are put in place. Indians need to reflect on the adverse impact of their threatened diversity. Bravado packaged in slogans of ‘Hindu rashtra’ is poison for social justice.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2024