The Hinduness Of Indian Pluralism

- Seshadri Chari

HINDU is not a religious group, nor is Hinduism a religion in the strict sense of the term. But the adoption of the Westphalian model of democracy has necessitated the discourse on secularism versus communalism and the role of religion in politics in a society where all these ideas were alien until about a century ago. The issue of the oft-repeated promise of the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya has come to dominate political discourse once again, eclipsing all other issues that featured prominently on social media since 2014. Blame it on the impending 2019 Lok Sabha elections or the very nature of being Indian.

During the run-up to the demolition of the dilapidated structure in Ayodhya, popularly referred to as Babri Masjid, on December 6, 1992, it was primarily the question of what represents Hindu awareness, Hindu rights and Hindu interests that was prominently raised. The fragmentation of Hindu votes was seen as a prime reason for the lack of political authority commensurate with the strength of the Hindu population. The Ayodhya movement brought about a monumental change in Hindu society, albeit temporarily, making it rise above the barriers of caste and language. Since those at the forefront of the movement belonged to the BJP, which had started with just two members in the Lok Sabha, Hindu consolidation catapulted the party to one with significant numbers, and then its leader to the position of prime minister.