India is known as the largest liberal democracy in the world, but notable shifts occurred under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The rise to power of the BJP has happened to the mushrooming of the Hindutva ideology that stresses the cultural and religious supremacy of Hindus. This has fueled the concerns regarding the contraction of India’s secular segment and the sidelining of religious and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslims. Be that as it may, in reality, due to his vulnerabilities, Modi not only has become lethal towards the Muslims but his Hindu opponents also.
One can see the desperation for securing the third-time premiership by putting several politicians from the opposition under investigation or putting rest behind bars like Arvind Kejriwal.
This move is made on false corruption grounds to curtail competitors from contesting elections. Moreover, his concurrent addresses are haunting the Hindus that Muslims being infiltrators are exploiting the resources of Hindus and could shrink the existence of the latter in India.
Additionally, three major stunts were performed to assure the Hindu majority that he is the only saviour of Hindus: the Construction of the Ram temple on the land of the erstwhile Babri Masjid, Citizenship law, putting Muslims in despair state, abandoning the Special status of Jammu and Kashmir by rescinding of the article 370. Modi was supported by the lower Hindu class of India during the 2019 election. But this time, the appeal goes beyond just the lower Hindu class. His leadership style of connecting with students, entrepreneurs, and YouTubers has extended his vote bank to a broader section of the Indian population, including the middle-educated class.
The ongoing elections in India appear to be the promotion of Hindutva ideology by the BJP, alongside the utilization of anti-Pakistan rhetoric by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains. Modi’s past electoral campaigns, particularly during the years 2014 and 2019 general elections, have often featured strong nationalist and anti-Pakistan emotions to rally support among the Indian electorate. His social media outlets are always on the run to disseminate loathe against Pakistan. Such acts are the reasons that create stalemate between two immediate rival neighbours, and meaningful dialogues have always been discouraged.
By tarnishing Pakistan and the Indian Muslim minority, Modi aims to gain greater support from Hindus and secure the PM ship for the third time.
Besides, Pakistan has always been stained for proliferating terrorism in India. But Pakistan has consistently denied the claims and stated that it is itself a victim of terrorism and has taken stern measures to eradicate extremism and militancy within its borders. By using inflammatory speeches, reality can’t be brushed under the carpet.
He was the one who massacred thousands of innocent Muslims in Gujrat during his CM ship in 2002. Rather, Indian intelligence (RAW) has provided support to separatist movements in Balochistan to sustain unrest in the province. Similarly, RAW has also utilized the Afghan territory to launch and support terrorist elements in Pakistan to weaken internal security and territorial integrity.
If Modi secures another term, things will get worse. Inestimable insecurities will be laid before the minorities, in particular Muslims. Along with this, the Indian foreign policy would be moulded with greater estrangement towards Pakistan. Nevertheless, the former should not underestimate the latter’s deterrence capabilities. By fueling hate against Pakistan, Modi can secure the Premiership, but security vulnerabilities will also be inflated among the two nuclear states and in the region.
Based on past events, neither country can afford another confrontation. Yet the six phases of the Indian Lok Sabha election 2024 are completed, and the results will be announced on June 4th 2024, after the completion of the 7th phase. Hopefully, besides Modi, whoever forms the government will revise India’s foreign policy and focus on building peaceful relations with neighbours, especially Pakistan. Since harmonious relations are profitable for Pakistan and in good favour of the region.
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The author holds a Masters degree in International Relations. He is an independent writer and columnist.