Religion is still an important factor in Indian politics. Discuss. (UPSC CSE Mains 2017 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 1)
- Religion has been an integral part of Indian society and politics for centuries. In a country as diverse as India, religion plays a significant role in shaping the political discourse and mobilizing the masses. India is known for its rich cultural and religious diversity, with Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism being some of the major religions practiced by its people. These religious beliefs have influenced Indian politics, social norms, and practices, both positively and negatively.
- India has a long history of political parties that have strong religious affiliations. The two major political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) has deep roots in religion. The BJP is known for its Hindu nationalist agenda and has been associated with the Hindu nationalist movement Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). On the other hand, the INC has been associated with secular ideology and has tried to remain neutral on religious issues.
- Religion has played a major role in elections and political campaigns in India. Candidates often use religious rhetoric and symbols to appeal to voters. During elections, political parties often use religious symbols and images to create a religious identity and appeal to voters of a particular religious community. This phenomenon is known as "communalism" in Indian politics.
- Religious tensions have also been exploited by politicians to gain power. Communal riots and violence have occurred in the past, often sparked by religious tensions. These incidents have led to the politicization of religion and the use of religious identity as a tool to mobilize voters.
- Despite the negative aspects, religion has played a positive role in Indian politics as well. Religious institutions and leaders have played a significant role in social reform movements in India. For example, the Sikh community has played a crucial role in the fight against caste discrimination and social inequality. Religious institutions have also been involved in providing education and healthcare services to the poor and marginalized sections of society.
- In recent years, there has been a growing trend of "spiritual politics" in India, where religious leaders and gurus have started their political parties. These parties often have a spiritual agenda and focus on issues like morality, ethics, and spirituality. They are not affiliated with any particular religious community and aim to appeal to a broader audience.
- In conclusion, religion has played a significant role in Indian politics, both positively and negatively. While it has been used as a tool to gain power and mobilize voters, it has also played a role in social reform movements and provided services to the poor and marginalized. The challenge for Indian politics is to strike a balance between the use of religious identity as a tool for mobilization and the need to maintain a secular and inclusive society.
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