Hindutva discourse has permeated the diverse tapestry of Indian daily life, weaving its way through tea shops, coffee houses, trains, and Dhabas. Engaging discussions span Hindu dharma, the Ram Mandir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and facets of Hindu culture and identity. The vocal proponents of Hindutva manifest in varied shades—some adopting a gentler approach, others assertively passionate, and a few embracing an aggressive stance, even distancing themselves from alternative Hindutva perspectives. The yearning for heightened Hindutva politics and mobilisation resonates among many, shaping the evolving narrative of the nation.
Though Hinduism has inherently formed an inseparable aspect of every individual adherent’s identity, the Hindutva community showcases a heightened, structured awareness of their Hindu identity. This organised consciousness has developed incrementally, surfacing at a juncture when the political atmosphere became favorable. The ascension of the BJP as a potent political entity provided a platform for this assertive expression of the Hindutva public, allowing them to articulate their convictions with vigour.
Traditionally, the Hindutva community found its voice in the discourses of sadhus and saints, sect gatherings, conferences, and publications, creating its distinct public sphere. However, recent decades have witnessed a proliferation of Hindu organisations, NGOs, and diverse entities that serve as arenas for discussions and assertions related to Hindutva. These groups orchestrate a range of events, from book fairs and literary festivals to discourse groups, establishing a tangible Hindutva public sphere that extends both into physical realms and across virtual platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram. Actively participating, they express their perspectives, take stands on various Hindu-centric matters, and carve out spaces within mainstream media, electronic channels, and opinion editorials.
Within the Hindutva public, diversity reigns as it intertwines with other identities like caste and region, evolving dynamically. Despite the multifaceted nature of this community, the overarching identity of Hindutva manages to weave together these differences and contradictions. Internally, distinctions arise, revealing diverse stances and occasional critiques, particularly concerning the intensity of the pursuit of Hinduism. These varying positions find expression across a spectrum of YouTube channels featuring Hindutva activists, showcasing the nuanced tapestry of perspectives within this vibrant community.
In his latest work, “Republic of Hindutva,” Badri Narayan delves into the unfolding landscape of Hindutva common sense within the Hindu populace. This shared sensibility triggers their Hindutva awareness whenever pertinent issues come to the fore in the public domain. The surge in Hindutva consciousness among Hindus is palpable, resulting in the metamorphosis of numerous secular individuals into advocates of Hindutva, marking a swift and significant transformation in their perspectives.
While a significant portion of the Hindutva community aligns itself with the BJP, regional dynamics come into play, particularly in states like Maharashtra, where alternatives such as the Shiv Sena (Uddhav) present viable choices. The political landscape can witness divergence in positions. The imminent inauguration of the Ram Janam Bhoomi temple on January 22 in Ayodhya is poised to mark a historic milestone, potentially shaping the political allegiance of the Hindutva public, especially in the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections. The BJP earns accolades not only for effectively resolving the Ayodhya issue but also for wholeheartedly supporting the construction of the Ram Janam Bhoomi temple. Leading the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commands extensive support from the Hindutva community, emerging as a political icon for its members.
As we anticipate the 2024 parliamentary elections, issues concerning the sanctity of Hindutva, coupled with diverse developmental and social assistance initiatives like the Gareeb Kalyan Yojana, are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the electoral landscape for the BJP. The party’s proactive endeavours to uplift Hindu temples and sacred sites are perceived by the Hindu community as a commendable elevation of the dignity of their religion. This sentiment, coupled with a favourable political climate receptive to their aspirations and viewpoints, has the potential to realign a significant segment of the Hindutva public towards the BJP in the upcoming elections. To comprehensively grasp the electoral mobilisation of Hindutva communities, it is essential to scrutinise not only the electoral issues and agenda of the opposition but also assess their potential influences and repercussions.
(The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com)
