I will discuss in this paper, the transformation of India after 2014 and how democracy suffers. In the contemporary scenario, the 2014 election in India was a welcoming year for militant Hinduism and extreme nationalism when BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) came into power with 282 seats. A few incidents also took place regarding the harassment of democratic rights in the period during the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government but things have changed drastically after the arrival of the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government in India. It attacked the fundamental rights of people. The present government has started interrupting every aspect of people’s life. No one can decide what someone will keep for a meal in his or her refrigerator. The choice of food has been threatened. India has transformed a lot through the post-independence period to till date especially when Hindu nationalist party like BJP came into power.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Democratic Transformations in India
2. Post-Independence Democracy and Early Historical Context
3. The 2014 Shift: Political Transformations and Militant Hinduism
4. Impacts on Fundamental Rights, Minorities, and Social Policy
5. Dissent, Judiciary, and the Crisis of Freedom of Expression
6. Socio-Political Dynamics: Caste, Elite Parties, and Voter Behavior
7. Contemporary Challenges: CAA, NRC, and Economic Crisis
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to analyze the significant political, social, and institutional transformations in India since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in 2014, specifically examining the resulting pressures on the nation's democratic framework and secular principles.
- Historical evaluation of Indian democracy from the post-independence era to the contemporary period.
- The nexus between Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) and state policy post-2014.
- Analysis of rising socio-religious tensions, including cow-vigilantism and the targeting of minorities.
- The institutional impact on fundamental rights, freedom of expression, and the judiciary.
- Critical review of governance projects such as Aadhar, Demonetization, and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Excerpt from the Book
Imagining Hindutva: Hindu Nationalism and Democratic Politics in India.
After independence, India emerged as the largest democracy in the world as per the constitution. But the irony is that the thing which is suffering the most in India in a contemporary context is nothing else but democracy significantly after BJP came into power. There is a huge disparity between “the ideals of a nation and the practices that seek or claim to embody them” (Anderson 2012). Despite being the largest democracy, the rate of poverty and illiteracy is very high in India, making it one of the world's most illiterate and poverty-ridden countries.
The birth of the Indian constitution was on the 26th of January, 1950 (effective date), though ratified on the 26th of November, 1949 which replaced the Government of India Act, 1935 and brought a lot of prospects with it such as equality, reservation for minorities, solidarity, voting rights for common people who can elect the government (Anderson 2012). The Idea of democracy was not a new coinage after colonialism the essence was hidden in pre-colonial history which helped Indians to fight for their worth and dream of a better milieu (Khilnani 2004).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to Democratic Transformations in India: Provides an overview of the research scope regarding the shift in Indian politics and the decline of democratic values since 2014.
2. Post-Independence Democracy and Early Historical Context: Examines the constitutional foundations of India and the democratic milestones achieved between 1950 and 1960.
3. The 2014 Shift: Political Transformations and Militant Hinduism: Discusses the rise of the BJP in the 2014 elections and the increasing influence of extreme nationalist ideologies.
4. Impacts on Fundamental Rights, Minorities, and Social Policy: Analyzes the rise in vigilantism and systemic policies that have marginalized minority groups and Dalits.
5. Dissent, Judiciary, and the Crisis of Freedom of Expression: Documents the threats to activists, journalists, and intellectuals who challenge the government's authority.
6. Socio-Political Dynamics: Caste, Elite Parties, and Voter Behavior: Reviews voter behavior and how political parties utilize nonparty affiliates to secure vote banks against the material interests of the poor.
7. Contemporary Challenges: CAA, NRC, and Economic Crisis: Investigates the fallout of recent legislation like the CAA and NRC, framing them as threats to the constitutional and secular identity of India.
Keywords
Hindu Nationalism, Hindutva, BJP, Indian Democracy, Human Rights, Minorities, Dalits, Secularism, CAA, NRC, Vigilantism, Freedom of Expression, Political Transformation, Indian Constitution, Social Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the political, social, and cultural transformations in India following the rise of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government in 2014.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the health of Indian democracy, the influence of Hindu nationalism, the marginalization of minorities, and the suppression of political dissent.
What is the core objective or research question?
The primary objective is to evaluate how the contemporary political climate under the BJP affects India's democratic foundations and secular values.
What research methodology is applied in this study?
The paper employs a qualitative, analytical approach, synthesizing political theory, historical context, and current affairs to critique government policies and socio-political incidents.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It covers specific instances of civil rights violations, the impacts of policies like Aadhar and Demonetization, and the analysis of social hierarchies influenced by elite party politics.
Which keywords best describe the essence of this study?
Key terms include Hindu Nationalism, Indian Democracy, Dalit rights, secularism, and political transformation.
How does the author characterize the role of cow vigilante groups?
The author argues that these groups operate as a direct threat to democratic order, noting a drastic increase in violence against Muslims and Dalits since 2014.
What interpretation does the author provide regarding the CAA and NRC?
The paper interprets these legislative moves as sectarian policies that exclude Muslims and contradict the "humanist, universalistic values" embedded in the Indian Constitution.
- Quote paper
- Suparna Chakraborty (Author), 2020, Discussion of the manifold transformations in India after 2014. Changes established by the Narendra Modi-led BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1325833
