One of the most glaring examples of the BJP’s intolerance is its treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims. Since coming to power in 2014, the BJP has implemented policies that have left millions of Muslims feeling like second-class citizens in their own country. The ruling party’s demonization of Muslims is evident in its manifesto, which calls for the construction of a temple on the site of a destroyed mosque in Ayodhya, as well as the implementation of a nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which blatantly discriminates against Muslims.
The BJP’s hate speech and intolerance towards Muslims have been amplified by its leadership, including Prime Minister Modi. Modi has made numerous speeches criticized for their anti-Muslim sentiment, including referring to Muslim immigrants as “termites” and claiming that his political opponents were “in league with terrorists.” The BJP’s leaders have been accused of inciting violence against Muslims, which has led to numerous incidents of communal violence across the country.
The BJP’s intolerance and authoritarianism have not been limited to its treatment of minorities. The party has also been criticized for stifling dissent and curtailing freedom of expression. The BJP’s government has clamped down on journalists critical of the government, civil society groups and NGOs. The government has also used sedition laws to silence dissenting voices, including students and activists who have spoken out against the government’s policies.
The BJP’s intolerance and authoritarianism are not just a threat to human rights but also to democracy itself. The BJP’s actions have eroded the principles of democratic governance and have undermined the rule of law. The government has been accused of using state machinery to target political opponents, including the opposition party Congress. The BJP has also been accused of manipulating the media and using social media to spread propaganda and silence dissent.
The BJP’s fascist and intolerant ideology is a clear threat to the social fabric of India. The party’s demonization of minorities through hate speech and curtailment of freedom of expression pose a grave danger to India’s democracy and the rights of its citizens. The international community must take note of the situation in India and hold the BJP accountable for its actions.
As we mark International Human Rights Day, let us remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, who helped draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works.” It is time for India to remember these words and reaffirm its commitment to human rights for all its citizens.
As India moves further away from its foundational values of diversity, tolerance, and democracy, the country finds itself at a crossroads. The BJP’s fascist and intolerant ideology has led to the persecution of marginalized communities, a curtailment of civil liberties, and a weakening of democratic institutions. The government’s disregard for human rights has resulted in the suffering of millions of people across India.
The BJP’s anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies have contributed to a culture of fear and intolerance toward the community. This has led to a rise in incidents of communal violence, hate crimes, and discrimination against Muslims. The BJP’s attempts to stifle dissent and free speech have also contributed to a culture of fear and self-censorship among journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens.
India’s Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all its citizens, is threatened by the BJP’s authoritarian agenda. The government’s use of sedition laws, arbitrary arrests, and police brutality against peaceful protesters clearly indicates the government’s disregard for democratic norms and human rights. The BJP’s demonization of political opponents and the media has further undermined the principles of democratic governance.
- BJP’s Reign of Terror and Intolerance - 02/04/2023
- Genocide of Muslims in India: A Human Rights Catastrophe Unfolding - 01/04/2023
