Muslims in India under Hindu Nationalism
- Muslims in India facing discrimination under the rise of Hindu nationalism led by Narendra Modi's government.
- Concerns raised about the status of the Muslim minority as second-class citizens and targets of mob violence.
- The impact of Hindu nationalism on the social fabric of India raises tensions and challenges the multicultural ethos of the country.
In his latest work, "The New India," journalist Rahul Bhatia explores the societal shifts that have occurred since Narendra Modi assumed the role of Prime Minister in 2014. Bhatia recounts a personal experience with a wealthy Hindu relative who became increasingly paranoid about perceived persecution from India's Muslim minority and their alleged allies, including journalists. This incident highlights a broader trend of rising intolerance and divisive rhetoric that has permeated Indian society during Modi's tenure. Bhatia notes that the term "presstitutes," used to disparage journalists, has gained traction among supporters of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This derogatory label reflects a growing hostility towards the media, which many BJP supporters view as biased against their political agenda. The journalist emphasizes that such sentiments are not isolated but rather indicative of a larger cultural shift towards nationalism and exclusionary politics. Throughout the past decade, Bhatia has faced increasing hostility from those who align with Modi's Hindu nationalist ideology. The normalization of aggressive language and attitudes towards dissenting voices has created a challenging environment for journalists in India, who are often caught in the crossfire of political and social tensions. In "The New India," Bhatia aims to shed light on these troubling developments, urging readers to recognize the implications of rising intolerance and the impact it has on democracy and freedom of expression in the country.