India"s technology rise and Hindu nationalism: a transformative era
- In 2019, the Indian government passed the Citizenship Amendment Act, granting citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries.
- The government also planned the National Register of Citizens, requiring all Indians to prove their nationality, raising concerns about discrimination.
- These actions have sparked debates about the future of secularism and civil liberties in India, highlighting the risks of combining technology with Hindu nationalism.
In September 2024, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), faced scrutiny for its controversial policies. Following their re-election in 2019, the government enacted the Citizenship Amendment Act, which expedited citizenship for refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, explicitly excluding Muslims. This law raised concerns about religious discrimination and the implications for India's secular identity. Simultaneously, the government initiated plans for the National Register of Citizens, a project requiring all Indians to verify their nationality. This move was perceived as a potential tool for further marginalizing Muslim communities, leading to widespread protests and debates about national identity and citizenship rights. The intersection of technology and Hindu nationalism has become a focal point in contemporary Indian politics, with fears that the government may exploit these elements to consolidate power. Critics argue that the combination of these policies could lead to an erosion of democratic values and civil liberties in India. As the situation evolves, the implications of these actions on India's social fabric and political landscape remain a topic of intense discussion. The government's approach raises questions about the future of secularism in India and the potential for increased polarization among its diverse population.