Hindutva Versus Two Nation Theory: An Appraisal

Abstract

In India, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) won the elections in 2019 and formed the government for the second time reflecting its popularity among the masses. BJP is politically inspired by Hindu nationalist movements which include Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The followers of these movements believe in Hindutva ideology which is based on the conception of Hindu culture and Hinduism. The roots of Hindutva ideology can be traced back to ancient India’s history but it became evident in 1990s. The immersion of Hindutva in the democratic progression has distressed the secular bearings of Indian constitution and generated insecurities for minorities in general and Muslims and Christians in particular. Hindutva is a main source of extremism and violence that engenders misgivings among minorities relating to their impending existence. Under such a frenzy environment, it is evaluated that the BJP’s backing of Hindutva might aggravate the progression to further India’s disintegration. To comprehend the role of Hindutva within Indian society, the theory of clash of civilizations provides insights to grasp this debate.