Since Independence, India has been celebrated as a beacon of Civic Nationalism, where citizenship and national identity were grounded in constitutional values, pluralism, and democratic participation, rather than religious or ethnic exclusivity. The Indian Constitution envisioned a society where diversity is a strength, but this foundational principle is now under threat.
Recently, India has witnessed a disturbing shift from inclusive civic nationalism to an exclusivist majoritarian narrative. The vision of India as a shared home for all citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or language, is being replaced by a narrative that prioritises one identity over others. The rise of religious majoritarianism, legal and policy changes targeting minorities, and increasing suppression of dissent signal a concerted effort to narrow and exclude India’s democratic character.
1.The Rise of Exclusivist Nationalism
The Foundational Vision of Civic Nationalism
India was envisioned as a nation rooted in civic nationalism, where national identity transcended religion and ethnicity, focusing on equal citizenship and democratic participation. However, this inclusive framework is now being overshadowed by an exclusivist nationalism that promotes a singular religious and cultural identity, marginalising minorities. This shift is not organic but a deliberate effort by political, institutional, and social forces to redefine India’s national character.
Civic vs. Religious Nationalism
Civic nationalism upholds equal belonging for all citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or ethnicity. In contrast, religious nationalism defines national identity through majoritarian cultural and religious norms, sidelining minorities. Leaders of India’s freedom movement – Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, and Azad – firmly rejected religious nationalism, advocating a secular, pluralistic democracy where citizenship remained independent of faith.
The Rise of Communal Ideology and Cultural Homogenisation
Hindutva ideology challenges this civic framework, pushing for India as a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation). It reshapes political and social structures to marginalise minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. The celebrated ethos of Unity in Diversity is increasingly being replaced by an enforced Cultural Homogeneity.
The Shift from Democratic Engagement to Authoritarian Control
National loyalty is increasingly measured by adherence to majoritarian religious practices, reflecting a transition from Constitutional Patriotism to Religious Nationalism. Simultaneously, dissent is stifled, and minority participation is restricted, signalling a move from Democratic Engagement to Authoritarian Control. This ideological transformation poses a fundamental challenge to India’s pluralistic and democratic ethos.
Majoritarianism and the Redefinition of Indian Identity
A key element of the rise of exclusivist nationalism is the effort to redefine Indian identity, often through rhetoric, policies, and narratives that establish a hierarchy of citizenship, excluding minorities.
The Politics of Othering
The shift towards ethnic nationalism often involves dividing citizens through identity politics. Minorities, particularly Muslims, Christians, and even dissenting Hindus, are framed as “outsiders” or “anti-nationals. “Muslims are often portrayed as “invaders” or “foreigners” despite their centuries-long presence in India. Minorities are pressured to “prove their patriotism” by conforming to specific cultural or religious practices. Interfaith marriages, particularly between Hindu women and Muslim men, are vilified, with laws like “anti-Love Jihad” legislation criminalising such relationships. This “othering” process seeks to portray minorities as second-class citizens, associating them with disloyalty or foreign influence.
2.The Role of State Institutions in Legitimising Exclusivity
Once a neutral arbiter of justice and equality, the Indian state now increasingly enforces majoritarian values through legal and social systems.
Institutional Bias in Action
The state’s role in promoting exclusivist nationalism has intensified, with key democratic institutions like the judiciary, law enforcement, education system, and media increasingly co-opted to support a specific nationalist agenda.
Judiciary: Selective legal interpretations, such as the Babri Masjid verdict, survey of mosques overriding the Places of Worship Act 1991, Freedom of Speech – Sudarshan TV Case (2020), reflect majority sentiment and selective approach.
Law Enforcement: Crackdowns on protests, arbitrary arrests of activists, imposing the unconstitutional “Bulldozer Justice” and use of draconian laws like UAPA and sedition laws.
Education System: Revision of history textbooks to erase minority contributions and glorify majority narratives, negate and replace the national heroes of freedom.
Media: Mainstream media outlets function as propaganda tools, amplifying Islamophobia and fuelling communal divisions.
Legal and Constitutional Subversion: The CAA-NRC Nexus
India’s legal and constitutional framework is transforming in ways that threaten equality and secularism. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) exemplify this shift, redefining citizenship and disproportionately affecting minorities, particularly Muslims.
The CAA introduces a religious criterion for citizenship, granting expedited naturalisation to non-Muslim refugees from neighbouring countries. Combined with the NRC’s requirement for proof of citizenship, this creates potential large-scale disenfranchisement. Non-Muslims deemed stateless could seek relief under the CAA, while Muslims face the risk of statelessness or detention. This selective application undermines the secular essence of Indian citizenship.
UCC: Legal Reform or Religious Targeting?
Presented as a step towards legal uniformity and gender justice, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) disproportionately targets Muslim personal law while ignoring discriminatory practices in Hindu law. Lacking clarity, it serves more as a political tool than genuine reform, undermining India’s constitutional safeguard of religious freedom (Article 25). The broader intent appears to weaken minority identities by imposing a majoritarian legal framework.
One Nation, One Election: Undermining Federalism
The “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposal, aimed at synchronising national and state elections, threatens federalism and democratic accountability. By diminishing state governments’ autonomy, favouring national parties, and reducing political responsiveness between elections, ONOE disproportionately benefits the ruling party while sidelining regional voices and issues.
3.The Socio-Political Impact of Exclusivist Nationalism
Exclusivist nationalism not only alters political structures but also deeply affects the social fabric and democratic values of India. As the country shifts away from civic nationalism, it becomes increasingly fractured, with minorities and dissenters facing growing challenges in political and public life.
Eroding Social Harmony: Hate speech, lynchings, and religious polarisation have become pervasive, undermining India’s tradition of pluralism.
Institutional Decay: The judiciary, media, and civil liberties are increasingly compromised, eroding democratic safeguards.
Shrinking Space for Minorities: Policies like CAA-NRC marginalise minorities, stripping them of political, social, and economic rights and making them feel excluded from India’s national identity.
4.Islamic Perspective on Civic Nationalism
Alignment of Islamic Values with Civic Nationalism
Islam’s socio-political principles – justice, pluralism, equal citizenship, and accountable governance – mirror civic nationalism. The concept of al-adlwa’l-ihsan (justice and excellence) embodies constitutionalism, the rule of law, and equal rights for all, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
The Medina Charter: A Model for Pluralism
Drafted by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Medina Charter established one of history’s earliest frameworks for inclusive governance, ensuring peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and tribal groups. Key Features:
Equal Citizenship – Muslims, Jews, and other tribes were recognised as equal members of society.
Religious Freedom – All groups could freely practisedtheir faith.
Collective Defence – Security was a shared responsibility.
Rule of Law – Justice prevailed without religious supremacy.
Protection of Identity – Cultural and religious autonomy was upheld.
Relevance Today: The Charter’s inclusivity contrasts with India’s rising exclusivist nationalism, which marginalises minorities and challenges their rights and citizenship.
Justice and Rule of Law in Islam
Justice (adl) and fairness (qist) are fundamental in Islamic governance, ensuring accountability for all, including rulers. The Qur’an mandates:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people, to judge with justice.” (Qur’an 4:58)
Key Principles:
Accountability of Rulers – Even the Prophet ﷺand Caliphs were subject to the law.
Equality in Justice – Islamic law upholds fairness regardless of background.
Protection of Minorities – Early Islamic governance safeguarded minority rights.
Contrast with India Today: Selective law enforcement disproportionately targets minorities, violating both Islamic teachings and civic nationalism. State suppression of dissent further deviates from the Islamic ideal of accountable governance.
Decentralisation vs. Centralisation
Islamic governance historically promoted decentralisation, empowering local communities in decision-making.
Examples:
Rashidun Caliphate – Local governors (Wali) had autonomy while remaining accountable.
Ottoman Millet System – Religious communities governed their internal affairs.
Mughal Mansabdari System – Local administration ensured representation.
India’s Shift to Centralisation: Increasing concentration of power in India erodes state autonomy, weakens federalism, and restricts public participation – contradicting both democratic ideals and Islam’s principle of Shura (consultation) in governance.
5.Defending Civic Nationalism: The Struggle for India’s Democratic Soul
India is at a critical juncture, with civic nationalism under threat from authoritarianism, majoritarianism, and institutional bias. The rise of exclusivist nationalism is reshaping India’s identity, sidelining religious minorities and dissenting voices.
Key Drivers of this Shift:
The CAA-NRC seeks to create a religion-based hierarchy of citizenship.
The UCC is being weaponised to target minorities rather than serve genuine reform.
One Nation, One Election (ONOE) threatens regional autonomy and weakens democratic accountability.
6.The Path Forward
To resist this shift and restore the spirit of civic nationalism, India must:
- Ensure equal citizenship for all, irrespective of religion, caste, or ethnicity.
- Uphold the rule of law and end state-sponsored discrimination.
- Decentralise governance to protect federalism and empower local communities.
- Foster interfaith and inter-community dialogue to rebuild trust.
- Strengthen alliances with other marginalised groups to resist majoritarianism.
- Engage in legal and political activism to defend secularism and pluralism.
The battle to protect India’s civic nationalism is not just about safeguarding the rights of minorities – it’s about preserving the very essence of democracy. If unchecked, the rise of exclusivism could irreversibly alter India’s identity as a diverse, inclusive, and democratic nation. The time for action is now; the future of India’s democracy depends on the resilience of its people.
[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind]