The year 2024 will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Indian politics, where the misuse of religion in electoral campaigns reached alarming levels. This trend, characterised by communal appeals, inflammatory rhetoric, and divisive policies, posed a grave threat to the secular and democratic fabric of the country.
Dangerous Use of Religion in Politics
Although religion has often been a tool for political mobilisation, the extent to which it influenced the 2024 elections was unprecedented. Political leaders openly exploited religious sentiments, deepening societal divides for electoral gains. Such practices not only contravene the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution of Indiabut also weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
Religious symbolism became a prominent electoral tool, with major parties vying to project their religious affiliations:
The party’s focus on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and its Hindutva agenda was central to its campaign. The temple’s consecration, coupled with infrastructure projects in Ayodhya, symbolised its commitment to Hindu cultural revival. However, Congress countered by highlighting Hindu cultural icons and promoting religious inclusivity, evident in initiatives like the “Ram VamGaman Tourism Circuit” in Chhattisgarh. (Indian Express)
The BJP’s strategy also extended to framing religious minorities as a threat to national security, while the Congress adopted a sub-nationalistic approach, emphasising regional identities tied to Hindu cultural heritage. (PTI)
Rise in Hate Speech
The election campaign saw a sharp rise in hate speech, with notable examples including:
- Raja Singh: Singh’s provocative remarks at a Mumbai rally called for a “Hindu Rashtra” and targeted minorities. (Independent Monitoring Panel)
- Dhirendra Krishna Shastri: This Hindu self-styled godman’s remarks included calls for mosque destruction and divisive rhetoric. (PTI)
- The systematic targeting of religious minorities through hate speech led to several incidents of violence and unrest. For example, posters barring non-Hindus from visiting the ghats in Varanasi in January, and inflammatory speeches by leaders across states like Telangana and Karnataka, further exacerbated communal tensions. (Citizens for Justice and Peace)
Violations of Model Code of Conduct
The Election Commission of India (ECI) implemented stringent measures under the MCC to curb the use of religion in political campaigns. These included prohibitions on communal appeals, incitement of religious tension, personal attacks based on religious identity, and the use of religious gatherings and places for campaigning. Despite these guidelines, violations were rampant:
- Communal Appeals: In April 2024, a regional party leader in Uttar Pradesh urged voters to support them for the “protection of their faith.” This blatant appeal to religious identity violated ECI regulations and drew criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups. (The Times of India)
- Inflammatory Rhetoric: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nupur Sharma, during a rally in Maharashtra in March, made provocative remarks that sparked communal tensions, resulting in violence and unrest. Although the ECI issued a notice, the damage to communal harmony had already been done. (Hindustan Times)
- Religious Gatherings: In Punjab, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader used the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi to promote electoral agendas. This event blurred the line between religious observances and political campaigning. (Reuters)
- Exploitation of Religious Sentiments: In Assam, BJP leaders promised to protect Hindu refugees, portraying opposition parties as threats to the Hindu community. This narrative, criticised for exploiting communal fears, resonated with certain sections of the electorate. (The Hindu)
Exploitation by Key Political Figures
According to Human Rights Watch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a central figure in the 2024 campaign, was reported to have delivered 110 speeches containing divisive rhetoric. Modi’s campaign strategy leaned heavily on amplifying communal fears and projecting the Opposition as a threat to Hindu interests.
During a rally in Banswara, Rajasthan, Modi accused the Congress of intending to “snatch gold and property” from Hindus to benefit Muslims, stoking fears among his core voter base. In Madhya Pradesh, he falsely claimed the Opposition would allocate sports team selections based on religion, a statement that not only misled but also inflamed communal tensions.
In Jharkhand, Modi alleged that “idols of our deities are being destroyed” and described Muslims as “infiltrators” who endangered the safety of Hindu women. Further escalating tensions, he warned in Uttar Pradesh that an Opposition victory would lead to the demolition of the newly inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a claim lacking any substantiation. (Human Rights Watch, PTI)
Such inflammatory rhetoric exemplifies how political figures manipulate religious narratives to gain electoral advantage, often at the expense of social harmony and constitutional values.
High-Profile Religious Controversies
2024 also witnessed a series of legal and social controversies centred on religious sites, further complicating the political landscape:
- Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Controversy: The Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, became a flashpoint following a court-ordered survey based on claims that the mosque was built on an ancient Hindu temple. Violent clashes erupted, resulting in multiple fatalities. This case highlighted the polarising potential of religious disputes and the volatility they bring to communal harmony. (Indian Express)
- Ajmer Sharif Dargah Dispute: A similar dispute arose around the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, with claims of its origins as a Shiva temple. Legal petitions have intensified communal tensions, prompting questions about the efficacy of the Places of Worship Act 1991. The Act, designed to maintain the religious status quo as of 1947, is now under scrutiny amid calls for its amendment. (PTI)
- Gyanvapi Mosque Case: The Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi remains a contentious site. Allegations of a discovered Shivling have led to calls for surveys and legal battles, with implications for other religious disputes across the country. This has exemplified the complex interplay of history, faith, and modern legal frameworks. (Hindustan Times)
Impact on Social Fabric
The misuse of religion in politics had profound implications:
- Harming Democratic Norms: By prioritising religious identity over governance, parties diverted attention from pressing issues like economic development and social justice.
- Social Division: Communal polarisation deepened, fostering mistrust and hostility among communities. Instances of violence in states like Manipur and Maharashtra highlighted the dangerous consequences of such rhetoric.
- Judicial Challenges: The judiciary faced increasing pressure to balance historical grievances with contemporary secular principles, as seen in disputes like Gyanvapi and Ajmer Sharif.
Strategic Silence and Political Calculations
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) adopted a calculated silence on many controversies, reflecting internal divisions and strategic considerations. While advocating restraint, RSS leaders warned against overextending claims on religious sites, fearing it could dilute the focus on high-profile cases like Kashi and Mathura. (Indian Express)
Eventually, Mr. Mohan Bhagwat, RSS chief, reiterated the need for harmony and cautioned against “seeking Shivlings in every mosque,” urging followers to focus on historical cases and avoid frivolous claims that could undermine public support. (PTI)
Charting a Path Forward
The events of 2024 underscore the risks of intertwining religion with politics. Upholding constitutional values of secularism and inclusivity is imperative to ensure justice and equality for all. As India navigates this challenging phase, a commitment to unity and social harmony remains the nation’s most pressing need. To preserve India’s secular and democratic ethos, collective action is needed. Political leaders must prioritise governance over divisive rhetoric, and civil society must hold them accountable. Strengthening laws against hate speech and empowering judicial oversight are key steps forward.
Furthermore, revisiting the Places of Worship Act 1991 to reinforce its provisions and addressing the root causes of communal tensions through dialogue and education are necessary measures. Encouraging interfaith initiatives and fostering community-based reconciliation efforts can also help mend the social fabric.
While political opportunism may exploit faith, the resilience of India’s democratic institutions and the vigilance of its civil society offer hope for a more inclusive future. This collective responsibility must be embraced to prevent the weaponisation of religion from derailing the nation’s democratic journey.
[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind]