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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is at a crossroads. From just two parliamentarians in 1984, it has wielded power over vast areas of India and at all levels of the decision-making apparatus within and outside the government. Today no state is untouched by BJP politics. At the height of power, the question facing the BJP is whether it should become more radically right-wing to keep voters polarized or moderate its pitch to try to appeal to a diverse electorate. There are signs of both impulses in the BJP, but as International controversy over remarks made against Prophet Muhammad By Now-suspended members of the party shows, it would be a mistake to assume that a liberal stance can coexist with radical riots.

stir in the party

The impulse towards radicalization and polarization is not evident only in the explosion of hate speech against minoritiesAs seen in parliaments of religion, where there are open calls for mass murder, “80-20” rhetoric in UP electionsand on other occasions, but repeatedly in an attempt to force conflict with Muslims and provoke reactions Hijab controversy in KarnatakaPrayer issue in Gurugram, and call to find Shivling in mosques. These issues are irrelevant to the assertion and strengthening of Hindu identity, as long as the basis of Hindu identity is not its rich cultural ethos, but the role of the antagonist of a Muslim hero. Serious BJP leaders and supporters try to explain this riot in two ways: first, trying to distance the party from the most serious examples by labeling such people as “fringe” or lower-level leaders, who are struggling to gain visibility. the upper hand against competitors in factional battles; And second, they were dismissed as outright crude excesses by the hitherto suppressed non-elite who are now finding their voice. These explanations are unconvincing as there is no condemnation or action taken against these “fringe” actors. Instead, the cadre finds an identity and purpose by intimidating minorities under the aegis of the BJP leadership.

This strategy is misleading and needs to be reconsidered. This outburst of hatred against minorities is not only against the national interest but also against the BJP’s own long-term interest. Leaders trying to set up new organizations often act outside the bounds of mainstream behavior or legislation for various reasons such as lack of social or financial capital and to attract committed cadres through sharp messaging, polarization, etc. Visibility increased by shock value. However, as organizations acquire power and influence and grow to a certain size, they seek legitimacy to further strengthen their position. Winning elections in a democracy provides legitimacy. But the pursuit of an openly communal agenda invalidates both the electoral victory and the ruling party’s governance record.

road ahead

In the past eight years, the BJP has pushed back against any criticism in the form of elitist myopia. However, it must be clear that mainstream legitimacy cannot be achieved by marginalizing 15% of the country’s population. This is for two reasons. Firstly, shameful excesses are not aberrations, but the inevitable tendency of politicians to exaggerate the rifts. If the leadership does not set and enforce the boundaries of acceptable behavior for its cadre, the lower level leaders will tend towards more obnoxious behaviour, thus taking the party out of its comfort zone of the current leadership. This is already visible in the online criticism of the BJP leadership by a section of its supporters for the action taken against the two BJP office-bearers. Second, a struggle by a section of the leadership comprising 15% of the population will inevitably affect the rule of law and the rule of law.

In the absence of a vocal national opposition, it would be a mistake to assume that repeated electoral victories are confirmation of divisive politics. There is evidence across the country that people are tired of the hauntings of persistent hatred and widespread violence, but they lack a national political platform to convert this disenchantment into meaningful protest. Moreover, the kind of politics being pursued by the BJP now will also make it difficult to find allies to counter the inevitable anti-incumbency wave of two terms in future. The only long-term and viable way forward for the BJP is through restraint – not just in rhetoric but in its politics. The stream of welfare, cultural nationalism being pursued by the BJP is within the realm of mainstream politics and provides a ready-made blueprint for the party of the future. How the BJP will move forward is for its leadership to decide. However, it should rein in vigilance and make it clear that the path to progress in the party does not lie in spreading hatred.

Ruchi Gupta is the Executive Director of Future of India Foundation. Twitter: Gupta