The coming together of the 26-member INDIA bloc was anticipated to be a union with differences, given the vast range of ideologies and geographical spread of its member parties. However, what has taken everyone by surprise is the source and suddenness of the brewing problem.
While it was expected that the differences might stem from the North, represented by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, or from the East, courtesy of Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee, the South was considered an unlikely source of discord. Moreover, it’s even more unexpected that the issue at hand revolves around Sanatana Dharma or Hindutva.
But why weren’t ideological differences concerning Hindutva anticipated, considering the varying degrees of alignment that INDIA parties have exhibited with either Hindutva or secularism? The answer lies in how experts and observers primarily focused on the prime ministerial aspirations of INDIA leaders and seat-sharing arrangements as the key divisive factors. They seemed to overlook how these parties interpret “secularism,” a favored term when forging an alliance to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The fuse that ignited this discord was DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remark about Sanatana Dharma. Udhayanidhi’s comparison of Sanatana Dharma to “dengue and malaria” and his call for its “eradication” sparked outrage. Even members of the INDIA bloc found his remarks indefensible.
The surprising part is that the discord over Sanatana Dharma has exposed the weakest link within the alliance – their stance on secularism. The otherwise firebrand Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee found herself on the back foot over Udhayanidhi’s remarks. Shiv Sena (UBT), a member of the bloc, is known for its hardcore Hindutva ideology. The AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has embraced “soft Hindutva” in its politics.
This divergence in their interpretation of secularism and their use of Hindutva in politics has provided an emotive issue for the BJP to exploit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to defend Sanatana Dharma and his assertion that the “INDI Alliance” aims to destroy it have only intensified this ideological rift.
In this climate, it’s crucial for the INDIA bloc to find common ground on secularism to maintain their unity. Their differences in ideology and their understanding of this critical term must be addressed to present a cohesive front against the BJP. Failure to do so could weaken their collective strength and jeopardize their ability to counter the ruling party effectively.
