The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘fascism’ as ‘a political regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government and forcible suppression of opposition’ amongst other characteristics. Put simply, a fascist state focusses on nationalism - and often religion or race - over its people and has strict control over everything from laws to the economy, with minimal opposition. In more extreme cases, this may involve oppression too. This article will delve into the notion that the world’s largest democracy, the Republic of India, might be developing into a fascist nation that follows a path similar to one that led to the rise of Nazism in Germany.
The definition of fascism begins with the notion of the nation above the individual, which has undoubtedly grown more prevalent in India’s recent history. A prime example of this is the highly controversial ‘Citizenship Amendment Act’ of 2019, which granted illegal immigrants that entered India before 2015 from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan who were Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, or Christians Indian citizenship. The amendment excluded Muslims, the largest religion present in these states. The argument for this was that the amendment was meant to help minorities and Islam was a majority. However, the issue here is that being a ‘secular’ nation, the country must be separate from religion in all aspects. The fact that citizenship to immigrants is being provided on the bases of religion is evidence enough of the country prioritizing religion over individuals. There are various Muslim sects like the ‘Ahmadiyya’ group that are considered as minorities and are allegedly oppressed by India’s neighbors. However, the exclusion of their religion makes it impossible for them to find a safe haven outside their country. As opposed to this, individuals of other religions who may not even be facing any oppression as minorities and who have migrated for economic reasons may be granted citizenship. Citizenship grants to immigrants should be based on their needs, not on their religion, to ensure fair provision to those fleeing difficult circumstances. This amendment made that impossible. Above all, it prioritized religion over the needs of individuals, in concurrence with the definition of fascism.
In continuation, when one looks at the aftermath of the passing of this amendment, a clear picture of suppression of opposers can be drawn - a common characteristic of fascism. The bill was followed by extensive nationwide protests, which began when the amendment was tabled at the end of 2019. Despite attempts to stop them with measures that included violent means, they only came to an end because of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. The initial opposition was largely from the Indian youth and came in the form of demonstrations across universities. One such demonstration at the Jamia Milia Islamia University in Delhi was met with brutality from the police who operate under the Home Ministry. The brutality included the use of tear gas and batons, severely injuring over fifty people. A similar attack took place in another university a few weeks later, when individuals alleged to be members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) entered the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus and blindly attacked students and teachers. The ABVP is the youth wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, which is affiliated with the ruling BJP party. Another major event was the Delhi Riots in February 2020, which were allegedly instigated by a BJP leader’s speech, who demanded that protestors move away from Shaheen Bagh, where anti-CAA demonstrators had been sitting for over 70 days. This led to extensive property damage in Muslim-dominated areas and the deaths of 53 people, of which over 30 were Muslims. While most of the action came from citizens, it is impossible to deny that a lot of it was also from the police, as well as individuals affiliated with the government. This, to a great extent, proves the existence of oppression against a community as well as the suppression of opposers. This again is a common trait of fascist regimes.
Apart from this, there have been great economic and social reforms too along with various other instances of oppression. However, this one bill amendment alone is evidence enough that India, the largest democracy in the world, is showing signs of a fascist leadership. In the country’s future, this can only be seen as a step backwards with countries all over the world otherwise overcoming fascist or dictatorial regimes. Only time will tell if this change is to last but there undoubtedly are indications of a fascist regime developing in India.
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