Long Reads: The Rise and Rule of India’s Hindu Right w/ Siddhartha Deb
Mar 21, 2025
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Siddhartha Deb, an author known for revealing the darker aspects of modern India, joins the discussion on the rise of the Hindu right and its impact on Indian society. They delve into Narendra Modi's decade-long rule and the BJP's Hindutva agenda, examining its effects on marginalized communities and democracy. Deb critiques the intersection of neoliberalism and Hindutva, the politicization of sports like the IPL, and explores the tragic story of Father Stan Swamy, advocating for indigenous rights amid rising authoritarianism and media control.
Modi's decade in power revealed deepening inequalities and a troubling collapse of democracy, particularly impacting marginalized communities in India.
The nexus between neoliberal policies and the rise of Hindutva enabled an elitist agenda that marginalized the majority while obscuring social divides.
Despite economic statistics suggesting growth, public health and social indicators reflect a dire reality that fuels citizen discontent and resistance movements.
Deep dives
The Deterioration of Indian Democracy
The political landscape in India has significantly deteriorated during Narendra Modi's tenure as Prime Minister, reflecting a bleak picture for democracy. The opposition has fragmented, and mainstream media largely supports the ruling government, failing to critique government actions, particularly against minorities. Economic and social conditions have worsened, with dire public health indicators and food security issues compounding the country’s existing inequalities rooted in caste and religious identity. This state of collapse highlights the challenges faced by alternative forms of governance and the threats to democracy and marginalized communities in India.
Neoliberalism and Hindutva Connection
The relationship between India’s neoliberal policies and the rise of Hindutva politics is critical yet often overlooked. The transition to neoliberalism in the 1990s undermined previous commitments to public welfare and exacerbated economic inequalities, enabling the Hindu right to gain traction. The media and Indian elites supported this neoliberal agenda, promoting a narrative that falsely celebrated economic growth while ignoring the deepening divides within society. This nexus between neoliberalism and Hindutva facilitated an environment where the Hindu right could flourish politically, enriching a small elite while marginalizing a vast majority.
The Economic Reality Under Modi
Despite showcasing impressive economic growth metrics, the reality of economic and social development in India under Modi's leadership tells a different story. Women's health and child malnutrition rates remain abysmally high compared to neighboring countries, debunking the narrative of prosperity. Beneath the facade of economic success lies a troubling record of increasing wealth concentration among oligarchs while the general population experiences stagnation or decline in living standards. The Modi government’s focus on infrastructure projects often does not translate into meaningful developments in everyday life, leaving many citizens disillusioned and impoverished.
Political Repression and Control of Dissent
Political repression has marked Modi’s government, characterized by a crackdown on dissent across various societal levels. The media landscape is dominated by pro-government narratives, fostering a culture of fear where criticism of the ruling party is met with hostility and even violence. Legislative and punitive measures have systematically targeted political opponents, particularly marginalized groups and activists. A culture of impunity prevails, emboldening state-sponsored violence while curtailing freedoms of expression and assembly, fundamentally undermining the fabric of India's purported democracy.
The Emergence of Resistance Movements
Resistance movements have gained momentum, challenging Modi's authoritarian grip on power, attesting to the resilient spirit of various groups within Indian society. Protests against policies perceived as anti-Muslim and agrarian reforms have showcased a growing unity among disaffected citizens, highlighting the public’s demand for transparency and justice. These movements, though met with state violence and repression, signal a broader discontent with the government's failures, fostering a political landscape where the opposition to Hindutva can unite diverse narratives. The electoral setback for the BJP emphasizes the potential for resistance, fueled by persistent advocacy for a more inclusive and equitable India.
Last year, Narendra Modi celebrated a decade in office as India’s prime minister. Modi was aiming for a third consecutive election victory and a parliamentary landslide that would give him a free hand to advance his right-wing, Hindu nationalist agenda. But the election proved to be a disappointment for Modi and his allies, who lost their majority in parliament. Modi had to form a coalition to maintain his grip on power.
Long Reads is joined by one of Modi’s leading journalistic opponents to discuss the rise and rule of the Hindu right wing. Siddhartha Deb is the author of several novels, and his non-fiction work has exposed the dark side of contemporary India. Haymarket Books published a collection of his writings last year, Twilight Prisoners: The Rise of the Hindu Right and the Fall of India.
Long Reads is a Jacobin podcast looking in-depth at political topics and thinkers, both contemporary and historical, with the magazine’s longform writers. Hosted by features editor Daniel Finn. Produced by Conor Gillies with music by Knxwledge.
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