Controversial leadership of Narendra Modi and anti-Islamic sentiments
By: Mohadesh Amini
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has become a central figure in global discussions on religious tensions, especially in the context of Hindu-Muslim relations. While his supporters laud his leadership and economic reforms, critics accuse him of fostering an environment that allows anti-Muslim sentiments to flourish, raising concerns about the protection of religious minorities in India.
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Narendra Modi, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been India’s Prime Minister since 2014. Modi’s rise to power has been accompanied by controversy, especially regarding his stance on religious issues. As a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, Modi’s leadership is often scrutinized for its impact on India’s Muslim population, which constitutes a significant minority in the country.
Modi’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2002 remains one of the darkest chapters in his political career. During the Gujarat riots, widespread violence targeted the Muslim community, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand people, mostly Muslims. Modi’s handling of the situation has been heavily criticized, with many accusing him of either being complicit in or failing to prevent the violence. Although he was cleared of wrongdoing by the Indian courts, the riots continue to haunt his reputation, and accusations of religious intolerance persist.
Since assuming the role of Prime Minister, Modi’s administration has introduced several controversial policies that critics argue disproportionately affect India’s Muslim population. One of the most contentious was the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed in 2019, which provides a path to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries. Critics argue that the law is discriminatory because it explicitly excludes Muslims, thus creating a religious divide.
In addition, the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019 raised alarm, as it led to increased military presence and restrictions in the region, which has a large Muslim population. Many viewed the move as part of a broader agenda to undermine Muslim identity and autonomy in the region.
The BJP’s alignment with Hindu nationalist ideologies has contributed to an increasingly hostile environment for Muslims in India. The party’s focus on promoting Hindu culture and values has been linked to the marginalization of Muslims, and several BJP leaders have made inflammatory statements against Muslims. Under Modi’s leadership, the rise of vigilante groups targeting Muslims, particularly in the context of beef-related violence, has raised fears that the government is not doing enough to protect its Muslim citizens.
Internationally, Modi’s government has faced criticism from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which have raised concerns about the treatment of Muslims under his rule. Despite this, Modi has maintained strong support among a significant portion of India’s population, many of whom see him as a leader who is promoting India's growth and security.
Narendra Modi's leadership has been marked by both achievements and controversies. While his supporters view him as a transformative figure who has brought economic development and political stability to India, critics point to his record on religious minorities, particularly Muslims, as evidence of a broader agenda that undermines India’s secular and inclusive values. As India moves forward, the question remains whether Modi will reconcile his policies with the country’s commitment to pluralism and religious tolerance or if religious divisions will continue to deepen under his leadership.
