Why Can't Hindus Consider a Return to Congress Governance?

India is a widely diverse country, and the complexities of its political landscapes often reflect the multifaceted nature of its demographics. The rise in religious hatred over the past few years cannot easily be confined to any single political party. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing debate centered around whether Hinduism can coexist with Congress' 60-year-old secular rule, as evidenced by the current dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Bharatiya Rajya Sangh (RSS). This article explores the reasons behind this tension.

Secular Rule and Its Impact

For nearly 70 years, Congress championed a secular ideology, detailing an era often known as the 'Golden Age of Secularism.' The party utilized secular historians to shape the prevailing narrative among an entire generation about Hindu culture and traditions. This approach aimed to downplay and criticize the culture and heritage deeply embedded in Hinduism. Over time, this method systematically developed a 'culture-hating' secular mindset among many Hindus, which further fueled the idea of bribing and tainting political processes.

However, the 2014 general elections marked a significant shift. The electorate, heavily influenced by the BJP and its RSS ties, decisively rejected Congress with a large margin. Despite massive campaigns, mainly leveraging data analytics firms like Cambridge Analytica, Congress failed to win significant support. It seems that the populace's affinity towards Hindutva, a movement that emphasizes Hindu cultural nationalism, solidified further in the years since 2014, leaving Congress struggling to gain political traction.

Hinduism vs. Hindutva

Hinduism, founded on five fundamental principles, promotes universal human values that transcend strict religious dogma. Hindutva, in contrast, is more about upholding these principles. Congress' six-decade-long rule might be termed 'successful' from a secular perspective, but it often fell short of protecting and promoting the true essence of secularism. Instead, what Congress promoted was a woke culture that often disparaged Hindu culture in the eyes of the global community.

The persistence of Hindutva is not a matter of stubborn fascination but a reflection of the collective yearning for a return to the fundamental values that underpin traditional Hindu ethos.

The Congress and Secularism Redefined

The Congress party's vision of secularism seemed to have strayed from its original intent. Over time, the party's actions and policies began to detract from the ideals of inclusivity and equality, which are the hallmark of true secular governance. Many believe that the Congress' grip on power was marred by political infighting, corruption, and a lack of strong leadership. Recent shifts in leadership have only reinforced doubts about the party's ability to lead effectively.

Take, for instance, the recent example of Rahul Gandhi. His inability to capture the public imagination and the rising popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlight the changing dynamics in Indian politics. Figures like Digvijay Singh and Kamalnath attempted to unite the party under the banner of Jyotiraditya Scindia, but Scindia ultimately left the Congress party, leading to a series of resignations, including that of Kamalnath. These events point to a deeper rift within the party, one that is difficult to reconcile.

Narendra Modi, on the other hand, has consistently received the support of a majority of Indians. His tenure has been marked by economic reforms, improved infrastructure, and a strong focus on national unity. This stark contrast with the Congress' historic anti-Modi stance underscores the shifting allegiances and expectations within Indian society.

Leaders within the Congress, including older figures like Manmohan Singh (now 86 years old), struggle to connect with the younger generation. This demographic shift poses a significant challenge for the party, as it struggles to maintain relevance and appeal to the electorate.

It is clear that the Indian populace, despite periods of unrest and religious tension, yearns for a leadership that can bridge cultural divides and promote universal values. The resurgence of Hindutva is, in many ways, a reaction to perceived failures in governance and a push for a more traditional and culturally resonant approach to leadership.