SECULARISM AND NATIONALISM IN MODI’S INDIA: CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES AND STATUS OF MINORITIES

Abstract

This paper examines the transformation in the scenario of secularism and nationalism in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is concerned with the impact of the Hindutva notions on the minority cultures such as Muslims and Sikhs. It demonstrates that the emergence of the BJP and its association with the RSS have transformed Indian nationalism to become a Hindu one. Such a shift has heightened tension and marginalized the religious minorities. Through the Constitution, the paper demonstrates a conflict between the mere secular values of India and the rising Hindu nationalism. It further examines how major regulations including the abolition of Article 370 in Kashmir and the farm laws of 2020 have impacted the society and minorities. The research describes how the redefined nationalism by Modi questions the Indian promise of being a secular country and negatively affects democracy and the image of the country in the world by employing a constructivist theory. The paper has concluded by giving recommendations on how the secular thought can be reinforced and inclusive leadership embraced, in order to protect the minority rights in India