Results for: Hindu Nationalism

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has emerged victorious in the recently concluded Lok Sabha Election 2024, surpassing the majority mark of 272 seats. However, the saffron party fell short of its target of winning 370 seats on its own and securing over 400 seats with its allies. Despite a loss of 63 seats compared to its 2019 tally, the BJP claimed a significant victory, with 240 seats under its belt. The Indian National Congress (INC) made significant gains, winning 99 seats, but remained the largest opposition party. The election results have been met with mixed reactions from foreign media, some noting a decline in support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party and the end of an era of invincibility. The BJP’s loss in the Ayodhya constituency, where the prestigious Ram Mandir project is located, has been seen as a particular setback. The outcome is expected to herald a return to coalition politics in India, with challenges ahead for the government in terms of passing legislation and managing different interests.

Dev Patel’s ‘Monkey Man’ faced production setbacks after Netflix declined to distribute it due to its portrayal of Hindu nationalism. Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Pictures stepped in as producers, implementing edits and postponing the release. Controversies arose surrounding alleged changes made to the film, including the alteration of a political party’s color from saffron to red. Censoring issues also delayed the film’s release in India, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) citing concerns about violence, sexual content, and references to Hindu religion and mythology. The film follows Kid, a young fighter who seeks vengeance against those responsible for his mother’s death. Despite generating $28 million in theaters globally, ‘Monkey Man’s release in India remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for distribution announced.

The second round of India’s multi-phase national elections commenced on Friday, with millions of voters casting their ballots. This phase of voting holds great significance for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as it includes several of its strongholds, such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The outcome of these elections will play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of India for the next five years.

India, now the world’s largest democracy, has undergone a significant shift in its national identity under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While India’s founding fathers envisioned a progressive, liberal, and secular country, Modi’s vision is distinct and rooted in Hindu nationalism. This excerpt explores the contrasting backgrounds and ideologies of Nehru and Modi, highlighting the evolution of India’s national identity.