BJP’s Anti-Muslim, Anti-Pakistan Rhetoric: A Potent Menace to Global Harmony

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s ruling party, has been repeatedly accused of resorting to Anti-Muslim and Anti-Pakistan rhetoric during their election campaigns. Critics argue that such divisive tactics pose a severe threat to the fabric of India’s democratic system and have drawn international criticism. However, recent developments and reports suggest that the situation is more complex and multifaceted than it appears.

The BJP’s rhetoric, which is often anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan, continues to be a strategic tool for the party. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent statement that whole Kashmir , including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, belongs to India and will be brought back when the time comes, as reported by India TV, is a clear indication of the party’s stance on Pakistan and the issue of Kashmir[^1^].

Impact of BJP’s Anti Muslim Rhetoric

However, the implications of such rhetoric go beyond political posturing. The “Status of Policing in India Report 2023” by Common Cause and Lokniti – Centre for the Study Developing Societies (CSDS) highlights that surveillance technology is being used to monitor social media and track individuals and groups perceived as a threat to the government[^2^]. This has a chilling effect on freedom of speech and expression in the country.

Furthermore, the Amnesty International report on India for 2022 provides a comprehensive overview of the human rights situation in the country. It points out that the government has selectively and viciously cracked down on religious minorities, with explicit advocacy of hatred by political leaders and public officials towards them being commonplace and going unpunished[^3^].

Law is BJP’s Tool for Repression

The report also mentions the use of repressive laws, including counterterrorism legislation, to silence dissent. Authorities intimidated human rights defenders using digital technologies, including unlawful surveillance[^3^].The stories reported to Amnesty that focused mainly on human rights issues, this emerged as a significant theme, with 18 percent of the stories with human rights as the primary frame reporting on controlling or criminalizing dissent, 21 percent reporting on controlling political opposition, and 38 percent covering issues related to freedom of expression.

.In terms of freedom of religion, the report states that criminal laws were used disproportionately against religious minorities, particularly Muslims[^3^].

The BJP’s consistent reliance on anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan rhetoric is alarming. Its divisive potential poses not just a threat to India’s democratic values but also to its diverse society. It has significantly contributed to an increase in violence against Muslims. The party needs to reevaluate its rhetoric and concentrate on fostering a more inclusive and tolerant India.

Barack Obama’s Waring on Human Right Violation

In a striking recent statement, Barack Obama emphasized that continued discrimination and hate policies against minorities could lead to India’s disintegration. He stressed that the country’s diversity is its strength and warned of the consequences of continuing down the current path.

In an interview with CNN last week, Obama expressed his concerns more explicitly. Responding to an interviewer who referred to India’s leader as an “illiberal democrat,” Obama stated that India may “start pulling apart” if minority rights weren’t protected. He further questioned how President Biden should engage with such leaders, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

This statement from Obama, as reported by CNN, underscores the international concern over the state of minority rights in India. It serves as a potent reminder of the potential consequences if the current trajectory of discrimination and hate policies continues.

The implication of Obama’s cautionary words should not be underestimated. If the BJP persists with its inflammatory rhetoric, the resulting harm won’t be limited to India’s minorities. It could destabilize India as a whole, posing a serious threat to global peace.

[^1^]: [India TV News](https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/exclusive-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-says-pok-humara-hai-or-humara-rahega-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-2022-11-30-827646)

[^2^]: [Status of Policing in India Report 2023](https://www.commoncause.in/wotadmin/upload/REPORT_2023.pdf)

[^3^]: [Amnesty International Report on India 2022](https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/asia-and-the-pacific/south-asia/india/report-india/)