Modi’s India: Hindu Nationalism and the rise of ethnic democracy by Christophe Jaffrelot [pdf]

Modi’s India: Hindu Nationalism and the Rise of Ethnic Democracy is a book written by Christophe Jaffrelot, a French political scientist and expert on South Asia. The book delves into India’s complex political landscape, examining the rise of Hindu nationalism and its impact on the country’s democracy. Published in 2020, the book has already sparked much discussion and debate, and has become an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the current state of Indian politics.

The book begins with a brief overview of the history of the Hindu nationalist movement in India, whose roots date back to the late 19th century. Jaffrelot then explores the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the country’s largest political party and the main vehicle of the Hindu nationalist movement. He analyzes the various factors that led to the party’s rise to power, including the weakening of the Indian National Congress and the rise of regional parties.

One of the book’s key arguments is that the BJP has transformed India’s democracy into an “ethnic democracy,” where citizenship is increasingly defined in terms of religious and cultural identity. Jaffrelot argues that this has led to the marginalization of religious and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslims. He provides numerous examples of discriminatory policies implemented by the BJP, including the revocation of Article 370 in Kashmir, the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act, and increased surveillance of Muslim communities.

The book also explores Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in shaping the BJP’s vision of Hindu nationalism. Jaffrelot examines Modi’s rise to power, his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat and his leadership of the BJP. He maintains that Modi has played a central role in promoting Hindu nationalist ideology and implementing policies that have marginalized minorities. At the same time, Jaffrelot acknowledges that Modi has also implemented policies that have been beneficial to the country, such as his efforts to modernize the economy and improve infrastructure.

For those interested in reading the book, it is available for free download in PDF format. Just click the link below.

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Overall, Modi’s India: Hindu Nationalism and the Rise of Ethnic Democracy is an important and timely book that sheds light on India’s complex political landscape. Provides a detailed analysis of the rise of Hindu nationalism, the role of the BJP, and the impact of these developments on Indian democracy. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in Indian politics and is particularly relevant in light of the recent controversy over the Citizenship Amendment Act and the current tensions between India and Pakistan.