By Raheem Khan
JAIPUR: Opposing a proposed rally on September 29 promoting a narrative for converting India into a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation), Rajasthan-based Dalit-Muslim Ekta Manch has appealed to the Election Commission of India and the State Election Officer to investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action against its convener Bal Mukund Acharya who is a BJP MLA from Hawa Mahal constituency in the state capital of Jaipur.
The rally titled “Sankalp Maatra Hindu Rashtra” is being planned under the auspices of the Yuva Shakti Manch.
The concept of a “Hindu Rashtra” was first articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1922. Savarkar, a prominent figure in the Hindutva movement, was arrested during the British colonial period but was released after submitting an unconditional apology to the British authorities. His vision of a “Hindu Rashtra” has since become integral to discussions within various organizations, including the RSS, VHP, and BJP, which are collectively known as the Sangh Parivar. This ideology continues to shape contemporary debates within these circles.
In Savarkar’s worldview, all non-Hindus whose religion has originated outside the geographical boundaries of India and their holy places are outside India, will not be entitled to the same rights as Hindus. Savarkar asserts that those whose religions were born in India and whose holy places are within the territorial boundaries of India will enjoy full rights. According to this hypothesis, Muslims and Christians that originated outside India and their holy places lie outside the geographical boundaries of India, will be treated as second-class citizens, a very dangerous proposition in total violation of the secular Republic of India.
If “Hindu Rashtra” is interpreted based on Savarkar’s definition, the term “Hindu Rashtra” contradicts the Preamble of the Constitution of India, which establishes the country as a secular Republic. This means that the state does not endorse any particular religion and maintains equal distance from all faiths, ensuring that no single religion is favoured. Consequently, India cannot be defined as a Hindu Nation, Muslim Nation, or Christian Nation. Instead, the state is committed to giving equal respect to all religions, reinforcing its identity as a pluralistic and inclusive society.
This story was originally published in indiatomorrow.net. Read the full story here.