Hindu nationalism in power: Making sense of Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government, 2014–19

Singh, Gurharpal

Abstract

As the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance returns to power in India, it is appropriate to reflect on the coalition’s first term in office. This paper provides an overview of the government’s performance in key areas, especially vis-a-vis religious minorities, and of the competing approaches through which its policies have been understood. It argues for a need to move away from conventional explanations that have failed to predict the popular appeal of Hindu nationalism. Instead, an interpretive understanding anchored in social constructionism offers a more meaningful perspective on the seismic changes that are reflected in contemporary Indian politics.

Citation

Singh, G. (2019). Hindu nationalism in power: Making sense of Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government, 2014–19. Sikh Formations: Religion, Culture, Theory, 15(3-4), 314-331. https://doi.org/10.1080/17448727.2019.1630220

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 30, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jun 17, 2019
• Publication Date: Jun 17, 2019
• Deposit Date: Jun 24, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 24, 2019
• Journal: Sikh Formations: Religion, Culture, Theory
• Print ISSN: 1744-8727
• Electronic ISSN: 1744-8735
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 3-4
• Pages: 314-331
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17448727.2019.1630220