New York, In a compelling piece for The Los Angeles Times, Bob Drogin, a prominent American journalist and former New Delhi correspondent, has raised critical questions about the state of democracy in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Drawing on his experiences and observations, Drogin provides a stark overview of Modi’s tenure, highlighting a shift towards Hindu nationalism and the potential implications for India’s secular fabric.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Drogin’s critique centers on Modi’s role in fostering an environment where Hindu nationalism has become increasingly prominent, posing a challenge to the country’s democratic and secular principles. The journalist recounts his firsthand account of the destruction of a Muslim mosque in Ayodhya in 1992, a pivotal event that he argues signaled the beginning of India’s anti-democratic slide. The recent consecration of a Hindu temple on the same site, led by Modi, further exemplifies this shift, with Drogin suggesting that such actions are part of Modi’s broader strategy to secure reelection and cement Hindu supremacy as India’s dominant ideology.
Drogin’s analysis also touches on Modi’s controversial history, including a visa ban by the United States in 2005 due to his alleged complicity in anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat in 2002. This ban, which was lifted only when Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, underscores the international concern over his governance style and its impact on religious freedom and minority rights in India.
The piece goes on to detail the events of December 1992 in Ayodhya, where Drogin was among the foreign journalists attacked by a Hindu mob during the mosque’s demolition. This incident, As per Drogin, set off widespread communal violence and marked a significant moment in India’s history, warning of the dangerous potential of religious strife.
Furthermore, Drogin highlights the national attention and government closure that accompanied the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, built over the demolished mosque, as an indication of Modi’s influence in elevating Hindu religious symbolism to state-level significance. This, coupled with policies and laws discriminating against minorities, particularly Muslims, prompts a reevaluation of India’s commitment to its secular constitution and democratic ideals.
Bob Drogin’s reflections offer a sobering reminder of the challenges facing India, a nation grappling with the balance between its rich religious diversity and the principles of democracy and secularism. As India continues on its current path, the international community and its own citizens are left to ponder the future of its democratic identity.