First, opinion polls consistently show that over two-thirds of Indians reject this option, and that Indians are committed to religious pluralism. The first reason to be pessimistic about Indian pluralism is that history teaches us that once it controls the levers of State power, a determined and focused minority can always overcome a weak and vacillating majority. The third reason to be pessimistic about Indian pluralism is that at least as far as our two national parties go, it is no longer the case that ‘a higher level of party competition leads to more competition for Muslims’ votes’. Meanwhile, the Congress has increasingly recast itself as a ‘Hindu’ party as well. The constitutional commitment to pluralism is still intact; but on the ground, and in everyday life, majoritarianism rules.

Source: The Telegraph May 11, 2019 02:37 UTC