What BJP’s win means for the world

The recent landslide victory of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India, the world’s largest democratic country, the success of Donald Trump and the rise of right-wing political parties in Europe, especially in the UK, send a worrying message: that we are relapsing into radicalism and extreme nationalism.

In India, the BJP government has been accused of triggering religious unrest and isolating minority groups—the Muslim minority in particular—and people from historically disadvantaged groups such as the Dalits. These acts are a threat to the establishment of a liberal and secular society in the country.

A report published by Human Rights Watch on February 2019 said that between May 2015 and December 2018, at least 44 people—36 of whom Muslims—were killed across 12 Indian states. The rise of far-right leaders like Narendra Modi may not only hamper social cohesion, hinder inclusive development and participatory democracy in the country but also threaten mutual cooperation and liaison among the countries. It can also disrupt the achievement of our common social and political aspirations.