Rising religious polarisation: Tridents symbolise growing communalism in Rajasthan Distribution of tridents and allegiance to Hindutva ideology heighten communal tensions in Rajasthan, demanding urgent attention.

25, Sep 2023 | CJP team

The distribution of tridents by far-right groups in Rajasthan reflects a troubling trend of religious polarisation, challenging India’s secular fabric and communal harmony. The aggressive mobilisation and hate that inevitably accompanies such gatherings sets the stage of stigmatisation and targeting of minorities in the area. 

A recent incident that occurred on or around September 4, at Sojat Road, Pali, Rajasthan, where Bajrang Dal leaders distributed tridents among its 1100 members, is of significant concern as it underscores a growing trend of religious polarization and communalism in the region. The video was uploaded by Hindutva Watch on September 4.  

In the video, individuals dressed in saffron scarves were seen taking a pledge in Hindi, emphasizing their commitment to Hindutva, referring to India as a Hindu nation, and holding tridents in hand. The pledge focused on protecting “Hindu Dharam” (Hindu religion), “Hindu Sanskriti” (Hindu culture), and “Hindu Samaj” (Hindu society). Participants pledged to work towards the betterment of what they considered a Hindu nation.

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Distribution of Tridents: The act of distributing tridents during this event holds deep symbolism within the context of Hindutva (religion-based exclusivist nationalism) and has far-reaching implications:

1. Commitment to Hindutva Ideology: The participants, adorned in saffron scarves, symbolising this brand of Hinduism, took a solemn pledge in Hindi. This pledge was not merely a show of faith but also an overt expression of their unwavering commitment to Hindutva. They openly proclaimed their allegiance to an ideology that seeks to establish India as a Hindu-only nation.
2. Hindu Nation Narrative: In the pledge, participants referred to India as a “Hindu nation.” This framing is central to the Hindutva ideology, which contends that India’s identity and culture should be exclusively Hindu. This assertion goes against the principles of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equal rights and freedoms to all religious communities.
3. Protection of Hinduism and Culture: The participants pledged to protect “Hindu Dharam” (Hindu religion), “Hindu Sanskriti” (Hindu culture), and “Hindu Samaj” (Hindu society). This underscores their belief that these elements are under threat from other religious communities. Such rhetoric fosters an “us vs. them” mentality, which can lead to social divisions and conflicts.
4. Working for the “Betterment of a Hindu Nation”: The participants committed to working for the betterment of what they perceived as a Hindu nation. While working for the betterment of society is a noble cause, the framing of this commitment in a religious context raises concerns about the potential exclusion and discrimination against religious minorities.

Implications: The distribution of tridents and the accompanying pledge carry significant implications for communal harmony and the rights of religious minorities in India:

1. Threat to Secularism: The assertion of India as a “Hindu nation” and the commitment to protect Hinduism and culture at the expense of other religions undermine the secular principles enshrined in India’s Constitution. This could erode the rights and freedoms of religious minorities.
2. Communal Polarisation: Such events contribute to communal polarization and tensions, fostering mistrust and animosity among different religious communities. This can lead to interfaith conflicts and violence.
3. Erosion of Pluralism: India’s strength has traditionally been its cultural and religious diversity. The promotion of a singular religious identity threatens this pluralism and the coexistence of various faiths.
4. Impact on Minorities: Religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, may feel marginalized and targeted by such events. This can have a detrimental impact on their sense of belonging and security in the country.

In conclusion, the distribution of tridents in Rajasthan is not merely a symbolic act but a manifestation of a broader ideological movement that poses challenges to the secular and pluralistic fabric of India. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort by government authorities, civil society, and religious leaders to promote tolerance, understanding, and social harmony while upholding the principles of the Indian Constitution. 

Comments on social media posts and discussions around the incident have highlighted concerns about the Rajasthan police’s ability to address such issues effectively. Many argue that the distribution of tridents in a secular nation like India goes against constitutional values of religious freedom and equality.

Background of Rajasthan with respect to events of Trident Distribution by political groups-

Rajasthan, a state in northwestern India known for its rich cultural heritage and diversity, has been witnessing a concerning trend of trident distribution by political groups, particularly those associated with the far-right Hindutva ideology. These incidents have raised serious questions about interfaith relations and communal harmony in the region. 

This incident is not an isolated one. 

1. On January 23, an RSS pracharak (publicist) named Ishwar Lal distributed tridents in Lohwat district of Rajasthan. In his speech, he alluded to the conversion of temples into mosques, emphasizing the need to reclaim these sites for Hindu worship.
2. In December 2022, a similar event involving trishul (trident) distribution and hate speech against Muslims took place. Reports suggest that around 500-700 people attended this event. Similar trishul distribution events were reportedly held in places like Balesar, Rampura, Osiyan, and Dechu across Rajasthan.

Historical Context

Rajasthan, like many parts of India, has a complex historical backdrop when it comes to interfaith relations and communal dynamics. The state has witnessed periodic interfaith tensions and communal incidents over the years. These historical tensions, coupled with the resurgence of far-right ideologies like Hindutva, contribute to the contemporary communal landscape in the region.

Political Environment and Upcoming Elections

The political environment in Rajasthan has a significant influence on the prevalence of such incidents. Rajasthan has experienced periods of political polarisation, and with elections approaching, there may be attempts to exploit religious sentiments to gain electoral support. This can further exacerbate communal tensions.

In conclusion, the distribution of tridents by political groups in Rajasthan reflects a growing trend of religious polarization and communalism, with implications for social harmony and the rights of religious minorities. The historical context, political environment, and recent incidents underscore the need for proactive efforts by authorities, civil society, and religious leaders to promote tolerance, understanding, and adherence to constitutional values in the state.

Motivations and Ideology of the Far-Right Group:

The distribution of tridents in Rajasthan by far-right groups like the Bajrang Dal is deeply rooted in the ideology of Hindutva, which holds several key motivations and beliefs that drive their actions:

1. Establishing India as a Hindu-Only Nation:
   • At the core of Hindutva ideology is the ambition to transform India into a Hindu-only nation. This involves the assertion of Hindu cultural, religious, and political dominance to the exclusion of other religious communities.
   • Hindutva proponents believe that India should be a homeland for Hindus and that the country’s identity should reflect a Hindu character. This exclusivist vision challenges the secular principles enshrined in India’s Constitution, which guarantees equal rights and freedoms to all religious groups.
2. Cultural and Political Supremacy of Hindus:
   • Hindutva promotes the idea of the cultural and political supremacy of Hindus. It posits that Hindus should have a dominant role in all aspects of Indian society, including politics, education, and cultural expression.
   • This belief system often leads to the marginalization and discrimination of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, as they are seen as outsiders or threats to the dominant Hindu culture.
3. Marginalizing Religious Minorities:
   • One of the main motivations behind Hindutva is the marginalization of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. Hindutva ideology paints these religious groups as foreign to India’s cultural and historical identity.
   • By advocating for policies and actions that undermine the rights and freedoms of religious minorities, Hindutva proponents aim to create a hostile environment where non-Hindus are pressured to assimilate or face discrimination.
4. Protection and Promotion of “Hinduism”:
   • Far-right groups like the Bajrang Dal see themselves as protectors and promoters of a brand of militarised Hinduism that they represent. They believe that an exclusivist and caste superiority-based Hinduism and its cultural heritage are under threat from external influences, particularly from Abrahamic religions.
   • This belief drives them to take actions such as distributing tridents as symbolic gestures of their commitment to safeguarding “Hinduism.” The trident, a traditional Hindu religious symbol, is here (mis)used to convey their dedication to the cause; worse to signal, threat, intimidation and violence.
5. Symbolism and Identity:
   • The distribution of tridents serves as a symbolic representation of their commitment to the Hindutva cause. It not only marks participants as loyal to the ideology but also sends a message to others about the group’s intentions.
   • These symbolic acts are often used as a means of mobilizing and radicalizing followers, solidifying their identity within the extremist group and creating a sense of belonging.

In summary, the motivations of far-right groups like the Bajrang Dal in distributing tridents are driven by their adherence to the Hindutva ideology, which represents a militarised and violent brand of the faith, seeks to establish Hindu cultural and political dominance while marginalizing religious minorities. These actions represent a significant challenge to the principles of secularism and pluralism in India and have led to communal tensions and conflicts in various parts of the country

Factors Contributing to the Violence in Rajasthan:

1. Rising Extremism:
   • The emergence and growth of extremist ideologies, particularly Hindutva, have contributed significantly to communal tensions and incidents in Rajasthan. Hindutva, a right-wing ideology, advocates for the cultural and political supremacy of Hindus and often marginalizes religious minorities, such as Muslims and Christians.
   • This extremist ideology has gained momentum in recent years and has found a following among certain segments of the population. The distribution of tridents is one of the ways in which extremist groups symbolize their commitment to this ideology.
2. Historical Tensions:
   • Rajasthan has a history of interfaith tensions and communal conflicts that continue to influence the present-day dynamics. Past incidents of communal clashes, disputes over religious sites, and historical grievances have left deep-seated tensions within the society.
   • These historical tensions can resurface and exacerbate in the presence of provocative actions like the distribution of tridents. Such incidents tap into existing communal fault lines and can easily trigger violence or unrest.
3. Political Environment:
   • The political environment in Rajasthan, like in many parts of India, plays a crucial role in the prevalence of communal tensions. Elections, both state and national, often become platforms where religious sentiments are exploited to gain electoral support.
   • Political parties may use divisive rhetoric and communal polarization as a strategy to mobilize their voter base. In the lead-up to elections, there is a heightened risk of religious and communal issues being manipulated for political gain.
   • The proximity of elections can further polarize communities along religious lines as parties vie for the support of particular religious or ethnic groups, deepening the fault lines in society.
4. Economic and Social Factors:
   • Socio-economic disparities and competition for resources can also contribute to communal tensions. In regions where resources are scarce, competition among different communities for jobs, land, and access to services can lead to conflicts.
   • Economic disparities can create a sense of insecurity and resentment, which can be exploited by extremist groups to further their agenda. These groups may promise economic benefits and protection to members of their own religious or ethnic community, intensifying divisions.
5. Lack of Effective Governance:
   • The effectiveness of local governance and law enforcement agencies in addressing communal tensions and preventing violence is crucial. In cases where authorities fail to act swiftly and impartially, it can embolden extremist groups and exacerbate tensions.
   • A perception of bias or ineffectiveness on the part of law enforcement can erode trust in the authorities and encourage vigilantism, making it more challenging to maintain social harmony.

Government and Community Responses to Trident Distribution Incidents:

The distribution of tridents by far-right groups in Rajasthan has indeed raised concerns, and both government and community responses play a crucial role in addressing these issues:

Government Response:

1. Investigation and Accountability:
   • It is imperative that the local authorities and law enforcement agencies conduct a thorough investigation into incidents involving the distribution of tridents and hate speech against religious minorities. Those responsible for organizing and participating in such events must be identified and held legally accountable.
   • Legal action against individuals and groups promoting hate speech and religious intolerance sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated under the law.
2. Ensuring Safety and Well-being:
   • The government should take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of religious minorities in the area. This includes providing adequate security and protection to vulnerable communities.
   • Building trust among minority communities is essential, and the government can play a pivotal role in fostering an environment where religious minorities feel secure and protected.
3. Education and Awareness:
   • Government institutions, particularly in the field of education, should promote tolerance, diversity, and interfaith understanding. Integrating these values into the curriculum can help combat extremist ideologies from an early age.
   • Public awareness campaigns can also be launched to educate citizens about the importance of religious pluralism and the values of the Indian Constitution.
4. Political Accountability:
   • Political leaders have a responsibility to condemn and distance themselves from extremist groups and ideologies that promote communalism. Political parties should avoid using religious polarization as a means of gaining electoral support.
   • The electorate can hold politicians accountable for their statements and actions that contribute to communal tensions

In conclusion, the distribution of tridents and the accompanying rise of religious polarisation and communalism in Rajasthan present a pressing challenge to the values of secularism, pluralism, and social harmony enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Due to the threat and aggression of intended (targeted) violence they affect the minorities and also contribute to social disharmony apart from a disruption of public order. Worse, such highly publicised “events” driven by the far-right Hindutva ideology, threaten the coexistence of diverse religious communities and the rights of religious minorities. 

The historical context, the political environment, and recent events underscore the urgency of proactive efforts by government authorities, civil society, and religious leaders to promote tolerance, understanding, and adherence to constitutional values in the state. It is essential to address the root causes, foster interfaith dialogue, hold those promoting hate speech accountable, and provide support to victims of communal violence. Only through a collective commitment to these principles can Rajasthan and India as a whole preserve their cultural diversity and uphold the principles of democracy and equality for all.

Related:

Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal organized a Trishul Deeksha (trident) distribution event.

CJP moves NCM against arms training camps, weapon distribution events in Assam and Rajasthan

Hindutva leader Pravin Togadia announces distribution of Trishuls (tridents) among 20 million (2 crore) Hindus

Another event of Trishul distribution

Arm yourself with knowledge, not tridents, swords or knives