Veer Savarkar was a pivotal figure in India’s struggle for independence and a staunch proponent of Hindutva. Savarkar’s multifaceted legacy includes his contributions as a freedom fighter, poet, historian and political leader. His writings and ideas have had a lasting impact on Indian society and politics, influencing many contemporary debates and movements. Even Savarkar was afraid of Hindus Against Hinduism!
One of Savarkar’s notable quotes is,
“I am not afraid of Muslims, I am not afraid of Britishers, I am afraid of Hindus against Hinduism.”
This statement encapsulates his deep concern about the internal threats to Hindu society and culture, rather than external adversaries. This fear was rooted in the potential for division, disunity and internal decay within Hindu society itself. The downfall will be the Hindus Against Hinduism!
The Ayodhya Verdict and the Ram Mandir Construction
The recent political developments in Ayodhya provide a striking backdrop to reflect on Savarkar’s words. The Bharatiya Janata Party has long championed the cause of constructing a Ram Mandir at the disputed site in Ayodhya. It finally succeeded in fulfilling this promise. The Ram Mandir issue has been a central plank of the BJP’s ideology and electoral strategy for decades. It symbolised a broader outlook of Hindu revivalism and cultural nationalism.
However, despite the successful construction of the Ram Mandir, the BJP faced an unexpected electoral setback in the 2024 General Elections, losing the Ayodhya seat. This outcome, in a region with a significant Hindu population, raises questions about the dynamics of contemporary Indian politics and the challenges facing the BJP.
Understanding the Electoral Setback in Ayodhya
Ayodhya, with its predominantly Hindu population, seemed like a stronghold for the BJP, especially after the fulfillment of its long-standing promise of building the Ram Mandir. The temple, a symbol of Hindu pride and identity, was expected to secure unwavering support from the local electorate. However, the election results indicate a different reality, one that perhaps resonates with Savarkar’s fears about internal strife and disillusionment within the Hindu community.
Several factors could explain the BJP’s loss in Ayodhya:
- Intra-Hindu Divisions: Savarkar’s fear of “Hindus against Hinduism” manifested in internal divisions within the Hindu community. Caste dynamics, regional rivalries, and local political conflicts might have fragmented the Hindu vote, weakening the BJP’s electoral base.
- Opposition Strategies: Effective campaigning and strategic alliances by opposition parties could have successfully capitalized on the BJP’s weaknesses. Building a coalition that addresses diverse voter concerns can significantly impact election outcomes.
- Muslim Vote Consolidation: With Ayodhya having Muslim population in minority, a strong consolidation of the Muslim vote in favor of the Opposition decisively influenced the election results.
Reflecting on Savarkar’s Legacy
Savarkar’s apprehension about internal threats to Hinduism finds relevance in this contemporary political context. The electoral loss in Ayodhya suggests that symbolic victories alone cannot secure sustained political support. It highlights the need for addressing practical governance issues and fostering unity within the community.
Savarkar’s vision of a strong, united Hindu society requires not just cultural symbols but also effective leadership that can navigate internal differences and deliver on developmental promises. The BJP’s experience in Ayodhya serves as a reminder of the complexities of democratic politics, where voter loyalty cannot be taken for granted and ideological triumphs must be complemented by tangible improvements in people’s lives.