Once considered extreme, Hindutva has been mainstreamed under BJP rule, fundamentally altering how India governs itself and treats its religious minorities.

Inspired by Hindutva ideology, the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) transformed the political landscape of India. After its abrupt ascent in the 2014 elections, the BJP consistently secured victories in the 2019 and 2024 elections. Challenging the heavyweight Congress party, the BJP built its political struggle on two key agendas: anti-Muslim rhetoric and a development-oriented approach. Exploiting Congress's internal conflicts, the BJP aggressively pursued an anti-Pakistan policy, adopted a confrontational stance against regional states, and promoted Hindu nationalism during its governance. On the domestic front, it undermined secularism, implemented discriminatory policies against minorities—particularly Muslims—and incited anti-Muslim violence.
Hindutva emerged as a political ideology in India in 1923. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a Hindu politician influenced by Hitler’s Nazi philosophy, published his Hindutva ideology, which advocated for transforming India into a Hindu Rashtra (state). Rooted in Brahmanical traditions, it was developed as a Hindu nationalist response to preserving Hindu identity in the face of Islamic influence. Hindutva also promoted Hindu majoritarian politics, aiming to establish Hindu dominance in post-British India.¹ The objectives of the Hindutva ideology were manifold. However, two primary elements were emphasized: the unity of the Hindu nation and the forced expulsion of the "others," including Muslims. Religious and cultural commonalities were highlighted to unify the historically fragmented Hindu society, which was often divided by myths and caste distinctions. The establishment of Sabhas in various regions to safeguard Hindu interests eventually led to the formation of the Hindu Mahasabha in 1914, aimed at establishing a Hindu nationalist government in post-British India.² The second aspect of Hindutva was anti-Muslim discrimination to subjugate them in post-British India. 
To achieve its objectives and transform India into a Hindu state, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the paramilitary organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925.³ The organization was trained to foster an environment of insecurity and deterrence for Muslims and Christians, whose ideologies and cultures were seen as conflicting with Hindutva principles. Hindu nationalists frequently instigated riots and violence against these communities, subjecting them to persecution and systematic discrimination while undermining their fundamental rights.

Inspired by Nazism, the Hindutva ideology was founded on concepts of deprivation, the pursuit of national identity, and a desire for revenge against Muslims.

The discriminatory environment in the country compelled Muslims to fight for a separate state where they could freely practice their religious beliefs. The RSS refused to accept the creation of Pakistan through the partition of India and remained steadfast in its anti-Pakistan stance. Domestically, it opposed India's secular framework and consistently advocated for the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra through the marginalization and elimination of Muslims. The intensification of Mandir-Masjid politics and anti-Muslim riots enabled the RSS to further its Hindutva agenda. Additionally, the BJP was founded to challenge the Congress on the political front and advance its ideological objectives.
With the support of the Hindu majority, the BJP formed a coalition government in the 2014 elections, enabling it to accelerate its Hindutva agenda. In addition to implementing discriminatory policies against Muslims, the BJP pursued a strategy of disengagement with Pakistan, contributing to regional instability and a fragile security environment. By promoting exaggerated development statistics and fueling anti-Muslim sentiment, the BJP successfully retained its majority in the 2019 and 2024 elections. Its political dominance further emboldened both the RSS and BJP to deprive Muslims of their fundamental rights while maintaining a hostile stance toward Pakistan at various intervals. The revocation of Article 370 and the removal of the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in 2019 heightened regional instability and led to a diplomatic rupture in bilateral relations.
Expansion of RSS and its Hindutva Ideology
Inspired by Nazism, the Hindutva ideology was founded on concepts of deprivation, the pursuit of national identity, and a desire for revenge against Muslims.⁴ Originally conceived by Savarkar, Hindutva gained further strength in India following the departure of the British in 1947. Perceived as a 'threat' to Hindu identity, hostility toward Muslims remained at its peak in post-independence India, leading to growing support for the RSS ideology.⁵ Muslims were relegated to second-class citizenship due to their religious beliefs and cultural differences.⁶ Hence, the focus remained on 'one nation, one goal' for guaranteed security and peace.⁷
Savarkar believed that the Hindus could be reunited through shared interests and also by presenting them with a common enemy in the form of Muslims. Muslim rule in the past was projected as the main reason for Hindu decline and economic failure. Myth-based history, religious alignment, false heroes, and superior culture were focused on uniting the Hindu majority.⁸ 
Hindu nationalists used violence and anti-Muslim riots as instruments to unite Hindus against Muslims. Playing music in front of mosques during prayer times and staging alleged terror acts became routine, triggering frequent Hindu-Muslim clashes. This growing violence led to the creation of the RSS in 1925, tasked with executing such actions and protecting Hindu rights through coercive means.⁹ The mission given to RSS was ‘Our one supreme goal is to bring to life the all-round glory and greatness of our Hindu Rashtra.’¹⁰
RSS members were recruited from the grassroots level and trained in Shakhas, where they received ideological education, anti-Muslim indoctrination, and physical training to incite violence and mass killings. Millions of RSS members are enrolled in more than 73,000 Shakhas (branches), funded by the organization's central resources.¹¹ Over time, the RSS expanded its influence across all segments of society, including women, farmers, lawyers, and the business community, collectively forming the Sangh Parivar.
Today, Sangh Parivar coordinates the activities of various affiliated organizations, including the RSS, BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal, and Shiv Sena.¹² The BJP was established in 1980 following the collapse of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) to safeguard the political interests of the RSS. BJP’s political leaders are primarily drawn from RSS ranks, and its decisions remain deeply influenced by Hindutva ideology.
After regaining strength in the 1990s, the Sangh Parivar organized rallies to demonstrate its power and establish its political presence in India by inciting controversies. It pushed for the institutionalization of Hindi as the official national language and the revival of Sanskrit. Additionally, it influenced the Hindi film industry to depict Muslims as enemies and instigated Hindu-Muslim riots.¹³ The 2002 Gujarat massacre, carried out under the influence of the RSS, marked a turning point in Hindu nationalist ideology, intensifying the marginalization and persecution of Muslims. Narendra Modi gained significant popularity among Hindu nationalists due to his unwavering support for the Gujarat massacre during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. His steadfast loyalty to the RSS propelled him to the position of Prime Minister in the 2014 elections, securing consecutive victories in 2019 and 2024.
Hindutva Ideology and the Future of India
Hindutva ideology perceives Muslims as the enemy of Hindus and a threat to their identity and survival.¹⁴ The Muslims were allegedly responsible for the division of India in 1947. Hence, their presence may lead to another division owing to their population growth. To effectively guard against the constant 'threat', the RSS-BJP nexus is committed to marginalization the Muslims and ensuring their eviction from the country. They justify their coercive tactics, violence, and extrajudicial killings of Muslims as a national security paradigm. Additionally, they have imposed severe restrictions on religious freedoms through Mandir-Masjid politics, the burning of mosques, and bans on cow slaughter.¹⁵ Discrimination against Muslims in business, education, and employment is reinforced through the judiciary, media, and law enforcement agencies. The 1992 destruction of Babri Masjid and the subsequent construction of Ram Mandir are clear indicators of India's shifting social and political landscape.
Since taking control of India's political landscape, the BJP and RSS have operated with unchecked freedom, targeting minorities, particularly Muslims, who increasingly feel insecure and vulnerable. BJP leaders have openly expressed anti-Muslim sentiments and pursued policies aimed at marginalizing the community.
Muslim children are forced to sing the Indian national anthem in schools, while history is being rewritten to glorify Hindu civilization. The BJP has also undertaken a widespread renaming campaign, replacing Muslim names of cities, roads, and airports with those of Hindu figures. Religious insecurity among Muslims has intensified as the BJP continues to target mosques, using these actions to consolidate majority support. The RSS claims that the mosques in Kashi and Mathura are disputed sites, alleging that Hindu temples were demolished during Mughal rule to construct them.
The BJP government has pursued a rigid and confrontational foreign policy toward Pakistan. In addition to disengaging Pakistan from any future dialogue, it made unilateral decisions regarding IIOJK in 2019 by revoking Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The arrest and confession of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav exposed India's involvement in sabotage activities and its links with terrorist groups to destabilize Pakistan.
The BJP government also collaborated with anti-Pakistan elements in Afghanistan to disrupt regional connectivity and fuel territorial and water disputes between the two neighboring Islamic countries. Its efforts to isolate Pakistan on the global stage and weaken its economy through mechanisms like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) failed to achieve the desired results.
After the failure of its covert operations, India resorted to direct interference through air strikes inside Pakistan in February 2019. However, Pakistan responded swiftly and decisively, targeting Indian military assets, shooting down two aircraft, and capturing an Indian pilot. The BJP distorted the facts and leveraged the incident to its advantage in the 2019 elections, securing another victory.
Hindutva has deviated from the secular nature of Indian society and rejects the idea of coexistence with minorities, particularly Muslims. For the RSS, secularism is seen as a threat to Hindu identity, as it provides equal opportunities to minorities. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Hijab controversy have further polarized Indian society, deepening divisions between communities. Planned anti-Muslim riots often receive tacit, and at times explicit, support from BJP leaders and RSS members, as reflected in the frequency of such incidents.¹⁶ 
Such an environment could prove disastrous for India's unity and stability, with far-reaching negative repercussions. The 'Hindu-only' approach is likely to fuel instability, hatred, and division in society, potentially leading to more armed conflicts. These policies have been consistently criticized and condemned by Islamic countries and neighboring Muslim communities; their continuation could contribute to India's regional and global isolation. Moreover, economic progress may be reversed if volatility escalates due to existing policies. Marginalized communities, facing social injustice and violent treatment from the RSS with government backing, may be compelled to resort to armed liberation movements.
Hindutva has evolved into a movement with a socially radical doctrine that rejects rationalism, liberalism, democracy, secularism, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights for Muslims. It upholds the dominance of the strong and the majority over the weak and politically suppressed. Although Hindutva has gained significant momentum, its ultimate fate may mirror that of its inspiration—Nazism, which ended in disaster. The suppression of Muslims, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the revocation of Article 370, and anti-Muslim riots are all elements borrowed from Nazism. Additionally, its aggressive policies and the subjugation of neighboring territories through expansionism further align it with Nazi ideology. Consequently, both movements may meet similar fates. Hindutva's survival is uncertain, as growing resistance from oppressed communities within India, supported by the Congress and other opposition forces, continues to challenge its existence.

The writer works under the Ministry of Defense.

Eviane Leidig (2020) Hindutva as a variant of right-wing extremism, Patterns of Prejudice, 54:3, 215-237, DOI: 10.1080/0031322X.2020.1759861 (accessed January 28, 2022).
Ibid.
Kalim Siddiqui; A Critical Study of ‘Hindu Nationalism’ in India; Journal of Business & Economic Policy; Vol. 3; June 2016.
Ibid. 
Eviane Leidig (2020) Hindutva as a variant of right-wing extremism, Patterns of Prejudice, 54:3, 215-237, DOI: 10.1080/0031322X.2020.1759861 (accessed January 28, 2022)
Milan Vaishnav; The BJP in Power: Indian Democracy and Religious Nationalism; Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; 2019
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Nazism". Encyclopedia Britannica, November 12 2020, https://www.britannica.com/event/Nazism. (accessed January 28, 2022) 
Eviane Leidig (2020) Hindutva as a variant of right-wing extremism, Patterns of Prejudice, 54:3, 215-237, DOI: 10.1080/0031322X.2020.1759861 (accessed January 28, 2022)
ibid
Eviane Leidig (2020) Hindutva as a variant of right-wing extremism, Patterns of Prejudice, 54:3, 215-237, DOI: 10.1080/0031322X.2020.1759861 (accessed January 28, 2022).
Kalim Siddiqui; A Critical Study of ‘Hindu Nationalism’ in India; Journal of Business & Economic Policy; Vol. 3; June 2016.
Eviane Leidig (2020) Hindutva as a variant of right-wing extremism, Patterns of Prejudice, 54:3, 215-237, DOI: 10.1080/0031322X.2020.1759861 (accessed January 28, 2022).
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid. 
How the BJP promotes Hindutva through a Nationalist Agenda; Economic and Political Weekly; May 6, 2019; https://www.epw.in/node/154321/pdf (accessed January 29, 2022).