The Narendra Modi government’s narrative of positioning India as a ‘Vishwaguru’ or world leader often eclipses the critical discourse surrounding the country’s democratic landscape. Beyond the borders of India, global voices scrutinize and critique human rights violations and the ascent of Hindutva ideology. Here, we present fortnightly highlights of observations from a spectrum of stakeholders, ranging from UN experts and civil society groups to international media and parliamentarians from various nations, shedding light on the state of India’s democracy.
In Pennsylvania, local politician Patel is rallying right-wing Hindu groups and pro-Israel Jewish organizations to dismantle the progressive Squad within the Democratic Party, underscoring the global outreach of domestic political movements.
Safa Ahmed draws attention to the convergence between white supremacy and Hindu supremacy, highlighting the proliferation of Hindu nationalist groups abroad, particularly in the US.
The Guardian’s Yohann Koshy reflects on the Leicester violence, attributing it to India’s sectarian politics reverberating on British streets, signaling a concerning spillover effect.
The Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide in Washington DC highlights alarming trends of discrimination against religious minorities in India, warning of potential mass atrocities.
A joint investigation by Global Witness and the Internet Freedom Foundation unveils the failure of tech platforms like YouTube and Koo to address hate speech complaints, fostering a toxic information ecosystem during critical election periods.
Amnesty International’s report sheds light on “bulldozer injustice” in India, targeting Indian Muslims through demolitions instigated by political leaders and facilitated by complicit companies.
A coalition of diaspora civil rights groups in the US, Savera, publishes a comprehensive report on the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s growth and influence, both in India and America, signaling its political significance.
Furthermore, scholars worldwide express concern over India’s development projects on the Great Nicobar Island, warning of potential genocide against the indigenous Shompen people.
The global discourse surrounding India’s democracy underscores the need for critical examination and accountability. As voices from various corners of the world converge to scrutinize India’s democratic fabric, it becomes imperative for both domestic and international stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and action to uphold democratic values and protect human rights.
