The Rise of Fascism in Contemporary India – Shiv Sundar

How Hate Speech and Nationalism Are Undermining India’s Democracy – Shiv Sundar

The Political Shift: From Democracy to Authoritarianism

Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, ascended to power in 2014, India has witnessed an ideological shift that has sparked intense debates among leftist and progressive circles. The government’s consolidation of power in 2019, with an even stronger mandate, saw the implementation of highly divisive policies. This has led many political analysts to question whether India is veering towards fascism and to strategize on how to counter it effectively.

Misconceptions About Fascism

A common misunderstanding in political discourse is the tendency to equate fascism solely with extreme government cruelty. However, fascism is more than just an authoritarian regime—it is a structured socio-political ideology that opposes democracy and human coexistence. It emerges as an alternative framework in times of economic crises when capitalism and its democratic models struggle to maintain stability.

Restricting the definition of fascism to a single party, organization, or set of violent incidents fails to capture the broader threat it poses. Such a narrow perspective limits the effectiveness of resistance movements, as fascism must be recognized as a systemic force rather than just an isolated political faction.

Historical Context: Classic Fascism in the 20th Century

The world first encountered fascism as a dominant force in the aftermath of World War I, particularly between 1925 and 1945. The economic devastation and social unrest in post-war Italy allowed Mussolini’s fascist party to gain control, while Germany, humiliated and economically shattered, became the breeding ground for Hitler’s Nazi movement.

Similarly, Spain under Franco (1939–1975) and several Latin American and European countries saw varying degrees of fascist influence. The collapse of liberal democratic governments due to economic failures contributed to the rapid rise of these regimes, which appealed to nationalist sentiments by combining ethno-supremacist ideologies with socialist rhetoric.

Despite their ideological similarities, fascist regimes varied in their execution. While some, like Nazi Germany, engaged in mass genocide, others, like Franco’s Spain, maintained dictatorial control without engaging in widespread extermination campaigns. This variance suggests that the absence of mass killings does not necessarily mean a regime isn’t fascist.

The Role of Capitalism in Sustaining Fascism

Fascist movements have historically relied on the failures of liberal democracy to gain legitimacy. Even in the years leading up to World War II, the so-called democratic nations—such as the United States, Britain, and France—initially supported Hitler, seeing him as a bulwark against communism. It was only when their own interests were threatened that they turned against fascism.

However, after the war, thousands of Nazi officials were sheltered by Western countries, revealing how capitalist states often preserve fascism as a strategic reserve against socialist movements. As Jean-Paul Sartre noted, fascism will continue to resurface as long as the socio-economic conditions that foster it persist.

Contemporary India: A New Form of Fascism?

The modern world, including India, faces a resurgence of fascist tendencies, albeit in a different form. As leftist thinker Aijaz Ahmad aptly stated, “Every country gets the fascism it deserves.”

Unlike early 20th-century Europe, today’s world is shaped by a different economic and political landscape. However, the core essence of fascism—dismantling democracy and establishing authoritarian rule with mass consent—remains the same. The crucial question is whether India has entered a fascist phase or is still in transition.

The Ten Stages of Genocide

Professor Gregory Stanton, a scholar of mass killings, outlined ten stages that precede genocide. These stages provide a framework to assess whether a society is progressing towards mass violence:

1. Classification – Defining the ‘other’ through rigid social and political categorization.
2. Symbolization – Associating targeted groups with specific symbols or identities.
3. Discrimination – Institutionalized oppression of these groups.
4. Dehumanization – Propaganda that portrays them as subhuman.
5. Organization – Structuring and systematizing these discriminatory practices.
6. Polarization – Deepening social divisions through extremist rhetoric.
7. Preparation – Laying the groundwork for violent action.
8. Persecution – Legal and extralegal attacks on the targeted groups.
9. Extermination – Mass killings.
10. Denial – Refusal to acknowledge or accept responsibility for the violence.

Examining India through this lens reveals that several of these stages are already in motion. The rise of majoritarian politics, the targeting of religious and caste minorities, and the systemic suppression of dissent indicate a trajectory that bears an unsettling resemblance to historical fascist regimes.

Caste and Capitalism: India’s Unique Fascist Traits

India’s social fabric, shaped by the rigid caste hierarchy, presents a distinct model of oppression. Unlike European fascism, which primarily mobilized racial supremacy, Indian fascism intertwines caste-based discrimination with religious majoritarianism.

Furthermore, the neoliberal economic reforms of the 1990s exacerbated social inequalities, pushing millions into economic uncertainty. This socio-economic distress has fueled reactionary politics, making authoritarian rule more appealing to the disillusioned masses.

The Future of Democracy in India

India’s democratic institutions have so far provided a fragile safeguard against full-fledged fascism. However, the erosion of these institutions, combined with growing social polarization, suggests that the nation is at a critical juncture. The battle against fascism, therefore, is not just a political struggle but also a fight for the survival of democracy itself.

History teaches us that fascism thrives in times of economic and political instability. The challenge, then, is to recognize its warning signs and mobilize resistance before it consolidates power. As past experiences have shown, the fight against fascism cannot rely on liberal democratic forces alone—it requires mass mobilization and structural change to prevent authoritarianism from taking root.

Conclusion: Learning from History

While fascism manifests differently across time and regions, its core objective remains unchanged: dismantling democratic structures to establish autocratic rule. India’s current political landscape bears troubling similarities to historical fascist regimes, but recognizing these patterns is the first step toward preventing history from repeating itself.

The question remains: Will India resist the tide of authoritarianism, or will it succumb to the forces that have historically dismantled democracies? The answer depends on the vigilance, awareness, and collective action of its people.

🔹 Short Summary:

Fascism in contemporary India is marked by rising authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, religious nationalism, and the erosion of democratic institutions. The government’s control over media, judiciary, and civil society has deepened, while violent majoritarianism threatens minority communities. This trend mirrors historical fascist movements, raising concerns over the future of democracy in India.

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🔹 Context & Background:

• India’s secular democracy is increasingly influenced by Hindu nationalism.
• The ruling establishment has used populism, propaganda, and institutional control to cement power.
• Hate speech, vigilante violence, and restrictions on press freedom have surged.
• Historical parallels with 20th-century fascist movements suggest a systematic attack on democratic norms.

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🔹 Key Statements:

1. “Fascism doesn’t arrive as a dictator in uniform; it sneaks in through nationalism, censorship, and the silencing of dissent.”
2. “Democracy dies not in a single act, but in a slow, deliberate erosion of freedoms.”
3. “When journalism becomes propaganda and opposition is criminalized, a nation is on the brink of authoritarianism.”
4. “Religious majoritarianism is not patriotism—it is fascism disguised as cultural revival.”

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🔹 Q&A:

Q: What are the key signs of fascism in modern India?
A: Centralized power, suppression of dissent, control of the press, religious nationalism, and the criminalization of political opposition.

Q: How does contemporary Indian politics reflect historical fascist movements?
A: Like Mussolini’s Italy or Nazi Germany, India is witnessing propaganda-driven nationalism, scapegoating of minorities, and state-sanctioned violence.

Q: Is democracy in India under threat?
A: Yes. Institutions meant to safeguard democracy—media, judiciary, and civil society—are increasingly undermined by authoritarian policies.

📌 Timeline of Events

• 2014 – A right-wing nationalist government comes to power, marking the rise of majoritarian politics and religious nationalism.
• 2016 – Crackdown on student activists and intellectuals, branding them as “anti-national.”
• 2019 – Re-election consolidates power; abrogation of Article 370 revokes Kashmir’s special status, triggering mass unrest.
• 2020 – Anti-CAA protests erupt nationwide; government responds with police brutality and arrests of activists.
• 2021 – Farmers’ protests against controversial agricultural laws gain global attention; government resorts to internet shutdowns and repression.
• 2022 – Media censorship intensifies, independent journalists arrested under sedition laws.
• 2023 – Targeting of opposition leaders and institutions escalates; religious minorities face increasing hate crimes.
• 2024 – General elections take place amid allegations of voter suppression and manipulation of democratic institutions.

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📌 Public & Political Reactions

• Public Response:

  • Civil society movements resist authoritarian policies, but face arrests and harassment.
  • Youth-led protests against religious discrimination and attacks on press freedom gain momentum.
  • Online activism surges, though heavily policed.

• Political Reactions:

  • Opposition parties struggle as leaders face legal persecution and financial scrutiny.
  • International governments and human rights organizations raise concerns, some imposing sanctions or issuing critical reports.
  • The ruling party and its supporters dismiss criticism as “foreign interference” and “anti-national propaganda.”

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📌 Legal & Administrative Aspects

• Judicial Erosion: Increasing government influence over courts leads to verdicts favoring the ruling establishment.
• Surveillance & Censorship: Use of laws like the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and sedition laws to target activists and journalists.
• Electoral Manipulation: Allegations of voter suppression, electronic voting machine (EVM) tampering, and biased election commissions.
• Media Regulation: Raids on independent news outlets, revocation of broadcasting licenses, and social media crackdowns.
• Religious Laws: Laws targeting minorities, including anti-conversion laws and bans on religious attire.

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📌 Opinion Pieces

• “India at a Crossroads: Democracy or Dictatorship?” – Examines whether the country can reclaim its democratic ideals or is destined for authoritarianism.
• “The Role of the Media in Enabling Fascism” – Investigates how mainstream media has played a role in legitimizing state propaganda.
• “The Judiciary’s Failing Test: When Courts Enable Authoritarianism” – Analyzes the weakening independence of India’s legal system.
• “The Global Impact of India’s Democratic Decline” – Discusses how India’s shift affects global geopolitics, trade, and diplomacy.
• “From Nationalism to Fascism: A Dangerous Trajectory” – A historical comparison of India’s political developments with past fascist regimes.

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📌 Possible Outcomes & Future Implications

🔸 Scenario 1: Democratic Revival

• A strong civil resistance movement, combined with international pressure, forces a political shift.
• Opposition parties unite and win future elections, restoring democratic norms.
• Judiciary regains independence, reversing authoritarian policies.

🔸 Scenario 2: Deepening Authoritarianism

• Further erosion of democratic institutions and consolidation of power.
• Continued criminalization of dissent and media suppression.
• Increasing violence against minorities, with potential civil unrest.

🔸 Scenario 3: International Isolation

• Foreign governments impose sanctions or reduce diplomatic ties.
• Economic consequences due to investor concerns and trade restrictions.
• India’s reputation as the “world’s largest democracy” deteriorates.

📊 1. Table: Key Events & Their Impact

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📈 2. Line Graph: Decline in Press Freedom (2014-2024)

(Lower rank = better press freedom; India’s ranking declines over time.)

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📊 3. Pie Chart: Laws Used to Suppress Dissent

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📉 4. Bar Graph: Increase in Hate Crimes (2014-2024)

(Source: Human Rights Organizations’ Reports)

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📌 5. Infographic Summary: “The Authoritarian Playbook”

🔹 1. Control the Narrative – Media censorship, press intimidation
🔹 2. Criminalize Dissent – Use of sedition and anti-terror laws
🔹 3. Target Minorities – Anti-conversion laws, hate speech normalization
🔹 4. Undermine Elections – Voter suppression, EVM manipulation
🔹 5. Weaken Institutions – Judicial influence, opposition crackdowns

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