Why the BJP Is Not a Nationalist Party: Reconsidering Definitions and Practices

At the core of the debate surrounding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the question of whether it is a nationalist party. However, it would be more accurate to label it a pseudo-nationalist party, given its redefinition of nationalism as religious fanaticism and communal hatred. This article explores the essential differences between a nationalist party and the BJP's practices, providing a critical analysis from a political and historical perspective.

The Redefinition of Nationalism by the BJP

The ancestors of the BJP never played a role in India's freedom struggle. Rather, they benefitted from a democratic system that they are now working to undermine. Nationalism, for them, appears to be a means to seize and consolidate power.

The BJP's policies and rhetoric have consistently emphasized religious nationalism, often leading to communal tensions and hate. This shift from a genuine discourse of national unity to one dominated by religious fervor and communal divisions has significantly altered the party's image and impact on the political landscape.

Nationalism vs. National Party: A Comparative Analysis

Definition of Nationalism: According to dictionary definitions, nationalism encompasses a deep sense of pride, identification, and attachment to a particular nation or country. It requires a shared race, culture, language, and a desire for independence.

India's Context: India is an immense and diverse country with 28 languages and numerous cultures, making the practice of nationalism as traditionally defined nearly impossible. India is already an independent nation, thus the conditions for traditional nationalism are absent. This makes it difficult to characterize the BJP as a nationalist party based on these definitions.

National Party vs. Nationalist Party: The BJP is indeed a National Party - it contests elections on a national scale and has a strong national presence. However, it lacks the elements that make a Nationalist Party. The BJP's emphasis on religious and cultural homogeneity contradicts the very essence of what nationalism should represent in a diverse and independent nation like India.

The BJP's Nationalist Rhetoric vs. its Practices

The BJP often claims to be a nationalist party, a term that carries weight in Indian politics. It uses this identity to assert superiority and to delegitimize its opponents. However, the party's true practice often diverges from its rhetoric.

Language Promotion: The BJP's drive to promote Hindi as the national language of India and to sideline other languages like Tamil clearly demonstrates their view of India as a singular entity, rather than a nation of diverse communities. This approach underlines the party's deep-seated obsession with linguistic homogeneity, which contradicts the concept of a diverse and pluralistic India.

Nationalist Party Contenders: There are other parties in India that more accurately reflect the concept of a Nationalist Party. For instance, the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), led by Senthamizhan Seeman, is considered a true nationalist party. The NTK champions Tamil nationalism without trying to impose it on other states, a stark contrast to the BJP's policies.

Conclusion

In the Indian context, the BJP can be more accurately characterized as a pseudo-nationalist party. Its redefinition of nationalism to serve communal and religious interests contradicts the shared discourse and practice of genuine nationalism. While it may be seen as a national party due to its broad outreach and influential presence, it fails to meet the standards of a true nationalist party. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a more informed and nuanced political discourse in India.

Keywords: BJP, Nationalism, Indian Politics, Communal Hatred, Independence