Renewed Persecution of Muslims in India Amidst BJP’s Electoral Setbacks

Despite the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) reduced influence following recent elections, anti-Muslim sentiment and policies have intensified in India, claimed an article published by Al Jazeera on Friday, July 26.

According to the author, Apoorvanand, who teaches Hindi at the University of Delhi, the BJP, now reliant on regional secular parties for governance, has not curbed its discriminatory practices. He cites a recent example: In Uttar Pradesh, state authorities mandated that restaurants along Hindu pilgrimage routes display the names of owners and employees, ostensibly to help pilgrims avoid non-vegetarian food.

Critics argue this policy targets Muslim-owned businesses, fostering a climate of fear and discrimination. The Supreme Court intervened, ruling that restaurants cannot be compelled to disclose ownership identities, yet the initial orders have already sent a clear message of persecution. Furthermore, the BJP has banned halal certification, complicating the lives of observant Muslims who rely on such labeling for food and products.

The escalation of violence and harassment against Muslims is believed to stem from internal power struggles within the BJP, with state leaders vying to showcase their commitment to Hindu nationalist ideologies. As state institutions, including police and civil administration, actively participate in this persecution, the safety and rights of minority communities remain precarious. Consequently, the ongoing attacks raise serious concerns about the future of secularism and democracy in India, as the BJP continues to prioritize its ideological agenda over the welfare of its citizens, especially the Muslim community.