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In recent times, it has become common to hear dissent against the Muslim minority whenever they criticize India’s socio-economic and political landscape. The slogan 'Go to Pakistan' is often used by politicians, who are typically perceived as leaning towards the right when a Muslim expresses dissenting opinions and tries to minimize the achievements of India as a nation. The question arises: is this refrain born out of genuine concern for national unity and patriotism, or does it originate from a more sinister agenda of fundamentalist bigotry targeting India’s approximately one-fifth Muslim population? Read my analysis- https://lnkd.in/gqyFG_6u

🇮🇳 The #BJP's narrow 2024 win hinted at a return to coalition politics. But "the nature of the political order has fundamentally shifted in ways that will have a lasting impact on Indian democracy," writes Milan Vaishnav in his essay for the Journal of Democracy. 💭 How Has India Changed Under the BJP? 💭 India's political landscape has seen a significant shift under the BJP, moving from secularism to a civilizational-state ethos. This transition challenges conventional notions of democracy, framing India as a revived civilizational state with deep democratic roots predating Western models. Central to this shift is a narrative of historical victimization and cultural revival, promoting Hindutva as central to a unified Hindu identity. This redefines secularism, emphasizing state intervention in religious affairs while ostensibly safeguarding cultural diversity. India's foreign policy has aligned with domestic agendas, asserting global leadership through initiatives like the "International Day of Yoga" and advocacy for millet cultivation. Simultaneously, internal policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act reflect a move towards "One Nation" initiatives, reshaping federal dynamics with a more unitary state structure. #India #ForeignPolicy #Democracy Read the full article at the Journal of Democracy ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ema4VPVS

The article highlights the anger and fear in Kashmir over the Indian government's decision to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and other political leaders have accused the BJP of attempting to create another partition and using the CAA as a divisive political tool. The BJP and its spokesman have dismissed these accusations as misleading and claim that there is no place for hate politics in Jammu and Kashmir. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #India Follow us for daily updates on risk and operations in Asia! https://lnkd.in/gCQrQcqE

Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina resigns and goes into political exile. Sheikh Hasina was an adept economic manager and a good friend to India and Bhutan. That she did not take the People of Bangladesh into confidence while she ruled proved to be her hamartia. Hers was a very heavy hand and 300 students were quashed by it. Opposition, both political and intellectual, were arrested. The vigil begins for a return to the true democracy the People of Bangladesh deserve… not military rule under General Waker Uz-Zaman, nor another elected autocracy. May the protests in Bangladesh propel our beloved neighbours forward to prosperity, peace and pluralism and may the power of the people never be hijacked by undemocratic interests. This is a lesson to every leader in South Asia whose rule seeks to make subjects of their citizen masters. Here is a throwback to Tushar Arun Gandhi’s brilliant article on militaristic democracies in South Asia for PoliTweak media syndicate: https://lnkd.in/dBxcy6vB

Despite winning only 53% of the vote in #Iran, President Masoud #Pezeshkian’s victory was supported by reformists and many Iranians who preferred him over his hardliner rival Saeed Jalili. “Given the constrained environment within the Islamic Republic and the dominance of conservative elements, combined with reformists’ reluctance or inability to mobilize new social bases—such as a new generation of youth and ethnic groups—reformists’ influence appears to be in decline. The renewed opportunity given to Pezeshkian by sections of the Iranian electorate—after a series of poor electoral performances by reformists in recent years—has raised expectations for his performance,” explains Mohammed A. Salih. Read his take on why the country’s “reformists” struggle in the shifting political landscape.

(MNN) India: return to coalition politics good for Christians?: India (MNN) -- BJP loss forces PM Modi to return to coalition politics for the first time in a decade. #MissionNetworkNews #A3 #news

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lost its majority in parliament following India’s elections, making it dependent on a coalition to govern. Contrary to all the predictions, which had it gaining seats, the BJP lost 63, bringing its total down to 240 of the 543 in parliament. By ending BJP hegemony, the vote restores equilibrium in the world’s largest democracy, strengthening the checks and balances parliament can impose on the executive branch. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Praveen Donthi explores the implications for New Delhi’s domestic and foreign policies. https://lnkd.in/eja7Efpi

Religious parties like Jamaat-i-Islami or Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam’s Samiul Haq struggle to win sufficient votes to form Pakistan's national government due to two key factors. Firstly, popular concerns such as economic issues significantly influence voter choices, diverting attention from religious affiliations. Secondly, the influence of powerful entities within the Pakistani state and society, often backing electable politicians, plays a crucial role in electoral outcomes. Mainstream leaders, from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Imran Khan, have not successfully harnessed broad public support or gained approval from influential power brokers. Despite numerous registered religious political parties, mainstream leadership with the support of electables remains the prevailing formula for forming a national government. Notably, parties like Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam — Fazl (JUI-F) and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) exhibit strategic adaptability and may impact the upcoming elections on February 8. The success of these parties, particularly the JUI-F with its Deoband lineage, regional influence, and consistent electoral victories, highlights their potential in the evolving political landscape. The TLP's rapid progress suggests the importance of examining the election strategies of these religious parties and others participating in the 2024 elections. #ReligiousParties #PakistanElections #ElectoralOutcomes #PoliticalInfluence #PopularConcerns #Electables #JUIF #TLP #ElectionStrategies #PoliticalLandscapes #PakistaniPolitics #VoterChoices #PowerBrokers #MainstreamLeadership #PublicSupport #PoliticalAnalysis #ElectionInsights #sparkpakistan

Overall, this article is a valuable contribution to understanding the complex issue of Muslim political representation in India. It prompts readers to think critically about the current situation and explore potential solutions. https://lnkd.in/evSE7W2z

First time in the history of Pakistan where young youth have cast their vote to separate the religious culprits from politics to focus on religious affairs and promote morality and pluralism in society. The surprisingly dismal performance of Pakistan’s Islamist parties in the recently held elections has prompted introspection among the likes of JUI-F and JI regarding their political future. Why did these parties fail to capture the attention of voters? And is the TLP a far stronger political force than many realise? https://lnkd.in/gp6GmAhd