The Threat of Messianic Politics

In January 2024, saffron-clad crowds thronged the north Indian town of Ayodhya as Prime Minister Narendra Modi consecrated the Ram Mandir, a monumental Hindu temple. This seemingly religious act was steeped in a decades-long controversy, and while it marked a culmination for many Hindus it also laid bare the dangers of messianic politics.

India, a land where vibrant Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and Buddhist traditions coexist, has long prided itself on its secular constitution. This secularism ensures equal treatment for all religions, a principle vital for a nation as diverse as India.

The Ram Janmabhoomi (birthplace of Lord Ram) is a revered site for Hindus, believed to be where the epic Ramayana unfolds. However, a 16th-century mosque, the Babri Masjid, stood on the same land for centuries. In 1992, Hindu nationalist mobs demolished the mosque, sparking riots that left over 2,000 dead. The legal battle raged for decades, culminating in the 2019 Supreme Court verdict awarding the disputed land to a Hindu trust for temple construction.  

While the BJP hailed the Ram Mandir as a fulfillment of Hindu aspirations, critics argue it marginalizes India's 200 million Muslims. It reopened old wounds and raised concerns about the political motivations behind the temple's construction, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. The BJP's focus on this emotive issue, some argue, is a ploy to consolidate its Hindu vote bank. This prioritizes religious identity over India's secular constitution, raising concerns about a Hindu-centric nationalism.

However, the Ram Mandir controversy is not an isolated incident but rather emblematic of a broader trend of messianic politics sweeping across the globe. Leaders like Donald Trump in the US, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, and Viktor Orbán in Hungary have capitalized on religious identity, framed political opponents as enemies of faith, and promised national or religious restoration. This trend, characterized by its appeal to religious sentiment and exploitation of grievances, poses a significant threat to democratic norms and institutions.

The core threat of messianic politics lies in their erosion of secularism, the very foundation of a democratic society. When religion becomes a political tool, it undermines the equal treatment of all faiths. Democracy thrives on inclusivity and the ability to find common ground. Messianic politics are a cancer on this ideal, offering a false sense of unity through exclusion. Left unchecked, messianic politics can dismantle the delicate fabric of democracy. They silence dissent, erode civil liberties, and prioritize religious dogma over the rights of individuals. An informed and engaged citizenry is the most potent weapon against the manipulation and divisiveness of messianic politics. 

The Ram Mandir might serve as a pilgrimage site for millions, but will it ever truly unify a nation still grappling with the wounds of its past? The answer lies in the hands of its citizens, and their unwavering commitment to the ideals enshrined in their constitution. While the temple fulfills a religious aspiration for many Hindus, ensuring inclusivity and respect for all faiths remains paramount for India’s vibrant democracy.