Reviving India’s Inclusive Nationalism

Recent developments around India-Pakistan tensions and the legal-political controversies following dissenting voices expose the erosion of India’s pluralistic nationalism. The current trend toward conflating nationalism with rigid uniformity and suppressing democratic freedoms is threatening the legacy inherited from the freedom struggle. This debate has gained currency amid growing concerns over rising jingoism, shrinking space for dissent, and rising majoritarian narratives.

Backsliding of Indian Nationalism

• Indian nationalism has shifted from a rich, inclusive legacy to an imitative nationalism that mirrors exclusionary models (German fascism, Israeli nationalism, Hindu Pakistan analogy).
• This nationalism prioritizes national interest over citizens’ rights, curtailing dissent and freedom of expression.

Suppression of Democratic Freedoms in the Name of National Interest

• The Ali Khan Mahmudabad case exemplifies the judiciary and legal fraternity sidelining constitutional rights.
• Dissent during conflict is equated with anti-nationalism, breaking the tradition where leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee upheld both nationalism and democratic accountability.

Erosion of Democratic Accountability

• Government and the ruling party becoming synonymous with the nation undermines checks and balances.
• Criticism of government policies or questioning leadership is delegitimized as “anti-national”.

From Unity to Uniformity: The New Nationalism

• Diversity of ideology, culture, and region is demonized as “anti-national”.
• Internal dissent or minority concerns are labeled divisive, weakening India’s pluralistic fabric.
• Historical figures like Sardar Patel are recalled to emphasize integration without suppressing differences.

Legacy of Indian Nationalism

• Indian nationalism was characterized by “belonging without othering” — promoting unity without manufacturing enemies.
• Opposed colonialism as a system, not targeting countries or ethnic groups.
• Encouraged accommodation of multiple languages, religions, and regions, fostering a complementary Indian identity.
• Rejected European models demanding uniformity; embraced democratic debate on nationhood.

Contemporary Nationalism’s Failures and Consequences

• The new nationalism fuels othering and internal polarization.
• It fails to address genuine internal conflicts (e.g., Manipur, inter-state water disputes).
• Focused obsession with Pakistan reduces India’s diplomatic space and strategic partnerships.
• Unable to confront larger challenges like China’s expansionism or global diplomatic pressures.

Shared Responsibility and the Way Forward

• The contemporary nationalist crisis is not solely the ruling party’s fault.
• The post-independence liberal, secular elite’s detachment from emotional and cultural nationalism ceded space to narrow, jingoistic forces.
• Reclaiming India’s pluralistic nationalism is crucial — it demands political will and intellectual leadership to revive inclusive belonging and democratic accountability.