Lynchings Surge: Elections Not The Only Reason Behind Rising Communal Violence In India

Recent incidents of lynching and communal violence in India raise pressing questions about their origins and causes. Is this surge in violence a direct result of anti-Muslim rhetoric from recent elections, or does it reflect a broader, deeper malaise within society?

The recent uptick in communal violence seems to be influenced by both electoral outcomes and longstanding societal issues. In Haryana’s Nuh and Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur, violence erupted involving Hindu youth who supported the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to clashes between communities. In Mangaluru, BJP supporters were attacked after taunting Muslims with provocative statements. These incidents suggest a possible link to electoral tensions, but it is also evident that such violence is not solely confined to election-related provocations.

In Chhattisgarh, three Muslims were lynched over alleged cattle trafficking. The involvement of a BJP functionary among the arrested complicates the narrative, suggesting that while the BJP’s political sweep might not directly fuel every incident, its presence influences the communal landscape. Similar patterns of violence emerged in Himachal Pradesh and Odisha, often related to religious celebrations or cultural practices.

Despite allegations of Hindutva retribution for Muslim support of opposition alliances, many recent violent incidents appear disconnected from such a cause-and-effect link. For instance, in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, lynchings were reportedly driven by rumors or local disputes rather than direct political retaliation.

Yet, these incidents highlight a troubling trend of societal regression, where mob justice increasingly overrides the rule of law. This trend is visible in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, where public outcry and swift police action curtailed the violence, showing that even in regions with hardline leaders, there is resistance against unchecked mob actions.

The broader issue seems to be a societal shift towards mob rule, where religious sentiments and rumors fuel violence. For example, in Jodhpur, the dismantling of gates leading to an Eidgah sparked a violent response from Hindus fearing increased Muslim presence. Similarly, in Anand, a violent clash over a cricket match led to the lynching of a Muslim spectator.

In Madhya Pradesh, the government’s demolition of Muslim homes over allegations of beef possession before Bakr Eid exemplifies how state power can be wielded for communal purposes. These actions reveal a troubling trend of majority power exerting brute force against minorities, not necessarily driven by electoral outcomes but by entrenched communal animosity.

In conclusion, the recent spate of lynchings and communal violence reflects deeper issues within Indian society, where religious hatred and vigilantism overshadow legal and democratic principles. While election results and political rhetoric may exacerbate tensions, the underlying cause seems to be a societal shift towards violence and intolerance masked as political and religious activism.