Is India a fascist state?

Exploring the history of fascism in India, the rise of the Sangh Parivar, and the leadership of Narendra Damodardas Modi.

Preface

Before we delve into the subject matter, it is important to clarify the terminology. In previous articles, I discussed the troubling developments in Pakistan, using the term “fascist methods”, and tried to distinguish between that and fascism as a political ideology.

The American commentator and journalist Rachel Maddow defined fascism as a specific form of far-right politics centered around a leader with a cult-like following, warning against using this just as a term for people one disagrees with. I agree with her, and while she was talking about former US president Donald Trump, it is worth noting that this can also be applied to prime minister Modi in India.

While the Shahbaz Sharif government in Pakistan can be described as corrupt and power-hungry, it lacks a cohesive ideological foundation, very unlike Modi in India. In this article, I will explore the historical roots of fascism in India and argue that the current regime in New Delhi is indeed ideologically fascist, worki…