Contesting Citizenship: Hindutva, the CAA, and Minority Communities in India

Abstract

Hindutva is an ultra-nationalist philosophy grounded in Hindu religion and mythology, has gained significant traction in India that poses challenges for religious minorities. These religious minorities include particularly several of them but mainly Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. While India has historically supported secularism, the rise of Hindutva has raised concerns about the erosion of religious freedom and equality. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 by the Modi regime accelerated citizenship for non- Muslim refugees from neighbouring countries is widely criticized for institutionalising religious discrimination. In this context this study examines the impact of Hindutva ideology and the CAA on minority communities in India. It tries to trace the historical evolution and its political manifestation through Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The analysis is based on qualitative content examination of academic literature, legal documents, media reporting, and selected case events. It critically assesses societal challenges posed by the CAA, highlighting its implications for India’s secular framework and democratic values. Findings indicate that there is a substantial shift toward majoritarianism, raising concerns about the future of minority rights and social cohesion. This research aids to the broader discourse on nationalism, religion, and politics in contemporary India, offering insights into the intersections of power, identity and governance in a pluralistic society.

Keywords: Hindutva, Moditva, Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Minority Communities.