Religious Diversity and Elections in India: Communalism and Secularism
India is known for its remarkable religious diversity, with adherents of various faiths coexisting for centuries. This diversity is reflected in its electoral politics, where religion often plays a prominent role. The delicate balance between communalism (religious-based politics) and secularism (the separation of religion and politics) shapes the Indian political landscape. This blog explores the complex relationship between religious diversity, elections, communalism, and secularism in India. Religious Diversity in India India's religious diversity is a defining characteristic. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, among others, coexist in the country. This pluralism is not just a facet of daily life but also deeply entrenched in its political and electoral fabric. Religion and Voting Behavior Religion often influences voting behavior in India. Voters may align with political parties or candidates based on religious affiliations. This phenomenon is parti...