Identity-Based Politics: A Growing Concern

Definition: Identity-based politics refers to the increasing emphasis on individual and group identities, such as religion, caste, language, and ethnicity, in political discourse and decision-making.

Factors Contributing to Growth:

1. Globalization and Liberalization: The economic liberalization and globalization of the 1990s led to increased migration and urbanization, which has resulted in the growth of diverse communities and identities.
2. Changing Social Dynamics: The decline of traditional social hierarchies and the rise of new social movements have created new identities and aspirations.
3. Technology and Social Media: The widespread use of social media and other digital platforms has enabled the dissemination of identity-based ideologies and the creation of online communities.
4. Polarizing Politics: The increasing polarization of political discourse, fueled by the rise of nationalist and populist movements, has created an environment conducive to identity-based politics.
5. State Policies: The Indian state’s policies, such as the introduction of reservation systems, have inadvertently contributed to the growth of identity-based politics.

Recent Examples:

• The Communal Riots: The 2020 communal riots in Delhi, sparked by protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), highlighted the growing tensions between different religious groups.
• The NRC-CAA Controversy: The controversy surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the CAA has led to widespread protests and identity-based mobilization.
• The Rise of Hindutva: The increasing popularity of Hindutva ideology, which emphasizes Hindu identity and supremacy, has contributed to the growth of identity-based politics.

Implications for National Integration:

• Polarization: Identity-based politics can exacerbate existing social and economic divides, leading to further polarization and fragmentation of society.
• Exclusion: The growing emphasis on identity can lead to the exclusion of marginalized groups and individuals who do not fit into dominant categories.
• Erosion of National Identity: Identity-based politics can erode national identity by emphasizing sectional interests over national unity.
• Challenges for Democratic Governance: The growth of identity-based politics can challenge democratic governance by creating obstacles for effective decision-making and conflict resolution.