Communalism: Power Struggle and Relative Deprivation

Introduction: Communalism, characterized by conflict between different religious or ethnic groups, often emerges due to underlying power struggles or feelings of relative deprivation. Understanding these causes can help in addressing and mitigating communal tensions.

1. Power Struggle:

• Historical Power Conflicts:
  • “Partition of India (1947)”: The division of British India into India and Pakistan was driven by intense communal strife, largely a result of power struggles between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League. The creation of Pakistan was influenced by the desire of the Muslim League to establish a separate state due to perceived power imbalances and inadequate representation in a united India.
• Political Mobilization:
  • “Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindutva”: In contemporary India, the BJP’s rise has been accompanied by the promotion of Hindutva, which often emphasizes Hindu identity and marginalizes other communities. This strategy is partly driven by power dynamics within Indian politics, aiming to consolidate the Hindu vote bank and challenge the political dominance of other parties, leading to heightened communal tensions.

2. Relative Deprivation:

• Socio-Economic Disparities:
  • “Post-Independence Tensions”: In post-independence India, economic and social disparities between different communities have often fueled communal sentiments. For instance, the perceived economic advantages of one community over another can lead to feelings of relative deprivation and subsequent communal conflict. The 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, exemplify how relative deprivation and scapegoating can exacerbate communal violence.
• Employment and Educational Opportunities:
  • “Reservation Policies”: The reservation policies aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have sometimes led to resentment among other communities who feel disadvantaged by these policies. This sense of relative deprivation can foster communal tensions, as seen in incidents of caste-based violence where non-reserved category individuals feel economically or socially deprived.

Recent Illustrations:

• “Rohingya Crisis”: In Myanmar, the conflict between the Rohingya Muslim minority and the Buddhist majority has roots in both power struggles and relative deprivation. The Rohingya’s marginalization and denial of citizenship have led to severe communal violence and displacement.
• “Assam NRC Controversy”: The National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam has led to tensions between indigenous Assamese and immigrant communities. Accusations of relative deprivation among indigenous groups and fears of political power shifts have fueled communal discord.

Conclusion: Communalism often arises from complex interactions between power struggles and relative deprivation. Addressing these underlying issues through equitable policies, inclusive governance, and inter-community dialogue is crucial for fostering communal harmony and reducing conflicts.