Hindu organisations demand action; Muslim leaders call for evidence-based solutions and peace
Team Clarion
AURANGABAD – The Hindutva bandwagon is active against Islam and Muslims; this time finding events in Bangladesh and the perceived atrocities on Hindus in that country as a perfect excuse.
Several Hindu groups launched protests across various districts in Marathwada on Tuesday, taking to the streets to condemn alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Shops and schools were closed as a precautionary measure, while large rallies and demonstrations were held in cities like Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed, and Satara.
The protests were spearheaded by groups such as Sakal Hindu Samaj and other Hindutva factions, which took out rallies and raised slogans condemning the alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. A particularly controversial figure, Sant Ramgiri Maharaj, led a rally in Aurangabad, despite being warned by the police to avoid making inflammatory statements. In a provocative speech, he declared, “Once Sanatani awakens, he will turn the whole world upside down,” inciting a wave of nationalist fervour.
The protests were in response to claims that following the formation of a new interim government in Bangladesh after the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina, new laws were being enacted that allegedly would strip Hindus of their rights. According to reports, Hindutva organisations in India have seized upon these accusations to fuel protests against Bangladesh. The newly elected government in Bangladesh has, however, denied the allegations, stating that all claims of persecution are exaggerated or unsubstantiated.
The demonstrations across Marathwada included significant participation from BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde) leaders, particularly in Malegaon, where a protest march was organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj. The march, which began from the Gandhi statue, culminated at the Additional Collector’s Office, with participants singing slogans and chanting, “The sword has shone, Hindus wake up.” Similar protests were also held in Nashik and Manmad.
The protests were not confined to Marathwada. In Vidarbha, businesses were shut down in places like Parli taluka in Beed district, with large processions condemning Bangladesh’s alleged human rights violations. In Satara, a sizable rally took place, while BJP MLA Nitish Rane joined the protest in Sindhudurg district of Konkan, further adding to the tension by delivering a fiery speech.
Meanwhile, video footage from Jaipur circulated widely on social media, showing a Hindu leader openly encouraging violence against Muslims in India in retaliation for perceived atrocities in Bangladesh. The speech, which seemed to incite violence similar to the 2002 Gujarat riots, has raised alarms about the spreading influence of hateful rhetoric. The leader was seen urging Hindus to take up arms against Muslims, a call that has sparked outrage and concern across India, especially within the Muslim community.
As the Hindutva movement gains momentum, it seems increasingly focused on fanning the flames of inter-religious conflict. RSS leader Ambekar recently issued a statement calling for “steps beyond talks” if the Bangladesh government fails to secure the rights of Hindus there. This call for more aggressive action is part of a larger strategy by Hindutva elements to drive a wedge between Hindus and Muslims, capitalising on the tensions in Bangladesh to promote hatred and violence against India’s Muslim minority.
Experts have warned that this rhetoric could have devastating consequences for the fragile religious harmony in India. “The hatred being spread is already at a dangerous level,” said one observer, who noted that the Indian Muslim community, already suffering from years of prejudice and targeted violence, could face even greater attacks as a result of these protests.
In contrast, Muslim leaders have called for evidence-based responses to the situation in Bangladesh, emphasising that retaliation against Muslims in India will only escalate the violence. “If atrocities are being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh, it is our religious duty as Muslims to stand with the oppressed,” said one prominent Muslim leader, “but we must first verify the facts before taking any action.”
Muslim organisations have urged the Bangladesh government to address these allegations transparently and called on leaders to use diplomatic channels to resolve the issue without inflaming sectarian tensions. “It is important for Bangladesh’s newly elected officials to bring Hindu leaders to the forefront and use media to counter the propaganda being spread in India,” a Muslim scholar stated, cautioning against the spread of unverified information.
The situation has created a volatile atmosphere in India, where already existing divisions between the Hindu majority and Muslim minority are being exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric. The fear is that, if left unchecked, these tensions could lead to further violence against Muslims across the country, as Hindutva organisations continue to frame the situation as a war against Hindus globally.
Despite the rising tide of communal tensions, there has been little action from Indian authorities to curtail the spread of hate speech. The protests in Marathwada were met with heavy police presence, but many of the inflammatory statements made by leaders like Ram Giri Maharaj went unpunished. Critics have raised concerns over the lack of accountability for such incitement to violence.
“It is deeply troubling that leaders are being allowed to incite violence with impunity,” said a civil rights activist. “The government must take stronger action against those who spread hate and division, especially when it has the potential to lead to loss of life.”
In this climate of heightened tension, the urgent need for dialogue and understanding between India’s diverse religious communities has never been more apparent. While the alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is a serious issue that requires investigation, it is essential that any action taken does not fuel further hatred against Muslims in India.
The growing influence of Hindutva ideologies, supported by national organisations, is putting India’s democracy and secular fabric at risk. Leaders on both sides of the religious divide must work together to ensure that this volatile situation does not spiral into widespread violence and that the truth prevails over propaganda.
As India faces one of the most challenging periods of its modern history, it is clear that the path forward lies not in division and hatred, but in unity and understanding. Only through collective efforts can the country hope to preserve peace, protect its minorities, and ensure justice for all its citizens, regardless of faith.
