BR Ambedkar in his book ‘Revoultion and Counter Revolution in Ancient India’, claims that Ancient India once flourished with rationality, equality, liberty, and fraternity in the era of Buddhism flourishment but once Brahmanism (Clericalism) came over, it upsurped the former and brought back the Dark Ages of India. Clericalism or Brahmanism went so high that it attacked its own religious reformers like Ramanujacharya, Basavanna, Swami Vivekananda, Ramananda, etc. who promoted equality and religious harmony.
At present, the Hindutva ideology is attempting to undermine the core values of India and rebuild the nation based on policies that closely resemble fascism. This article highlights how Hindutva forces are dismantling the following values:
Secularism
India has one of the oldest traditions of secularism, dating back to long before Europe and America. Emperor Ashoka promoted secular governance and religious tolerance during his reign. The Sangam period in Tamil Nadu also reflects a tradition of secular governance. Thirukkural, the Oldest Tamil text, emphasizes universal brotherhood, moral conduct, and refrains from promoting any particular religion or dogma. Secular values diminished in later periods by Hindu and Islamic rulers. Later some kingdoms experienced religious harmony and secular law. For example, Sikh Empire and Maratha Empire under Shivaji.
After 2014, there was a sudden hatred for secularism and religious harmony. Today, the right wing often claims that the word “secular” was added to the Constitution during the Emergency, and that India was not secular before that. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was certainly not naïve. He would not have allowed the country to be governed by bourgeois and casteist forces. Ambedkar himself stated that the Constitution was inherently secular, and therefore, there was no need for a separate mention of the word “secular” at the preamble. The stated Articles 14, 15, 16(1), 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 states the secular policies of India. The Constituent Assembly resolutions passed on 13th December 1946 clearly reflected secular values.
The RSS, from the very beginning of India’s independence, has held negative views about the Indian Constitution and its values. M.S. Golwalkar once remarked that the Constitution is a heterogeneous document, pieced together from various articles of Western constitutions.
Now, the RSS-led BJP is increasingly taking steps that undermine national secularism. Its leaders and supporters often openly advocate for transforming India into a Hindu Rashtra. Some even went so far as to suggest abolishing the Constitution. Even during recent incidents like Operation Sindhoor, COVID-19 amid rising tensions, several social media handles and right-wing (direct or covert) influencers have been spreading venom against secularism, religious harmony and minorities. The audience without knowing the facts, simply follow the directives of their RSS Sakha leaders or their media (Big-Brother alike) who manipulate the minds of the so-called educated and uneducated masses. These people must realize secularism is part of Indian constitution and opposing it is the real ANTI NATIONAL ACTIVITY.
Democracy
India also has one of the oldest histories of democracy. The Kudavolai system, practiced in Tamil Nadu in the 10th century CE, is an early example of a democratic process. Similarly, Buddhist Sanghas operated with democratic principles, where Bhikhus voted to elect their leaders.
After the dark Emergency period, the backsliding of democracy has been taking place since Modi came to power. The 2024 report by the PEW Research Centre—though its sample size may be questionable—highlighted a concerning trend: an increasing number of Indians are expressing a preference for autocracy, military rule, and strong-handed governance. This reflects a clear agenda driven by the RSS and its influence over certain sections of the media.
The RSS has ideological roots influenced by Nazi and Italian Fascist ideas. Its early leaders – Hegdewar, Savarkar and Gowalkar, openly praised concepts such as racial purity; the elimination of minorities, and expressed admiration for Hitler and Mussolini. The RSS uniform itself was inspired by the military schools of Hitler and Mussolini. In one of his speeches, M.S. Golwalkar endorsed the idea of “one flag, one leader, and one ideology,” echoing fascist slogans. The RSS historically opposed universal adult franchise, and in K.B. Hedgewar’s diary, it is mentioned that India needed dictators like Mussolini and Hitler to achieve Hindu Swaraj, advocating for a scientific method to realize that goal.
Now, the BJP is following a similar path, systematically eroding democratic values. India is being described as an electoral autocracy, where democratically elected governments are destabilized through horse-trading. Non-BJP state governments are frequently undermined by politically motivated Governors or made to face orchestrated unrest allegedly supported by RSS-BJP networks. Investigative agencies are being used against opposition leaders, leaving them with only two choices: imprisonment or joining the NDA. As a result, we have witnessed major splits in prominent parties. With the support of crony capitalists, the BJP has gained control over major media channels, many of which have effectively become mouthpieces of the party. Their primary agenda now appears to be glorifying Modi-RSS and discrediting opposition leaders and leftism. This made the Indian press index rank low and Indian media is being mocked by many.
In recent times, the unwarranted arrests of several journalists and scholars have drawn comparisons to the Emergency era. Additionally, Big Tech platforms, which often lean towards the right—are amplifying right-wing content. Influencers and self-proclaimed “pseudo-geniuses” are consistently promoting pro-right fake narratives while attacking the left and the opposition on every front. Hindutva right-wing supporters pose a serious threat as some openly advocate for the complete elimination of political opposition. Their ideology and actions closely resemble and sometimes surpass, those of the Nazi’s extremism. The RSS and its supporters are also known for advocating a unitary form of governance and attempting to eliminate regional parties, which goes against the principles of federalism. The RSS-BJP combine is currently promoting Hindi in an aggressive manner, undermining India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
The RSS and its supporters are also known for advocating a unitary form of governance and attempting to eliminate regional parties, which goes against the principles of federalism. The RSS-BJP combine is currently promoting Hindi in an aggressive manner, undermining India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
Turning Heroes to traitors
Mahatma Gandhi may not be politically aligned with everyone, but we cannot ignore the fact that played a key role in Indian Independence by unification. Nations that gained independence through violence have often experienced short-lived democracies and long-term chaos. India gained independence through democratic ways by Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, and visionary revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose.
The RSS, which did not participate in the Indian independence movement, is now attempting to rewrite history by glorifying Savarkar as a national hero—despite his known support for the British and his call to join the British army to fight against the Japan-allied INA led by Subhas Chandra Bose. The RSS has a long history of vilifying Gandhi and Nehru, while distorting the legacies of Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose by portraying them merely as aggressive revolutionaries, ignoring their strong socialist, secular, and democratic ideals. Furthermore, the RSS is now trying to co-opt Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite the fact that he had explicitly stated, “Hindu Raj would be a disaster.” But there is another group that spews out venom on Ambedkar and his policies.
Right-wing groups often promote distorted “real history” without evidence, mostly through YouTubers chasing views. But can they back their claims with authentic sources and face real debate?
Conclusion
This country was founded on the promise of building a democratic, secular republic. Therefore, we must resist the counter-revolution taking place today. Let us follow Ambedkar’s words: Educate, Agitate and Organise. It is now our collective mission to educate ourselves and others against the cruel fangs of Hindutva. Educating would counter the counter revolution of Hindutva forces.
