Haris Zargar

Jun 2, 2024 | middleeasteye.net | Sara Ather |Haris Zargar |Peter Oborne

With 24 hours to go until the result of India's general election are announced, Prime Minister Nahendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) looks on course for a resounding victory. But one conclusion is already certain. Modi has fought the most sinister election campaign since Indian independence 78 years ago. Key political opponents have been arrested. Congress, India’s main opposition party, which led India to independence, has had its bank accounts frozen.

May 18, 2024 | middleeasteye.net | Haris Zargar |John Rees

While campaigning in Srinagar last month ahead of India’s parliamentary elections, People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Waheed Para chanted: “Let the traitors hear! Will you become like Farooq [Abdullah]? Will you become like Omar [Abdullah]?” Upon hearing the names of the two politicians, the crowd responded emphatically: “No!” As I watched this video, the chants and their tone screamed of non-belonging.

May 13, 2024 | middleeasteye.net | John Rees |Marco Carnelos |Haris Zargar

As India conducts its crucial multi-phase parliamentary election, the fate of the country’s 220 million Muslims hangs in the balance. Amid increasing marginalisation, this minority community is confronted with the disquieting reality of diminishing relevance in the electoral exercise. Once a crucial voting bloc, Muslims now seem to have little strategic influence.

Apr 10, 2024 | middleeasteye.net | Haris Zargar |Sara Ather

In the popular consciousness, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rise to power transcends politics; it is imagined as the turn of an era - the return of the golden age of Hindu rule that was destined to arrive. This sentiment is reflected in how Hindu nationalism today is heavily invested in creating a new timeline to mark the initiation of this anticipated epoch. Within this transformation, the “Hinduisation” of the national calendar plays a crucial role.

Apr 3, 2024 | middleeasteye.net | Haris Zargar

As India gears up for crucial parliamentary elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vying for a third term, his Hindu nationalist government has announced plans to enforce the controversial anti-Muslim law it passed in 2019. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) accelerates the process of Indian citizenship for immigrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.