Majoritarianism, which, according to the European Center for Populism Studies, can be defined as a political philosophy which asserts that a majority of a population is entitled to a certain degree of primacy in society [1] and has the right to make decisions that affect the society, can affect a society as a whole to several degrees. While fostering a simple, straightforward decision making process, which eliminates many of the tedious, bureaucratic procedures we observe today, it may also simultaneously deprecate the role minorities play, leading to the phenomena appropriately labelled “tyranny of the majority.”

A political model which closely follows the principles of majoritarianism would have two sides to each coin. While it may enjoy political stability thanks to lower fragmentation within legislative bodies, it may also face unrest due to the alienation of minorities and a political philosophy which asserts that a majority of a population is entitled to a certain degree of primacy in society and has the right to make decisions that affect the society.

The current political model in India, follows something along the lines of majoritarianism, but defines India as a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.” However, this idea of secularism is weak, as the Minority Rights Group claims that  “there has been rising hostility against India’s religious minorities,” in recent years, “particularly since the current right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government promoting Hindu nationalism took power […] [2]”

The Group goes on to say that “the BJP has long been associated with right-wing Hindu extremist groups such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS),” and “involved with the exploitation of communal elements, which contributed to its electoral victories in 2014 and 2019 [3].” This outlines the political strategies employed by India’s leading party, and how its ideas of Hindu nationalism clash with those of freedom of religion and belief, while simultaneously demonstrating how Hindus – who make up a majority of the population – enjoy a certain importance which minorities don’t. 

Moreover, these strategies don’t go unnoticed. According to an article published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 2020, “business titans from Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella to mega-investor George Soros have warned of the adverse economic impacts of divisive nationalism.” What’s more is that The strategic consultancy Eurasia Group has “dubbed the BJP’s controversial social policies one of its top 10 global political risks for 2020. [3]” This suggests that Indian majoritarianism may develop the country a bit of a reputation – associated with communal violence, instability, and uncertainty.

This reputation could work against the nation, discouraging foreign investors and hampering India’s relations with several Muslim-majority nations. A government which governs based on identity rather than equality is not a government one would want to be involved with.

Finally, it is also essential to understand the impact majoritarianism has on minorities. According to an article published by the Minority Rights Group, “communal violence has in particular targeted Muslims” who are the largest minority in India. The article also states that “at least 44 people including 36 Muslims were killed in cow-related violence between May 2015 and December 2018 [2],” illustrating how certain ideologies followed by the majority are forced on minorities. What’s more is that religious communities aren’t the only victims of this discrimination either – hindu Dalits also face “caste discrimination, including ‘untouchability’, violence and harassment. [2]”

Ultimately, majoritarianism, which does foster a quicker decision making process, does so at the cost of instability, political unrest, slow economic growth, and a poor reputation on a more international level.

Sources:
[1] https://www.populismstudies.org/Vocabulary/majoritarianism/
[2] https://minorityrights.org/country/india/
[3] https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2020/01/indias-government-is-prioritizing-nationalism-over-economic-renewal?lang=en