Modi’s president

The landslide election of the BJP’s Ram Nath Kovind as president – only the second time a member of the Dalit community has held the post – is being portrayed as a shining moment for India’s democracy. The Indian media claims that Kovind’s election shows that even members of the most marginalised groups can ascend to one of the highest offices in the land. As heartening as it always is when historically repressed communities are given some representation, this move smacks of tokenism. The Congress, too, had put up a Dalit as candidate for president and the BJP is well aware that its toxic brand of Hindu supremacy is associated with Brahmins and other ‘upper-caste’ Hindus. This is a cheap way to show that it does not discriminate on the basis of caste without having to change any of its policies. Then there is the fact that Kovind’s membership in a subjugated group has not stopped him from oppressing other equally marginalised communities. He is not just a member of the BJP but also has a long association with the RSS – the parent organisation of the party which takes an even more extreme attitude towards Muslims. He also once described Muslims and Christians as alien to India. Clearly, his posture towards minorities will be no different than that of the party he serves.

The office of president in India is largely symbolic and carries little actual power. But symbols matter and Modi has now been able to fill offices ranging from ministers to university presidents; all of them unfailingly buy into his Hindutva agenda. Kovind has previously opposed reserved jobs for minorities other than Dalits and has been a staunch supporter of Modi’s policies. As a member of the Rajya Sabha and then as governor of Bihar, he was known for his right-wing views. In everything from demonetisation to the demonisation of beef, he will be on the same page as Modi. That he may help the BJP make inroads into the Dalit vote is only an added bonus for Modi.   Kovind is not the biggest danger Muslims in India face today; rather he is confirmation that their rights are not given any consideration by the government. Instead of being touted as a sign of India’s tolerance and openness, Kovind’s election should be seen as confirmation that Modi’s India is fundamentally illiberal and hostile to anyone who doesn’t share the Hindu faith.