Conférence : “Cow Vigilantism and Lynching of Muslims : Making Sense of New Face of Hindutva Politics in India” par Mujibur Rehman – EHESS (Paris), 16h-18h, 10/10/2017

In my presentation, I am seeking to explore the complex processes of politics of Hindutva in the larger context of cow vigilantism and lynching of Muslims in various parts of India. Long before even Dadri happened in which Md Akhlaq was lynched, there are several instances of violence against Muslims in the name of cow protection. These so called cow vigilante groups are active in various parts of India- and lynching of Muslims are taking place in various parts of India, which has reopened a new chapter of violence in Indian democracy. In this context, I raise the following questions:

a) While cow protection movement has been going on for several decades, why has it become so violent in post- 2014 era?

b) What is the reason behind the politics of lynching among Muslims?

c) What are the implications of these developments for the minority rights and secularism in India?

In my attempt to answer these questions, I shall reflect on the rise of electoral power of saffron politics and place of violence in Indian democracy. My presentation will unravel the various layers of ideological development that has shaped the violent nature of this politics, in which many suspect the state has become a collaborator. In my broader analysis, I will draw upon from my narrative of forthcoming book, rise of saffron power (from Routledge), in which I have shown how ideological shift in Indian politics taking place.

Dr Mujibur Rehman currently teaches at Jamia Millia Central University, New Delhi. He has published, Communalism in Postcolonial India: Changing Contours (Routledge 2016). His forthcoming book, Rise of Saffron: Reflections on Indian Politics (Routledge 2017). He is currently working on a book on Indian Muslims. He has received graduate training at the University of Texas, Austin; University of Heidelberg, Germany; and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi. He often writes reviews and opeds in various newspapers such as The Hindu, The Hindustan Times etc.