7K Political Science

Contemporary India, a vibrant and pluralistic democracy, grapples with a complex web of challenges that test its peace, stability, and national integration. These challenges are deeply rooted in its history, its immense diversity, and the socio-economic transformations it is undergoing. One of the most persistent challenges is , an ideology that prioritizes religious identity over national identity and promotes discord between religious communities. The historical legacy of the Partition of India in 1947, coupled with contemporary political mobilization along religious lines, has periodically led to tensions and outbreaks of violence. Events like the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid and subsequent riots are stark reminders of the fragility of the secular fabric. The debate around a Uniform Civil Code versus personal laws based on religion remains a contentious issue. is another powerful force. In a country with dozens of major languages and distinct cultural zones, loyalty to one's region or state can sometimes compete with national identity. This has manifested in demands for the creation of new states (e.g., Telangana, which was formed in 2014), disputes over resources like river water, and "sons of the soil" movements that demand preferential treatment for locals in jobs and education. While the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956 was a successful strategy for managing this diversity, regional aspirations continue to be a potent political force. The {caste system}, a deeply entrenched social hierarchy, remains a significant challenge to social integration despite being outlawed. Although affirmative action policies (known as reservations) for Scheduled Castes (Dalits) and Scheduled Tribes have been in place for decades, caste-based discrimination and violence persist, and the politics of caste identity and "vote banks" are a central feature of Indian democracy. In terms of security, India faces both external and internal threats. The unresolved issue of {Kashmir} has been the primary cause of conflict with Pakistan since independence, leading to several wars and a persistent state of military tension. The region is also plagued by a long-running insurgency and cross-border terrorism. Internally, the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, particularly in the "Red Corridor" of central and eastern India, poses a significant threat to internal stability. These left-wing extremists claim to be fighting for the rights of tribal communities and the landless poor. In the Northeast, several long-running ethnic insurgencies, though diminished in intensity, still challenge the state's authority. Acts like the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which grant the military wide-ranging powers in "disturbed areas," remain highly controversial. Maintaining national integration in such a diverse country is the overarching challenge. India's success lies in its ability to navigate these complex and often overlapping fault lines through democratic negotiation, constitutional mechanisms, and a commitment to a pluralistic national identity.

Contemporary India: Challenges to Peace, Stability, and National Integration