Since 2014, India has witnessed a fundamental and radical shift in its political ideology and practices, significantly impacting the mindset and attitudes of the majority community in the country. This paradigm shift has redefined the landscape of Indian politics and social relations, especially for minorities, including Muslims and Christians. These minorities are often portrayed as enemies of the nation, painted as threats to national unity, and accused of undermining India's cultural and social fabric. This narrative has found its way into the public discourse, creating widespread prejudice and suspicion toward these communities, particularly Muslims and Christians.

The ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliated organisations have contributed to the propagation of this narrative, which has led to increasing marginalisation and hostility towards these communities. As a result, Muslims and Christians find themselves subjected to discrimination, social exclusion, and even violent attacks. Against this backdrop, what could be the appropriate response of Christians, who represent India's second-largest religious minority? This article seeks to explore the characteristics of the paradigm shift in Indian politics and suggest ways for Christians to respond to the challenges arising from this shift.

Understanding the Political Context
Politics is often understood narrowly, primarily related to party politics, where individuals align themselves with political parties, engage in electoral campaigns, or vote in elections. In this limited view, politics is merely about voting every five years. However, politics, in a broader sense, encompasses governance, which includes lawmaking by the legislature, the implementation of laws and administration by the government, and the judiciary, which ensures these laws conform to the Indian Constitution and do not violate citizens' fundamental rights. The legislature, executive, and judiciary together form the three pillars of democracy.

The decisions made by political leaders, as lawmakers and administrators, profoundly impact ordinary citizens' lives. As Shiv Khera, a motivational speaker, aptly states in his video "Country First," "The air we breathe is the result of politics; the water we drink is the result of politics; the medicine we eat is the result of politics; the education our kids get is the result of politics. By not getting involved, you are already involved in politics." He further asserts, "Politics is not dirty; the players are dirty." The current political context in India demands active involvement and a response from all citizens, including Christians. They cannot remain passive observers in this challenging environment.

The Paradigm Shift: From Secular Democracy to Hindutva Majoritarianism
The original political paradigm in India was characterised by democracy, secularism, the rule of law, unity in diversity, freedom of media, free and fair elections, and an independent judiciary. In stark contrast, the characteristics of the new paradigm under the current government reflect electoral autocracy, Hindutva majoritarianism, the weaponisation of law, the imposition of uniformity, questionable impartiality in the electoral process, and a judiciary that often displays a biased or lenient attitude toward the ruling establishment.

The rise of Hindutva politics has led to a narrowing of India's pluralistic and secular fabric, promoting the idea that India is primarily a Hindu nation. This narrative views Muslims and Christians as second-class citizens who are considered outsiders to the national identity. The ruling government and its affiliates often use rhetoric that portrays Muslims as terrorists with allegiance to Pakistan and Christians as individuals who seek to convert the country's poor and vulnerable populations through incentives and allurements. Christian educational, charitable, and welfare programs are often misrepresented as fronts for religious conversion.

The infiltration of RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) cadres into key institutions of the state—such as the army, police, bureaucracy, judiciary, education, and media—has worsened the situation for minorities. The bureaucratic machinery has become increasingly biased against Muslims and Christians, and the removal of the ban on government employees joining the RSS has further contributed to the saffronisation of India's state apparatus.

The enactment of laws that discriminate against religious minorities, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), anti-conversion laws, and love-jihad laws, has enabled the state and non-state actors to harass and target Muslims and Christians. These laws often serve as tools for right-wing Hindutva organisations to file false cases against these communities. This phenomenon, known as the "weaponisation of law," allows laws to be used as instruments of persecution and harassment against religious minorities.

Another pressing issue is the widespread spread of hate speech against Muslims and Christians. According to the India Hate Lab, based in Washington, DC, there was a staggering 74.4% increase in hate speech targeting minorities in 2024 compared to the previous year. Political leaders such as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have been identified as frequent perpetrators of such divisive rhetoric.

The United Christian Forum (UCF) reported that in 2024, there were 834 violent incidents against Christians, marking an increase of 100 incidents from 2023. This trend translates to more than two Christians being attacked daily in India for merely practising their faith. The frequency and intensity of these attacks signal the growing intolerance towards religious minorities, particularly Christians.

Additionally, the BJP government has been accused of blatantly promoting Hinduism through extravagant spending on temples, statues, festivals, and pilgrimages. For example, media reports indicate that the government allocated ?7,500 crore for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This significant expenditure raises questions about using public funds in a secular nation for religious purposes.

The political developments since 2014 represent a direct violation of secularism, which is considered a "basic structure" of the Indian Constitution. While the BJP has not succeeded in altering the Constitution itself, its policies and actions have significantly undermined its secular principles. Muslims and Christians have borne the brunt of this majoritarian Hindutva agenda. Given this scenario, the Christian community must formulate an adequate response.

A Christian Response to the Paradigm Shift
In these challenging times, Christians in India, especially their religious leaders—bishops, priests, and nuns—must actively engage with the situation. Their response should be guided by the core teachings of Jesus, focusing on compassion, justice, and non-discrimination. The following points outline a strategic approach to address the issues faced by Christians in India
1.    Embrace the Core Teachings of Jesus: 
Christians must prioritise becoming true disciples of Jesus rather than mere devotees. This involves following His teachings on love, humility, and inclusivity. Church leaders should strive to emulate the Good Shepherd by building inclusive communities and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among all people. Priests and nuns must undergo ongoing training to enhance their character and competence, ensuring they serve as true leaders in their communities.

1.    Inculcate the Values of the Indian Constitution:
Christian institutions must strongly emphasise the core values enshrined in the Indian Constitution—democracy, secularism, justice, and equality. This can be achieved through the celebration of Constitution Week, the display of the Constitution's Preamble in public spaces, and the organisation of seminars and workshops to educate people about the importance of upholding secular democracy.

1.    Build Alliances with Secular Hindus and Civil Society: 
Many secular Hindus cherish the values of the Indian Constitution. Christians should build bridges with these individuals and civil society organisations to create a collective voice for safeguarding secularism and democracy. A concerted effort should be made to establish better coordination among different Christian denominations and groups among Christians to create a unified response to the challenges posed by the current political climate.

1.    Speak Truth to Power:
Christians should have the courage to speak out against injustice, even if it means challenging the powers that be. Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore emphasised the need to "speak up responsibly" as Christians, with Christian values guiding such actions. This involves boldly advocating for justice, freedom, and human dignity while maintaining a respectful tone and approach.

1.    Promote Pluralism and Interfaith Harmony:
Promoting pluralism and fostering interfaith dialogue should be a central priority. Initiatives such as interfaith prayer meetings, the creation of common prayer spaces with symbols of different religions, and sensitivity toward the cultural practices of other faiths can help foster mutual respect and understanding. These measures can also demonstrate the Christian commitment to unity and peace.

1.    Enhance Public Relations and Build Networks: 
Establishing strong public relations with various stakeholders, including government officials, political leaders, and members of other faiths, is crucial. Active participation in public events and functions can help create positive relationships and build influence. Additionally, maintaining strong ties with the alumni of Christian educational institutions can provide an influential network that supports the Church's social and educational missions.

1.    Focus on Effectiveness and Competence:
Rather than focusing on multiplying institutions, the Church should prioritise effectiveness in its outreach programs. This can be achieved by enhancing the competence of clergy, nuns and lay personnel through regular training, leveraging new technologies, and ensuring the creation of necessary infrastructure.

1.    Establish a Coordination and Crisis Management Committee:
Given the rapidly changing political landscape, coordination among Christian groups and denominations is essential. The Catholic Church could lead by setting up a Coordination and Crisis Management Committee (CCMC) at the diocesan, state, and national levels. This committee should include representatives from the clergy, religious sisters, and laypeople, with guidance from impartial legal experts.

Conclusion
The current political paradigm in India presents significant challenges for religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. In the face of rising majoritarianism and systemic discrimination, Christians must draw upon their faith's core values of love, justice, and inclusivity to respond effectively. By uniting as a community, educating others about the Constitution, building alliances with secular groups, and speaking out for justice, Christians can contribute to preserving the Indian democracy.