Intolerance Reloaded

                         

India’s Intolerance Debate: More Noise Than Reality

Ratan Tata once said that intolerance in India mostly exists in TV studios—and honestly, that might be the most accurate summary ever. The so-called “intolerance debate” appeared loudly during elections and disappeared just as fast after the results. It was as if someone simply switched off the drama lights.

For months, news channels and activists created a dramatic picture of India becoming unsafe. Award ceremonies turned into award-returning ceremonies, and every debate panel looked like a wrestling ring of “experts.” But investigations later showed that many of the highlighted incidents happened in non-BJP states, and some were not connected to communal hate at all. Still, the Modi government took the blame.

A Familiar Pattern During Elections

Whether it was the Delhi or Bihar elections, similar protests popped up with perfect timing. Certain groups projected an image of a fearful, insecure India to influence voters. The goal seemed clear: portray the Modi government as intolerant, create panic among minorities, and shape electoral outcomes.

This strategy wasn’t new, but it became louder thanks to TV debates, social media, and what many call paid media.

Selective Outrage: A National Habit

One of the biggest issues is selective outrage.
Many self-proclaimed secular voices are quick to criticise Hindu groups but fall strangely silent when crimes involve members of other communities.

Examples that didn’t receive much outrage:

• Kashmiri Hindu exodus

• Sikh massacre

• Attack on Lokmat newspaper

• Bounties announced by fundamentalist organisations

But a stray incident often misreported, gets labelled as “growing intolerance.”
This double standard widens divides and strengthens fringe elements.

A Narrative Built Over Decades

For years, left-leaning intellectual groups shaped a narrative where:

• Hindus were often portrayed as aggressors

• Other communities were seen only as victims

• Anything indigenous was mocked

• Yoga was called “communal,”

• Swachh Bharat was “nautanki,”

• And even Selfie with Daughter was criticised

These same voices defended controversial artworks but supported banning books when it suited them. Their intolerance debate was less about society and more about politics and perception.

A Campaign Against the Government

The rise of a strong central leadership, stricter rules for NGOs, and reduced corruption meant the old power circles felt threatened. The intolerance narrative became a convenient tool to regain relevance and attack the Modi government.

India a country with more religions than most continents being called intolerant? That’s almost comedy.

Media, Celebrities and the Perception Battle

Since day one, the Modi government has struggled against negative perception created by certain media houses. Even celebrities got carried away, Aamir Khan’s statements being a classic example adding fuel to an already exaggerated fire.

Ironically, during the same period, the Chennai floods received far less coverage than the “intolerance crisis.”

As someone joked:

Earlier, journalists risked their lives for a story. Now, stories risk their truth for journalists.

A Stronger India Beyond the Noise

India is, and always has been, a diverse and resilient nation. Crimes must be punished, peace must be protected, and every community must feel safe. But turning stray incidents into “proof” of a collapsing nation helps no one.

The Prime Minister said it best:

A land of Gandhi and Buddha has no place for intolerance.

And perhaps the biggest irony is this—those shouting loudest about intolerance often cannot tolerate an opposite opinion.

Image Courtesy: Google