Communalism:
Communalism refers to the belief that a person's religious or ethnic identity is of utmost importance, and it should shape their social and political interactions. It often leads to the formation of exclusive communities based on religious or ethnic lines, leading to division and conflict within society.

Factors contributing to Communalism:
Several factors contribute to the rise of communalism in a society. Some of the key factors include:

1. Historical grievances: Historical events, such as religious conflicts or instances of discrimination, can create a sense of victimhood among certain religious or ethnic groups. These grievances may fuel communal sentiments and lead to communalism.

2. Political exploitation: Communalism can also be politically exploited by certain groups to gain power or mobilize support. Politicians often use religious or ethnic identities to consolidate their vote banks, which further perpetuates communal politics.

3. Economic factors: Socio-economic disparities and competition for resources can exacerbate communal tensions. When resources are scarce, communities may resort to identity-based politics to secure their interests, leading to communalism.

Communal Politics:
Communal politics refers to the use of religious or ethnic identities as a basis for political mobilization and decision-making. It involves the manipulation of communal sentiments by political parties or leaders to gain power or achieve their political objectives. Communal politics often leads to communal violence and division within society.

Impact of Communal Politics:
Communal politics can have several negative consequences on society, including:

1. Divisiveness: Communal politics promotes division among different religious or ethnic groups, leading to a fragmented society. It hampers social unity and promotes a sense of "us vs. them" mentality.

2. Violence and conflict: Communal politics often leads to communal violence and conflict, as it fuels animosity and hatred between communities. This violence can cause significant loss of life and property, further deepening the divide.

3. Undermining democracy: Communal politics undermines the principles of democracy by prioritizing religious or ethnic identities over the welfare of the entire society. It promotes discrimination and exclusion, hindering the progress of the nation.

Preventing Communal Politics:
To prevent the growth of communal politics, it is essential to:

1. Promote secularism: Ensuring a secular and inclusive political system that treats all individuals equally, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, is crucial.

2. Education and awareness: Promoting education and awareness about the dangers of communalism can help create a tolerant and inclusive society. It can foster interfaith harmony and discourage communal politics.

3. Strong legal framework: Implementing strict laws against hate speech, discrimination, and incitement of communal violence can deter politicians from using communal politics as a strategy.

4. Responsible leadership: Encouraging responsible leadership that focuses on the overall development and welfare of society, rather than exploiting communal sentiments for personal gain, is vital.

In conclusion, communalism is a divisive ideology that prioritizes religious or ethnic identities, leading to communal politics. It can be countered through secularism, education, strong legal measures, and responsible leadership to promote a harmonious and inclusive society.