Different Forms of Communal Politics:

Communal politics refers to a political system that revolves around the interests and concerns of a particular religious, ethnic, or cultural group. It often involves the mobilization of people based on their shared identity to achieve political goals. Here are some different forms of communal politics with examples:

1. Religious Communalism:
Religious communalism is based on religious identity and aims to promote the interests of a specific religious group. It involves the use of religion as a political tool to mobilize support and gain power. An example of religious communalism is the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in India. This issue revolved around the claim of both Hindus and Muslims over a religious site, leading to religious tensions and communal violence.

2. Ethnic Communalism:
Ethnic communalism focuses on the interests and concerns of a particular ethnic group. It involves the promotion of ethnic identity and the protection of its rights and privileges. An example of ethnic communalism is the conflict between the Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda. The ethnic divide between these two groups led to a genocide in 1994, resulting in the mass killings of Tutsis by Hutus.

3. Linguistic Communalism:
Linguistic communalism is centered around language-based identity politics. It involves the promotion and protection of a particular language and its speakers. An example of linguistic communalism is the demand for a separate state of Telangana in India. The proponents of Telangana argue that the region's distinct Telugu language and culture warrant a separate statehood, leading to political mobilization and protests.

4. Cultural Communalism:
Cultural communalism focuses on preserving and promoting the cultural identity of a specific group. It includes efforts to safeguard cultural traditions, practices, and heritage. An example of cultural communalism is the Quebec separatist movement in Canada. The movement advocates for the preservation and promotion of the French language and culture in the predominantly English-speaking country.

5. Regional Communalism:
Regional communalism revolves around the interests and aspirations of a particular region within a country. It often involves demands for greater autonomy or even secession from the central government. An example of regional communalism is the Basque separatist movement in Spain. The Basque people, concentrated in the Basque Country and Navarre regions, have sought greater self-governance and cultural preservation, leading to political mobilization and occasional violence.

In conclusion, communal politics takes various forms and is based on different aspects of identity such as religion, ethnicity, language, culture, and region. These forms of communal politics can have both positive and negative impacts on society. While they can foster a sense of belonging and protect the interests of marginalized groups, they can also lead to conflicts, violence, and divisions within a society. It is crucial to promote inclusive politics that prioritize shared values and respect for diversity to ensure a harmonious and equitable society.

Communalism can take several forms in politics as:—
(a) The most common expression of communalism is of communal superiority in our everyday beliefs. Militant religious groups are an example.
(b) Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form in riots. India and Pakistan suffered some of the worst communal riots at the time of partition.
(c) A communal mind often leads to a quest for political dominance of one’s own religious community; it can take the form of a desire to form a separate political unit. An example are the separatist leaders in Kashmir.
(d) Political mobilization based on religion is another form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols, religious leaders, emotional appeal to bring the followers of one religion together in the political areas. Examples in India are politicians trying to influence voters from the two largest religious communities in the country.