Communalism : It means attempts to promote religious ideas
between groups of people which are identified as different communities.

Communalism can take various forms in politics :

(i) The most common expression of communalism is in everyday
beliefs. These routinely involve religious prejudices, stereotype of religious
communities and belief in the superiority of one's religion over other
religions. This is so common that we often fail to notice it, even when we
believe in it.

(ii) A communal mind often leads to a quest for political
dominance of one's own religious community. For those belonging to majority
community, this takes the form of majoritarian dominance. For those belonging
to the minority community, it can take the form of a desire to form a separate
political unit.

(iii) Political mobilisation on religious lines is another
frequent form of communalism. This involves the use of sacred symbols,
religious leaders, emotional appeal and plain fear in order to bring the
followers of one religion together in the political arena.

(iv) Sometimes communalism takes its most ugly form of
communal violence, riots and massacre.

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Forms of Communalism in Politics

Communalism refers to the identification of individuals with a particular religious or ethnic group, leading to the promotion of group interests over the interests of society as a whole. In politics, communalism manifests in various forms, often resulting in social divisions and conflicts. Here are three common forms of communalism in politics:

1. Identity Politics:
Identity politics is a form of communalism where political parties or individuals exploit religious or ethnic identities to mobilize support. They often use divisive rhetoric and promote the interests of a particular community to gain votes and consolidate power. This form of communalism can lead to the polarization of society and the deepening of communal tensions.

Example: In India, some political parties have been known to engage in identity politics by appealing to the religious sentiments of specific communities. They may make promises or offer incentives that target the interests of a particular religious group, thereby fragmenting society along religious lines.

2. Vote Bank Politics:
Vote bank politics is another common form of communalism in politics. It involves politicians or political parties targeting specific religious or ethnic communities to secure their votes. By catering to the needs and demands of a particular community, politicians aim to create a loyal vote bank, ensuring their electoral success. This form of communalism often leads to the neglect of broader societal issues and the perpetuation of communal divisions.

Example: In some countries, politicians may offer preferential treatment or special privileges to a particular religious or ethnic group in return for their political support. This can create a sense of entitlement within the chosen community and foster resentment among other groups, further deepening communal divisions.

3. Communal Violence:
Communal violence is perhaps the most extreme form of communalism in politics. It occurs when tensions between different religious or ethnic communities escalate into violent clashes. Communal violence can have devastating consequences, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and a breakdown of social harmony. Political leaders or extremist groups may exploit existing communal fault lines to incite violence for their own gains.

Example: Throughout history, various instances of communal violence have occurred, such as the partition riots during the formation of India and Pakistan in 1947, or the ethnic conflicts in Rwanda in 1994. In both cases, political leaders manipulated communal sentiments, leading to widespread violence and loss of life.

In conclusion, communalism in politics takes various forms, including identity politics, vote bank politics, and communal violence. These forms of communalism not only undermine social cohesion but also hinder the progress and development of a nation. It is essential for political leaders and society as a whole to actively promote inclusivity, secularism, and respect for diversity to counteract and mitigate the negative impacts of communalism.