#5 - Understanding Modi and the BJP National Democratic Alliance

In this episode of the Sikh Formations Podcast, host Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair speaks with Gurharpal Singh about his article on Hindu nationalism and the rise of the BJP under Narendra Modi.

Together they explore the historical roots of Hindutva, the political ascent of the BJP, and the shifting meanings of nationalism and secularism in contemporary India. The conversation examines how state power, media, and ideology intersect in reshaping public life, as well as the blurring boundaries between the BJP and the Congress tradition.

They also discuss the treatment of religious minorities, the role of caste in political consolidation, and the growing pressures on academic and civic institutions. From authoritarian populism to the limits of liberal democracy, the episode offers a sharp analysis of the current political moment and its broader implications for India and beyond.