The Right-Wing Assault on the Truth in India Claims the Life of Another Journalist | Alternet
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Unfortunately, today anybody talking in support of human rights and against fake encounters [extrajudicial killings] is branded a Maoist supporter. Along with that, my criticism of Hindutva [aggressive majoritarian ideology that stands for a Hindu Theocratic State] politics and the caste system, which is part and parcel of what is considered ‘Hindu dharma,’ makes my critics brand me as a ‘Hindu hater.’ But I consider it my constitutional duty to continue—in my own little way—the struggle of Basavanna and Dr. Ambedkar towards establishing an egalitarian society.” —Gauri Lankesh
These were the recent words of journalist, activist and writer Gauri Lankesh, gunned down on the night of Sept. 5, 2017.
One of the sharpest cleavages currently simmering within India, a conflict that has a potential of impacting all of South Asia, is this fundamental battle of ideas, convictions and orientation: the politics of a modern, liberal, secular, socialist, democratic state and the violent push of several forces to turn India into a theocratic dispensation. Gauri Lankesh’s death cannot be de-linked from this, especially given her sharp, effective and brave response to preserve a rational and modern India. In June of 2013, then chief minister of Gujarat, the present prime minister of India, Narendra Modi had congratulated the extreme right wing’s convention ’aimed to convert India into a theocratic state.’