RISE OF RIGHT-WING INDIAN NATIONALISM: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTH ASIA.

This paper examines the rise of right-wing Hindu nationalism in Indian politics in the 1980s premised on the hatred of minorities. It qualitatively analyses the political catalysts for the rise of Hindu nationalists, rationale behind Hindutva initiative, rightwing organizational interests, internal politicking among political parties, and the role powerful individuals played to promote Hindutva ideology through the works of intellectuals and expert in the field. It takes into account the important dimensions of the strategy employed to instill anxiety against the threat amongst the masses to draw electoral support. The paper elaborates on the discourse strategies utilized to propagate the Hindutva ideology within Indian society through media and politics. It actively analyses the ramifications of Hindutva ideology on Indian domestic politics as well as regional politics and highlights the potential risks that may ensue in South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]