Question

State the different forms of communal politics with one example of each.

Answer 1

Hint: Religion can be a potent weapon to mobilise and unite people, and it has been used and misused in this way throughout history. Communal politics is based on the concept of communalism and the idea that religion is the only basis of forming a community. The identities and interests of all individuals are derived from their membership to a religion and beliefs of that religion.

Complete answer:
Some forms of communal politics include religious extremism which demands the superiority of one religion over others. It is often a response to historical circumstances, particularly arising when groups have felt threatened. This leads to the formation of religious militant groups. Separatism is another common form of communal politics. It is the advocacy of a separate state based on religious identity. Separatists groups, in this case, believe that attempts at integration with dominant groups compromise their religious identity. The most frequent form of communalism is political mobilisation and appeasement on a religious basis. This is done in a direct ploy to extend or secure their vote bank. However, with parties practising such methods, it often leads to religious conflicts and polarisation. One way in which communalism manifests is in the form of riots and communal violence due to extreme hate and rising tensions.

Note: People who subscribe to communalism believe that people from different religions cannot coexist due to their conflicting interests and demand for special treatment of a particular community at the expense of others.