Exclusive: Dr. Kumar on Modi's Anti-Nepal Policies, Hindu Extremism, and Muslim Rights in South Asia
Dr. Abhay Kumar, a distinguished scholar, writer, and activist based in New Delhi, is a passionate advocate for minority rights in India, particularly those of Muslim communities. With a Ph.D. from the Centre of Historical Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Dr. Kumar's research delves into the intricate relationship between the modern state, secular law, and minority rights, especially through the lens of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board's influence on Indian Muslim cultural and legal narratives from 1973 to 2010.
Dr. Kumar’s perspectives are deeply rooted in socialist and secular values, which he brings to his analysis of India’s sociopolitical dynamics, including issues of communalism, secularism, and the ideals of Indian nationalism. His writings, published in English, Urdu, and Hindi across prominent platforms, challenge majoritarian narratives that he perceives as undermining India's pluralistic foundation.
In this candid interview with Mr. Madhav Guragain, founder of Nepal Aaja, Dr. Kumar shares his thoughts on the current challenges facing minority rights, secularism, and nationalism in both India and Nepal, offering insights on how both countries can foster inclusive and democratic societies.
1. India's Influence on Nepal's Politics
Madhav Guragain - How do you view the rise of anti-Modi sentiments in Nepal? Are there similarities to the resistance against BJP policies within India?
Abhay Kumar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s working style has created more problems than it has solved. While the reality on the ground is that India and some of its neighbouring countries have significant points of disagreement, Modi’s public relations efforts, aided by the upper-caste-led mainstream Indian media, project a rosy picture and celebrate his leadership uncritically. In a democracy, the existence of disagreements and differences is not a sign of weakness; suppressing them and imposing quick solutions is dangerous. At Indian universities, most professors and intellectuals blindly follow the establishment's line to achieve rapid success. Therefore, we cannot expect much from them either. The rise of anti-Modi sentiments in Nepal, along with growing dissent against the Modi-led government, should be understood in this context.
I must acknowledge that a section of Hindu right-wing parties still harbours many misunderstandings about Nepal. These forces fail to consider Nepal from its historical and sociological perspectives. In contrast, democratic forces in India view Nepal as a sovereign and independent country. However, even these voices are victimized by the establishment and demonized as “anti-national.”
It is this failure on the part of India’s policymakers to treat Nepal as an equal partner—not just through lip service but in meaningful terms—that has exacerbated the problem. The growing anti-Modi sentiments are a symptom of these flawed policies.
I would also like to add that the propaganda machine of the mainstream media, along with the hyper-nationalistic frenzy in India, has provoked strong reactions in Nepal. As for the similarities between the anti-Modi sentiments in Nepal and those in India, I would once again refer to democratic theory. Democracy is about sharing power and respecting diverse voices. It is not about seeking maximum profits or dominating others; rather, it is about peaceful coexistence and harmony.
2. Muslim Rights in Nepal
Madhav Guragain - How do you assess the condition of Muslims in Nepal compared to India? Any specific insights for Nepali policymakers on maintaining communal harmony?
Abhay Kumar: It is difficult for me to compare the conditions of Muslims living in Nepal with those in India, as I do not have any solid comparative data. However, I can speak about the state of Indian Muslims. They are severely under-represented in both public and private sector jobs, as well as in Parliament, other legislative assemblies, the media, and the judiciary. At the same time, their share of the prison population far exceeds their proportion of the overall population.
In recent years, Hindu-right governments have brazenly violated the law and human rights by arbitrarily demolishing the homes of Muslims, often using bulldozers. Many of those affected committed the "crime" of opposing the establishment’s wrong policies and exercising their right to dissent and protest. Public culture in India is increasingly becoming Islamophobic, with even a significant portion of the liberal space influenced by anti-Muslim prejudice.
My suggestions to both the Indian and Nepali governments are straightforward: the true test of a democracy’s well-being lies in how it treats its minority communities. A pluralistic society is far more beautiful than one that is intolerant of diversity. Just look at nature—diversity and heterogeneity are intrinsic to it, while the obsession with uniformity is a recipe for disaster. History has shown that societies that mistreat their minorities eventually collapse.
3. Hindu State Sentiment in Nepal
Madhav Guragain - With the Hindu state movement gaining momentum in Nepal, what impacts could this have on secularism and minority rights?
Abhay Kumar: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the champion of the downtrodden and the architect of India’s Constitution, understood the tragedy of a Hindu state better than many others. In his book Pakistan or the Partition of India, he described the establishment of a Hindu Raj as “the greatest calamity for this country.” The fundamental problem with a theocratic state, anywhere in the world, is that it suppresses sociological realities and reserves power for a tiny elite minority. In the case of Hindu social orders, this elite makes up less than 15 percent of the population, comprising the top three varnas.
The Bahujan—the majority, including Dalits, Adivasis, backward castes and minorities—are excluded from sharing power and are condemned to serve the top three classes under the guise of religion and nationalism. My observation regarding Nepal is that Hindu right-wing forces are gaining momentum, and if they come to power, they are likely to imitate their counterparts in India.
4. Anti-Indian Sentiments
Madhav Guragain - Do you think anti-Indian sentiments in Nepal are a natural response to India’s policies, or are ideological factors also at play?
Abhay Kumar: To some extent, I have addressed this question earlier. However, I’d like to add a few more points here. The realist theory perpetuates the fallacy that “might is right” and that power is a zero-sum game. The misguided interpretation of Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest has fuelled a frenzy for amassing arms and weapons, justifying any immoral behaviour in the name of national interests.
While policymakers, both in India and abroad, dogmatically adhere to realism and engage in arms races, they fail to maintain peace and tranquillity within their own borders. Therefore, I urge policymakers to abandon the obsession with becoming major powers or superpowers. Instead, we should focus on becoming more humane and stop viewing people living beyond our borders as “enemies.”
5. Exclusion of Former PM KP Oli
Madhav Guragain - How do you interpret India’s decision to exclude Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from diplomatic engagements, given his evolving stance toward India—once perceived as pro-Indian, later as anti-Indian, and at times even painted as pro-Chinese by Indian media?
Abhay Kumar: As I mentioned earlier, solving any problem requires us to first accept that there may be disagreements on the issue. Mainstream Indian media is notorious for spreading misinformation, so we must rely on alternative media and put in the effort to gather authentic information.
Both the people of India and Nepal need to be vigilant against the tendency of politicians to stir up nationalist frenzy in order to divert attention from real issues. While leaders often point to external threats, the true source of danger lies within. Today, more people are dying from starvation, disease, lack of sanitation and housing, pollution, environmental calamities, and road accidents than from the bullets of the so-called "enemy" outside the country.
6. Threats to Nepali Sovereignty
Madhav Guragain - Do India’s current policies pose any threats to Nepal’s sovereignty? If so, how?
Abhay Kumar: The realist paradigm views the international order as anarchic, which leads to a focus on maximizing power. This approach inevitably results in an arms race and the escalation of misunderstandings. Instead, we should view the world as a collection of groups whose interests are not always in conflict but are often complementary.
7. India-China Balance
Madhav Guragain - How should Nepal navigate its diplomatic ties with both India and China in the face of India’s increasing nationalism?
Abhay Kumar: Nepal is a sovereign country, and its policymakers should prioritize the interests of their own people. However, they must also recognize that these interests do not necessarily conflict with the welfare of people in other countries. Nepal can play a significant role in resolving conflicts within South Asia. For this to happen, Nepal’s political system needs to further strengthen its democracy by sharing more power with marginalized communities.
Politicians should move beyond mere lip service and avoid quoting selective articles from the Constitution to claim that weaker sections are empowered. When India’s Constitution was completed, Dr. Ambedkar rightly pointed out that a good constitution alone does not guarantee justice for marginalized communities. Until these groups are in a position to implement the laws themselves, no one can truly advocate for their rights. I share this example to emphasize that deepening democratic institutions within the country will contribute to Nepal’s peaceful rise on the international stage.
8. BJP’s Regional Influence
Madhav Guragain - How do BJP's nationalist policies resonate in Nepal, and do they contribute to anti-India sentiments here?
Abhay Kumar: Hyper nationalist policies can enable a majoritarian party to come to power; however, in the long run, they leave lasting and detrimental side effects. Such policies not only create tension within the nation and foster a sense of alienation among minorities, but they also tarnish the country's image on the international stage. Nevertheless, politicians desperate to gain power and maintain it for an extended period often disregard these concerns.
9. South Asian Communalism
Madhav Guragain - What advice would you offer Nepal to prevent communal divides, especially as Hindu nationalist sentiments gain traction?
Abhay Kumar: Nepal should draw inspiration from the struggles of its people. For an extended period, the country experienced a significant crisis. It is essential that the democratic gains achieved are not squandered. The sociological reality of Nepal, as a heterogeneous and multicultural society marked by deep material and cultural inequalities, is a common challenge faced by many countries in South Asia. The antidote to religion-based politics lies in the acceptance of diversity and the sharing of power with the most vulnerable segments of society.
10. Indian vs. Nepali Secularism
Madhav Guragain - How would you compare secularism in India and Nepal? Could Nepal’s model offer insights for India?
Abhay Kumar: I have not conducted a comparative study on these aspects; however, my research and experience indicate that secularism should not be misunderstood as a doctrine against religion. In a secular society, a religious person should have the same rights as those who are spiritual, agnostic, or atheist. While individuals should be free to profess and propagate their religion, the political use of religion must be opposed. At times, majoritarianism masquerades as secularism and a way of life, and we must be vigilant against such tendencies. Similarly, the display of minority cultures and their symbols should not be banned in the name of secularism. This is why the debate over the burqa and hijab is largely unproductive; individuals have the right to choose and wear what they like.
Secularism does not imply that policymakers should regard social groups solely in religious terms. It also does not hinder internal reforms within both majority and minority communities. However, reforms within minority groups should not be imposed from above; they should emerge organically from within.
Secularism is closely aligned with the ideals of equality and democracy. Internal divisions based on caste, class, and gender should not be overlooked in the name of upholding secularism. Instead, respect for religious pluralism, individual liberty, and freedom must be coupled with a quest for equality. Under no circumstances should the state give preference to the majority group; it should treat everyone equally, ensuring that religious identity is not a basis for discrimination.
11. Youth Against Majoritarianism
Madhav Guragain - How can the youth in Nepal and India contribute to countering majoritarian narratives, especially with the rise of new political parties and independent leaders like Balendra Shah and Harka Sampang?
Abhay Kumar: This change can only occur if the youth are aware of the social realities around them. They must remember that society is not homogenous but rather diverse and complex. They should also recognize that the roots of exploitation and discrimination are often social and economic in nature, not always religious.
12. Lessons from India’s Muslim Rights Movement
Madhav Guragain - What strategies from India's Muslim rights movement could Nepal consider to ensure Muslim rights, particularly in the context of a growing Muslim population in border areas and the existence of a Muslim commission in Nepal?
Abhay Kumar: Policymakers in Nepal should treat Nepali Muslims as equal citizens, going beyond token gestures to implement meaningful welfare measures and ensure equal representation for them. The root of sectarianism lies in the growing tendency of right-wing forces to view minority groups as less patriotic than members of the majority community. As Islamophobia rises globally, Nepal is not immune to its influence. Even within liberal circles, a myth about a rapidly rising Muslim population has taken hold. While the growth of the Muslim population is often exaggerated, what isn’t mentioned is that this growth is driven not by religious beliefs but by social, educational, and economic factors. For instance, wealthy and highly educated Muslims tend to have lower population growth rates compared to poorer, less-educated Muslims. Furthermore, the growth rate of the Muslim population has been declining over the years, though this fact rarely surfaces in popular debates. While there are frequent claims that the Muslim population is increasing and poses a 'threat' to demographics, substantial data to support such claims is rarely provided. Prejudice against Muslims remains widespread.
13. Media’s Role in Nepal-India Relations
Madhav Guragain - How can Indian media responsibly influence Nepal-India relations and address rising tensions?
Abhay Kumar: Indian media is increasingly under the control of wealthy elites, with a few corporate houses owning the majority of media brands and thereby enjoying a near-monopoly. While these corporate forces operate behind the scenes, their agendas are often unquestioningly followed by journalists, most of whom come from upper-caste backgrounds. It is rare to find a Dalit or Adivasi editor in a leadership position within mainstream media. Unless media ownership becomes more diverse and reflective of society's social diversity within editorial teams, significant change is unlikely. In the meantime, we should work towards establishing alternative media outlets and focus on building direct, people-to-people connections.
14. Future of South Asian Unity
Madhav Guragain - Do you see potential for South Asia to unite against issues like communalism and economic disparity?
Abhay Kumar: South Asia is rich in natural resources and is one of the most beautiful regions to live in. Yet, sadly, it is also home to a large portion of the world’s poor, many of whom face starvation and suffer from various diseases. There is a deep structural inequality, where the top 15 percent hold power over the oppressed majority. What we need is a social revolution—one that takes precedence over economic and political revolutions. South Asia is also a land of numerous struggles against inequality, with many people having sacrificed their lives for human dignity. We must remember these struggles, but we should avoid reviving outdated models. Instead, we need to look forward, striving to build a new and inclusive community.
Editorial Note: The opinions expressed by Dr. Abhay Kumar in this interview are his personal views and do not represent the official stance of Nepal Aaja. As a platform committed to free expression and diverse perspectives, Nepal Aaja provides space for varied viewpoints but does not necessarily endorse the opinions of individual contributors.
Dr. Abhay Kumar
