India’s democratic landscape is shaped by its vibrant state elections, which often set the tone for national politics. As the nation looks ahead, the upcoming legislative elections in Uttar Pradesh in 2027 and Maharashtra in 2029 are poised to be pivotal moments in India’s political narrative. These elections will test the strength of major political alliances, reflect evolving voter priorities, and influence the trajectory toward the 2029 General Elections. Understanding the dynamics of these contests provides insight into the future of governance and policy in two of India’s most influential states. Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, holds immense political weight with its 403-member legislative assembly. The state election scheduled for 2027 will be a critical battleground for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has dominated UP politics since 2017 under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The BJP’s focus on development, infrastructure, and Hindutva ideology has resonated ...
The Hindutva movement, distinct from the spiritual and philosophical aspects of Hinduism, has played a significant role in shaping modern India's political and cultural identity. Rooted in the early 20th century, Hindutva emerged as a response to colonial rule, religious conversions, and the perceived need to unify Hindus under a single cultural and national identity. Over the decades, several leaders have driven this movement forward, each contributing to its evolution in thought and action. Understanding these figures is key to understanding how the Hindutva movement developed from an ideological concept to a political force. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: The Ideological Architect Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, is often regarded as the father of the Hindutva ideology. In 1923, he published a pamphlet titled Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? , where he defined Hindutva not as a religion, but as a cultural and national identity. He argued that a true Hindu was ...