Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.' Argue by giving suitable…

Question

Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.' Argue by giving suitable illustrations.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Communalism in India grows from both power struggles, where elites mobilise religion for votes, and relative deprivation, where groups feel left behind, and the two usually act together. Steven Wilkinson's 2004 study showed riots are likelier where elections are close and governments do not need minority votes.

**Introduction**

Communalism is rarely born of faith itself. Paul Brass's "institutionalised riot system" points to elites competing for power, while Ted Gurr's relative deprivation points to groups that feel left behind.

**Communalism Born of Power Struggle**

1. **Colonial divide and rule**: Separate electorates (1909) and the Communal Award (1932) made religion the route to power, ending in Partition.
2. **Electoral arithmetic**: Steven Wilkinson (2004) showed riots are likelier where elections are close and governments do not need minority votes.
3. **Riots before ballots**: The 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, inflamed by a doctored video before the 2014 election, polarised western Uttar Pradesh.

**Communalism Born of Relative Deprivation**

1. **Minority deprivation**: The Sachar Committee (2006) found Muslims, 13.4% of the population, held about 3% of IAS posts.
2. **Majority's perceived loss**: The "appeasement" narrative makes sections of the majority feel cheated, relative deprivation in its purest form.
3. **Competition for land**: Kandhamal (2008) pitted Kandha tribals against Christian Pana Dalits over ST status and land, and Kokrajhar (2012) set Bodos against Bengali-speaking Muslims.

SKETCH: venn | Twin Roots of Communalism
a: Power struggle
b: Relative deprivation
overlap: Grievance mobilised for votes

4. **Two causes fused**: Leaders turn grievance into votes, so the "either-or" is too narrow; historical memory and external backing, as for Khalistani militancy, also matter.

**Way Forward**

1. **Neutral policing and inclusion**: Implement the Prakash Singh (2006) police reforms, track the New 15-Point Programme, and build inter-faith associations that Varshney found kept Calicut peaceful.

**Conclusion**

The statement largely holds: power struggles supply the organisers and relative deprivation the followers, and the two usually act together. Neutral institutions and inclusive development secure fraternity under Article 51A(e).

Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.' Argue by giving suitable illustrations.

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