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Indians voted for democracy and pluralism: Hindus for Human Rights on Lok Sabha poll results
HfHR said in a statement that Indian democracy is still under attack.
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Hindus for Human Rights is a faith-based organization dedicated to promoting human rights, social justice, and pluralism. / HfHR website
Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), a faith-based organization dedicated to promoting human rights, social justice, and pluralism, has urged the incoming Indian government to prioritize policies that protect civil liberties, promote economic equality, and ensure the inclusion of marginalized communities.
“While HfHR does not take a partisan stand in Indian politics, the INDIA alliance’s strong showing, despite the government’s attack on political opposition, reinforces Indian voters’ commitment to democracy and pluralism, setting a global example of inclusive governance,” it said in a statement on June.5.
As the newly-elected Indian government takes shape, HfHR emphasized the critical importance of upholding democratic values, safeguarding human rights, and fostering a society where all individuals can thrive regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
“India's election is a bell-weather in the fight for global democracy. We saw voters overcome massive hurdles, including attempts to stop them from voting or interacting with a free press, to make their voices heard,” said Ria Chakrabarty, the senior policy director of HfHR USA. “For those of us in the diaspora, we can only be proud of the Indian people's rejection of Islamophobia, casteism, and corruption and support Indians' fight to preserve the Indian Republic. And it's a reminder for all of us to fight hard for democracy, at home and abroad.”
HfHR stated that the opposition, independent media, and civil society's ability to overcome legal and financial attacks, voter intimidation, and media suppression signals that the will of the Indian voter cannot be silenced.
“The values of socialism and secularism upon which India was founded hold immense tangible value in today’s politics. Indian democracy is still under attack, and in the coming days, weeks, and months, Indians will have to fight hard to undo the damage of decades of democratic backsliding,” the statement added.
Sunita Viswanath, the executive director of HfHR, said that her organization’s work to protect human rights has only just begun.
“We must work at the grassroots level to help the Hindu community introspect about why we allowed ourselves to be seduced by hate. We need to return to the path of loving community and secular democracy,” she added.
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