There is a saying in Bengali - "A God should be worshipped with their favourite flowers". So here I am, trying to speak to the hindu right-wing in the language they understand - Scriptures.
[The face of Gujarat Riots Ashok Mochi - Karma caught up with him]
One of the most foundational principles of Hinduism is the doctrine of Karma—the idea that one’s actions, guided by moral and ethical considerations, determine their future consequences. It is a concept that has underpinned Hindu philosophy for millennia, shaping ideas of justice, dharma, and the cosmic order. Yet, in contemporary India, the aggressive right-wing Hindutva movement has fundamentally divorced itself from this principle. In its zeal to assert majoritarianism, cultural dominance and political power, RW Hindutva has forsaken the very moral foundation of the faith it claims to protect. Because when Gita states - 'Do your Karma, don't worry about the fruits it will bear', it refers to "Good" Karma, and that doing something good in expectation of a reversal nullifies the act via intent. What it doesn't mean is that there will be a lack of consequence for your bad ones, infact, bad karma is life Newton's 3rd law and the bill always comes due. So when these politically fueled atrocities are carried on, the backwash of it will be on all of us, because not doing anything is Akarma, since complacency, compliance and complicity are just as bad, if not worse. So if we all sit around and do nothing, say nothing; then we cannot ever complain when all of this nonsense backfires on us in the coming times.
We will all have to reap, what these Hindutwavaadis are sowing
At its core, karma is a deeply introspective philosophy. It is not a licence for vengeance, nor is it a justification for violence against those who hold different beliefs. True Hinduism teaches that karma functions as an impersonal force of balance, rewarding righteousness and punishing wrongdoing in accordance with cosmic justice. But today’s Hindutva supporters seem to interpret karma selectively—wielding it as a political weapon rather than as a guide for ethical living.
The most glaring example of this hypocrisy lies in the Hindutva justification for mob violence, communal hatred, and systemic discrimination. From lynchings in the name of cow protection to the bulldozing of homes belonging to religious minorities, Hindutva adherents have embraced acts of vengeance and retribution, often with state sanction. If karma truly governed their actions, would they not consider the consequences of such hatred? Would they not fear the repercussions of unleashing violence upon others? Instead, they rationalise their brutality under the guise of cultural resurgence, conveniently discarding karma’s fundamental lesson that hatred begets suffering.
Nagpur's Pogrom should be a Warning to us all
A striking recent example is the Nagpur riots, sparked by brainwashed Hindutva extremists over the presence of Aurangzeb’s shrine. Under the pretext of historical grievances, mobs indulged in violence, leading to chaos and destruction in the city. The irony is stark—while the same groups promote figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji’s son, Sambhaji (often referred to as 'Chaava'), as the epitome of Hindu resilience, they disregard the principles of honour and righteousness he stood for. Shivaji himself, despite his opposition to Aurangzeb, upheld Hindu dharma with dignity and fairness. Yet, Hindutva activists today use history as a blunt instrument to incite hatred, in direct opposition to the karmic principles of justice and balance.
Religion has always been the favourite weapon of the Fascist
Even more troubling is the way Hindutva has redefined karma into a fatalistic doctrine for the oppressed. While its leaders reject the principle of moral accountability for their own actions, they are quick to use karma as an excuse for societal inequalities. Dalits, Muslims, and other marginalised communities are frequently told that their suffering is the result of past karma, and that resistance to oppression is futile. This cynical distortion of Hindu philosophy transforms karma into a tool of suppression rather than liberation.
Traditional Hinduism, shaped by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, places immense importance on selfless action (Nishkama karma)—the idea that one must act righteously without expectation of personal gain. Contrast this with politicised RW Hindutva’s ethos, which is deeply transactional and power-driven. The movement is built on the principle of quid pro quo—support us, and we will elevate you; oppose us, and we will destroy you. There is no place for selfless service in a framework that prizes political conquest over spiritual discipline.
Another key tenet of Hindu philosophy is the idea that dharma (righteous duty) must be upheld even in the face of adversity. Yet, RW Hindutva’s champions show little regard for this, prioritising short-term political victories over long-term spiritual well-being. They celebrate deceit, justify injustice, and revel in exclusion—all in the name of a Hindu Rashtra that bears little resemblance to the pluralistic and inclusive Hinduism that has thrived for centuries.
Hindutvawaadi’s departure from karma is not just a philosophical failure—it is a civilisational crisis. By embracing an ideology rooted in domination rather than dharmic responsibility, Hindutva is leading India down a path of moral decay.
Vasudeva Kutumbkamb used only as a PR talking point
India’s greatest strength has always been its unity in diversity. For centuries, people of different religions, castes, languages, and cultures have coexisted, enriching the fabric of the nation. However, today, we are being divided along the very lines that once made us strong. Religion is being weaponised, caste divisions are being deepened, languages are being politicised, and even our history is being rewritten to serve majoritarian narratives. This systematic erosion of our collective identity threatens not only the idea of India but also the essence of Hinduism itself.
If karma holds true, then a reckoning is inevitable. But for the sake of Hinduism’s soul and India’s future, one can only hope that this realisation comes sooner rather than later. The time has come for those who truly value the principles of dharma to reclaim Hinduism from those who seek to distort it for power. Only by returning to the true values of justice, compassion, and unity can India find its way back to harmony.
The views expressed in this article are personal. They do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, or positions of Vygr and Vygr Media Private Limited.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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