How an Indian state became a testing ground for Hindu nationalism

Today in Focus Series

Hannah Ellis-Petersen reports from Uttarakhand, which offers a glimpse into what the future might look like if the BJP retains its power in national elections

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“One of the most significant elements of Modi’s rule is how his Hindu nationalist politics has reshaped the country,” the Guardian’s south Asia correspondent Hannah Ellis-Petersen tells Michael Safi. “Uttarakhand is a state where I think we’ve seen the real consequences of that narrative play out.”

Hannah explains how religious tensions have been stoked in the state of Uttarakhand through conspiracy theories, political rhetoric and the destruction of Muslim shrines and tombs. We hear about the rising violence against the Muslim minority in the area and why this election is a concerning time for them in the state.

Mohammad Aman showing a photo of his 17-year-old brother Mohammed Anas
who was shot in the abdomen by police in Haldwani, Uttrakhand.
Photograph: Aakash Hassan/The Observer
)
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