Keeping up with UP: From Hindu assertion to Hindu resurgence

The largest religious gathering in the world was reportedly the Maha Kumbh, which ended in February. Apart from its evident spiritual significance to believers, the large gathering of millions might be seen as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) larger goal to mobilize the community and as an attempt to unite Hindus under the banner of "Sanatan Dharma." Furthermore, the Kumbh might be broadly contrasted to the Hindu right wing's intricate and protracted Ayodhya campaign, which involved years of community mobilization.

The Maha Kumbh has exacerbated the return of religious sentiments, which the Ayodhya movement had sparked and which many characterized as a sign of Hindu assertiveness. The ongoing debate in Maharashtra regarding Aurangzeb's mausoleum appears to be heading in the same direction. The BJP appears to be moving on reunifying the Hindu vote, which had begun to erode during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.