MANUFACTURING CONSENT FOR A HINDU RASHTRA: FALSE FLAG OPERATIONS AND STRATEGIC USE OF MEDIA IN MODI’S INDIA

The paper discusses the ideological transformation of India under the rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is driven by the Hindu-supremacist agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It contends that the BJP-RSS nexus is consolidating political power as a calculated plan to attain a Hindu Rashtra as a part of its Hindutva ideology. The use of false flag operations, media control and ideological programming are central to this project. The study has drawn a parallel between Modi and Hitler on the basis of these tactics. The paper points towards how the association of Modi with the RSS has facilitated a weakening of democratic institutions, oppression of minorities, and re conceptualisation of Indian nationalism. The paper also discusses regional consequences of Hindutva ideology especially its hostile attitude towards Pakistan that escalates instability in South Asia. By critically reviewing literature and recent events, the paper places Modi India in the context of the global wave of majoritarian authoritarianism spearheaded by digital propaganda and ideological spectacle.