Internecine religious conflict returns to post-Mumbai India

Mumbia terror created a temporary sense of common ground among the religiously divided citizenry of India.

It's over. Sumit Ganguly of Indiana University writes for Newsweek:

Religious violence and cultural parochialism are on the rise. Much of these forces seem to be fueled by the global economic downturn, which is bringing out the worst political tactics. In such a turbulent economic climate, scapegoating ethnic and religious minorities may well prove to be irresistible for those seeking to divert attention from serious questions of unemployment and growing economic disparities. Matters may become even worse as India's national election approaches in May of this year. In attempts to solidify their political bases, political parties, regardless of their ideological orientation, may well start kowtowing to religious and cultural zealots. Several recent developments underscore the dangers that they pose for the well-being of India's plural polity and society.

Ganguly holds the Rabindranath Tagore Chair in Indian Cultures and Civilizations and is an Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Pacific Council on International Policy in Los Angeles.

Read the rest here.