The use of bulldozers for demolitions has gained significant attention in India. From the destruction of homes and businesses to the targeting of places of worship, the bulldozer has become an extrajudicial tool with deep-rooted political implications. This trend, closely associated with the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raises concerns about the marginalized communities affected and the erosion of constitutional rights. In this blog post, we delve into the case of Nuh, a small town in Haryana, to shed light on this disturbing phenomenon.
The demolition drives seen in India today are not isolated incidents. They reflect a history that dates back to the demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque in 1992. This event fueled the advancement of several BJP officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who played a pivotal role in overseeing the demolition. Since then, bulldozers have increasingly become a tool for political symbolism and a method to assert dominance.
Nuh, a town in Haryana, recently witnessed the destructive power of bulldozers. After violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims, authorities demolished hundreds of homes and shops, targeting structures predominantly owned by Muslims. Civil society groups argue that these demolitions exemplify how political institutions exploit bulldozers to further Hindu-nationalist agendas. The incident also prompted questions about the judiciary’s ability to curb such abuses of power.
Within BJP-governed states, the bulldozer has transformed into a powerful symbol, representing what supporters hail as “quick justice.” It features prominently in celebrations, election victories, parades, and even Hindu nationalist anthems. The alarming extent to which bulldozers are glorified underscores the normalization of their use in suppressing dissent, particularly among Muslim communities.
Multiple instances, including the Nuh case, highlight the bulldozer-driven demolitions’ violation of legal procedures and constitutional rights. The Constitution guarantees due process, including proper notification and opportunity for the affected parties to contest the proceedings. However, researchers note that these rights are often disregarded, leaving evicted individuals without legal recourse. While some courts have intervened, the delay caused by legal proceedings allows extensive damage to occur.
Though precise government data on the number of demolitions is unavailable, estimates suggest a troubling trend. Organizations like the Housing and Land Rights Network report thousands of demolitions and forced evictions, including evicting around 21 people every hour from March 2020 to July 2021. Such numbers demonstrate the scale of the issue and the urgent need for action.
The increasing reliance on bulldozers to accomplish political goals in India raises significant concerns about the erosion of constitutional rights and the marginalization of communities, particularly Muslims. The demolitions not only result in physical destruction but also serve as reminders of the state’s power dynamics. Urgent steps are necessary to protect the vulnerable and ensure that accountability and justice prevail over the misuse of bulldozers as instruments of repression.
Market Capital Research 