Geopolitical Chess: Vokkaligas, Hindutva, and the Shadow of the Deep State

In a landscape where politics, ideology, and social structures intersect, the Vokkaliga community's alignment with Hindutva ideology stands out as a compelling phenomenon. Shivasundar's recent interview with Frontline has brought this alignment into sharp focus, arguing that the socio-economic status and feudal characteristics of Vokkaligas and Lingayats predispose them to an anti-Dalit stance and alienation from Muslims, thereby making them susceptible to the Hindutva agenda. This observation isn't just a superficial political commentary; it's a deep dive into the social and economic fabric that has been steadily woven over the years.

The slogans from the 2018 elections, such as "Kumaraswamy for CM and Modi for PM," are more than political chants; they are the echoes of a community's shift towards a broader ideological embrace. This embrace, as Shivasundar suggests, stems from a class character that finds resonance in the hierarchical pride and Brahminism promoted by Hindutva. It’s a compliance that seems almost natural, aligning with the BJP's vision and communalism project. This analysis, while profound, does not exist in a vacuum. It is often juxtaposed with broader geopolitical narratives that offer a contrasting perspective.

Critics of Shivasundar's viewpoint suggest that his argument is rooted in a longstanding agenda pushed by leftist ideologies, which they claim are propagated by certain international actors, including the so-called "deep state" of ex-imperial powers now represented by the G7 nations. 

These critics argue that the G7, influenced by declining economic prowess—contrasting with India’s robust 7.5% growth rate—finds itself increasingly marginalised. Prime Minister Modi's prominent position at recent G7 meetings is seen as a symbol of India's rising global influence, overshadowing traditional Western hegemony.

In this context, China and Pakistan are often highlighted as missing pieces in this geopolitical puzzle. These nations, frequently perceived as antagonists in the perceived narrative, symbolise the leftist and radical Islamic forces purportedly at odds with India’s rise. By projecting a unified front against these perceived adversaries, proponents of the view of Left, China and Muslims (LCM) argue that the alignment of communities like the Vokkaligas with Hindutva is not merely a domestic shift but part of a broader strategic consolidation.

However, this alignment is not without its complexities. The Vokkaligas, traditionally a powerful agrarian community, find their socio-economic status evolving amidst Bharat's rapid urbanisation and economic transformation. This evolution brings with it a sense of identity that is both historical and contemporary, rural and urban, traditional and modern. The Hindutva ideology, with its emphasis on cultural pride and historical grandeur, offers a framework within which the Vokkaligas can navigate this transition, reaffirming their place in the socio-political hierarchy.

Yet, this alignment also raises critical questions about the future of India's pluralistic ethos. But this critique is often rooted in a Western outlook, which can sometimes fail to grasp Bharat and its intricate caste dynamics. The craving for a plural society, as seen through the lens of Western thought, stems from the concept of equality-an ideal that is a farce. Inequality is the undeniable truth of our world, and the concept of equality has often failed in practice, as evidenced by the collapse of communism and socialism.

The solution, therefore, lies not in a forced equality but in addressing the existing inequalities within each society globally. Ancient Indian scriptures offer a profound answer through the principles of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) and Samrasya (harmony). These concepts emphasise living in harmony despite differences, advocating for an inclusive approach that respects and integrates diverse identities rather than erasing them.

The embrace of Hindutva by influential communities like the Vokkaligas signifies a shift that could redefine the contours of Indian society. It challenges the inclusivity that has been the bedrock of India's democratic fabric, posing a dilemma that is as much about cultural identity as it is about political power.

In the end, the pervasiveness of Hindutva ideology among the Vokkaligas is a microcosm of the broader currents shaping India today. It reflects the interplay of socio-economic status, historical pride, and geopolitical strategy in a rapidly changing world. Whether this alignment will sustain or evolve into something entirely different remains to be seen, but for now, it offers a fascinating lens through which to understand the complex tapestry of contemporary Indian politics.