India is a democracy and the largest one at that. The secular and liberal ideals are stipulated in our beloved constitution. Nevertheless there are cries of regression that emanate because of the polity leaning on Hindutva. Being a State with large Hindu majority influence of the Vedas and Hindu religious values are bound to surface. Moreso after brutal repression by Arab and British imperialism. We were suppressed for centuries. But these influences do not diminish secular ideals. Hinduism is a religion of largesse with plenty of space for others - as our past confirms. Different religions, cults and ideologies survive and flourish with aplomb.
Earlier the ruling parties did stick to secular ideals but at the same time could not accord breathing space to the majority. The debacle at the ballot box was obvious, it was worsened by the opinions and rantings of so called spokespersons of the opposition that appeared to be as appeasing the minorities. This did not go down well with the minorities as they were already nurturing an impression of being used as scapegoats/vote banks in State politics. Voters irrespective of their religious credentials do not vote in unison because of the diversity and differences that prevails among the followers. This however is not applicable in parochial and caste based politics and exploitation is the norm.
There was an impression of neglect from earlier Governments among the Hindus - liberal and secular down to core. They felt their religious exigencies were being sidelined, and their identity threatened by the over the board leanings. In a democracy there is nothing better than the results themselves. They expose the right and wrong practices, propaganda and perceptions. These are invoked among the intelligent voters by the noise - illogical and extreme.
In the present context everything which has Hindu color (of majority) is labeled as non secular and oppressing the minority interest. This is not true. Hindu majority understands the significance of secularism and hence the preservation of a multipolar & multicultural society in the contemporary era. There is no demand for a theocratic state since the citizens belief lies in the salient principles of the constitution of India. Demand does arise for a Hindu State from a handful but that goes down the drain as being totally impractical. The homogenised entity is not possible in India with the mind boggling diversity that prevails - religious, ethnic and linguistic.
Another factor that does not encourage theocratic notions is the impression such States carry as example. Social and cultural regression in such societies are the norm which result in chaos and hinder progress. This is due to constricted thinking that results from abject ideological fascination that is impractical in contemporary times. The use of force through draconian laws label such Government as those professing fascism apart from being puritanical and sticking to regressive religious ideologues. In such States the status of women and minorities is in dire straits with scarce or no recourse to judicial protection.
There is a thin line that demarcates good governance from bad. The rule should be kept shorn of meaningless noise that emanates from chauvinism, bans, vigilantism, lynching, social and cultural regression. Going overboard with religious zeal may result in rejection by the masses. Puritanical and extreme ideological approach will not be favoured by the citizens. Whoever comes to power in this country has to trudge with extreme caution. India will stay as a liberal, secular and multicultural society with a modern approach.
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