Why Bajrang Dal Remains at the Center of Repeated Controversies

Bajrang Dal has gained prominence in media coverage in India for several years; their frequent appearance is associated with protests, allegations regarding religious conversions, accusations of “Love Jihad”, and violent confrontations with law enforcement agencies. 

Some of the more recent developments regarding church attacks, public protests, and police encounters in the State of Uttar Pradesh has again raised questions relative to the cause of these activities and why Bajrang Dal keeps emerging from these controversies. This article seeks to provide an unbiased factual assessment, without any political clouding.

Who Is Bajrang Dal?

Founded in 1984, the Bajrang Dal is a Hindu Nationalist Youth Organization. The Bajrang Dal is associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and defines itself as working for the protection of Hindu Culture, Religion and Social Values.

The Bajrang Dal is viewed by proponents as a cultural protector; however, critics say that sometimes its activities stray beyond the bounds of being a ‘cultural protector’ and instead resemble vigilante behavior based on mere allegations rather than on actual legal evidence.

Recent Incidents That Put Bajrang Dal in the Spotlight

1. Church Conversion Allegation, Uttar Pradesh: Converting people to Christianity 'forcibly' in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur, a church has been accused by Bajrang Dal of such allegations. The situation spiraled out of control as the pastor was dragged and beaten, only to see police step in, arresting the minister for questioning, saying the police were studying the case and not to take the law into one's hands.

2. Public Spaces in a State of Moral Policing: In Bareilly, supporters of Bajrang Dal allegedly attacked nursing students celebrating a birthday in a café for committing “love jihad.” Video clips surfaced on social media, after which demonstrations of outrage spread like bushfire across the nation. Later, cases were filed against Bajrang Dal supporters following intervention by higher authorities with police.

3. Protests and Rallies on International Causes: Bajrang Dal organized rallies in Sant Kabir Nagar to protest against alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. While protesting is permitted, effigy burning and heavy slogan-raising is not desirable from the perspective of maintaining public order.

Why Are Such Incidents Increasing?

1. Increase in Identity Politics: There has been a rise in identity politics due to polarization and religious debates. Issues related to religion tend to be hot topics, especially before and during elections or in matters of global significance.

2. Vigilante-Type Activism: In this type of activism, instead of calling law enforcement about possible crimes, vigilantes resort to self-protection, causing vandalism and unrest among the community.

3. Social Media Amplification: Bite-sized videos, edited clips, and dramatic storytelling are easily shared on social media, magnifying both the number and intensity of incidents.

4. Lack of Legal Awareness: Most of the allegations, like forced conversion or love jihad, need solid legal evidence. Otherwise, legal repercussions are soon to follow.

What Does the Law Say?

India recognizes that people can change their religions, but there are laws against coerced or fraudulent conversions in various places such as UP. Only police and courts have the power to investigate any claims of this nature.

Experiencing public violence as defined by taking matters into your own hands- including assault, vandalism, threats. etc., is illegal regardless of motivation, as both the courts have noted that: no organization has power to punish or "investigate" a citizen.

Impact on Society

• Minorities and students are frightened.
• There is a lack of trust in the police, the justice system and government.
• India no longer has positive images of democracy or plurality.
• Those who are accused of activism and held responsible for their actions will be facing legal struggles.

The same individuals in the Bajrang Dal that carried out these actions have made it difficult for themselves by committing them.

Are All Bajrang Dal Activities Violent?

Nothing. Generalization should not be drawn upon. The following are also what Bajrang Dal does:

1. Disaster relief efforts are
2. Blood donation camps
3. Religious Activities 

However, these are not significant compared to the detrimental practices conducted by the extremist groups.

The rising involvement of ‘reign of terror’ perpetrated by Bajrang Dal is more related to tactics than ideology. An incidence of forced conversion or moral policing should be judged in the legal context, not in the form of punishment being doled out on the streets. As India moves ahead in its future, it is imperative that it maintains law, order, and the Constitution, come what may.

For a democracy to work effectively, the administration of justice ought to take place in the courtrooms and not in the streets.

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