Constitution for Hindu Rashtra: voting rights for Sanatanis only, harsher penalties for anti-nationals

Longing for a united Hindu Rashtra, where the rule of the land would be based on Hindu scriptures, a 501-page draft constitution for the 'Akhand Hindu Rashtra' (Unified Hindu Nation) has been introduced at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj and is set to be officially released and submitted to the Central government on Basant Panchami, in February.

The draft, prepared by a 25-member committee under the guidance of the Hindu Rashtra Samvidhan Nirmal Samiti, was created in collaboration with scholars from institutions such as Banaras Hindu University, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University in Varanasi, and Central Sanskrit University in New Delhi, highlighting their shared vision of a governmental framework shaped by Hindu religious texts, The Siasat Daily.

This new constitution, which envisions a unified Hindu nation encompassing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and parts of Afghanistan and Myanmar, is deeply rooted in Hindu nationalist ideology and seeks to reclaim territories historically associated with ancient Hindu empires. Drawing inspiration from texts such as the Ramayana, the Manusmriti, and the Arthashastra, the draft outlines a governance model heavily influenced by Hindu philosophical and cultural traditions.

The proposed model emphasises a single-chamber legislative body, mandatory military service for all citizens, and tax exemptions for agricultural income. However, electoral participation is restricted to followers of Sanatan Dharma, while adherents of Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism retain limited voting rights.

The draft requires candidates for the proposed "Dharm Sansad" to be educated in Vedic Gurukuls. Approval from the four Shankaracharyas has been deemed essential before submission to the government, ensuring alignment with religious and cultural values. The committee spent over a year drafting this comprehensive proposal, which represents a step toward realising the Hindu right-wing's vision of a Hindu nation.

Supporters argue that the proposal is a response to global religious demographics, pointing out the absence of a Hindu nation despite the worldwide population of Hindus exceeding 1.75 billion. They view the draft as an attempt to restore Hindu traditions and reclaim cultural identity in a rapidly modernising world. However, critics warn that such proposals undermine India's secular and democratic framework, highlighting the potential alienation of religious minorities and the erosion of the nation’s pluralistic identity.

The draft also includes harsher penalties for activities deemed "anti-national," further fuelling concerns about the marginalisation of dissenting voices. Analysts believe the constitution represents a conservative shift, as it prioritises religious and cultural homogeneity over India's long-standing diversity. The proposal’s introduction has intensified debates during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, with supporters and opponents voicing contrasting perspectives on its implications.