Veteran journalist N. Ram on Friday warned that India’s democratic fabric is facing mounting strain from “hate politics” driven by the BJP-RSS ecosystem. Speaking over a video call, he stressed that the southern region must remain a stronghold against such forces. “The south is a bastion for democracy. We should not allow it to weaken. Particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where Assembly elections are going to be held in the next few months,” he said.
Addressing the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association (TNPWAA) 16th State Conference in Thanjavur, Mr. Ram argued that hatred in contemporary politics had reached “industrial-scale” proportions. “Hate cannot be defeated alone or by some groups. It cannot be defeated in India in isolation. Hate is due to politics — for ideological reasons. Hate speech, hate activities, violence, targeted attacks… hatred is created for politics,” he said and added that right-wing and neo-fascist forces across the world were contributing to this trend.
Mr. Ram said the rise of digital platforms had transformed the landscape. “After social media, the entire hate game has transformed. Hate has become industrial scale… On WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and several digital platforms, including in western countries, we observe it.” “In India,” he added, “post-2014, hate politics has grown hugely” and could not be viewed outside its political context.
Mr. Ram said that despite losing its majority in 2024, the BJP had become “more aggressively” assertive in governance. He described democracy in India as being “in a grave state today”, pointing to attacks on minorities, journalists, NGOs, writers, and human rights activists. He cited the use of laws such as UAPA and PMLA, arrests of Opposition leaders, and intimidation of media personnel. Referring to the 2025 Reporters Without Borders index, he said, “Out of 180 countries, India is 151 from below. India and Pakistan are almost on the same position.”
On policy decisions, he warned that proposals such as One Nation One Election and delimitation posed threats to federalism. “If that comes, States’ rights would be curtailed,” he said and added that southern representation in Parliament would shrink.
Mr. Ram criticised the spread of legislation targeting minorities, the curtailment of J&K’s statehood, and the expansion of communal narratives. He cautioned against the dangers of emerging technologies which could be used against opposition parties during elections, “Deepfakes are very difficult to identify. Using AI, if deepfake comes, it is very difficult to detect,” he said.
The BJP-RSS-media ecosystem was standing on the three pillars of ‘hate, contempt, and planned lies,’ arguing that it functioned as a political industrial machine capable of shaping national discourse with speed and precision.
The TNPWAA 16th State Conference is being held in Thanjavur from December 4 to 7, featuring sessions with writers, artists, and intellectuals, along with art and dance performances. On Friday, during the session titled ‘Veruppin Kotram Veezhga’ (May the might of hatred fall), headed by Arunan, Makkal Kalai Ilakkiya Kazhagam’s Kovan, and AIDWA vice-president U. Vasuki spoke.
Published – December 05, 2025 10:07 pm IST
