As with most countries, India is no stranger to political drama.  The last half-decade, however, have evidenced political activity that warrants extra attention.  The author will aim to give a concise snapshot of the core issue so that readers will be better equipped to pray.  

In India there is a religious organization known as RSS.  It is often characterized by Hindu extremism; and is active at various levels of society. Because RSS cannot be a political party, it created a political party which is known as BJP.  RSS therefore controls BJP.  The BJP came into power in 2014, and its Prime Minister is Narendra Modi. 

In 2014, seven states in India were controlled by BJP.  By 2018, their rule had spread to 21 states. During this period of time, religious polarization has been on the rise, as has the persecution of Christians. Misuse of power (in the government) has become evident.  Persons in authority who were viewed as threats or obstacles to the BJP have been removed and replaced with those in favor of it.  If BJP is re-elected, the right people will be in the right places and the BJP will more easily be able to move its agenda forward.

In May 2019 India is holding its central government elections.  This will be a key vote which will determine whether or not the BJP and Mr. Modi will have another five years at the helm.  The RSS is well-organized with people, as well as media, and is endeavoring to influence (in part with reportedly corrupt methods) the election results. 

Many people are asking the same question: what will happen if the BJP wins in May?  Here are a few key things that seem likely:

Top on the RSS/BJP agenda is to impose Hindu Rashthra.  This basically means that they will try to make India an all-Hindu nation. An anti-conversion law will likely be passed immediately which would make it illegal for people to proselytize (to share their faith with the goal of converting those of differing faiths).  As an all-Hindu nation, restrictions will be placed on Christians.  RSS is already meting out persecution; it will only get worse if BJP wins in May.

Some Christians are already leaving India. For new converts, the aim of RSS/BJP will be to reconvert them to Hinduism. This all-Hindu thrust is a way that Satan is using to try to keep the people in darkness. All over India the Hindu people are praying to their gods and performing religious rites as a way to help further this effort.

In addition, BJP will try to close every Christian organization, especially Christian schools and orphanages as they believe that these are how people come to know Christ. One reason that RSS/BJP hates Christian schools so much is because they teach equality.BJP wants to keep the masses underfoot; to make the rich richer, and the poor poorer. Among the poor is where the Christian church has grown the most. BJP wants to eliminate that class of people (this is also where the majority of the Muslims, outcastes, and tribal people are found). It is estimated that 50% of India’s population are in this class. BJP wants that class to stay poor, uneducated, and to be landless. 

The good news, however, is that there appears to have surfaced some cracks in the BJP’s seemingly unstoppable advance to gain control over all of India.  These cracks have come in the form of the BJP’s defeat in the state elections of Chhattisgarh, Madya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, as well as their defeat in the May 2018 election in Karnataka.  Additionally, an increase in cost of living, the introduction of a GST (Goods and Service Tax), and the demonetization which Modi imposed have had a cumulative negative impact on the economy, with the BJP to blame.

This is only a brief snapshot highlighting the core issue and the significant ramifications to Christians in India if a BJP re-election is won.  May God stir our hearts away from apathy, and to our knees, asking and believing Him who is able to do what only He can do! 

Here are a few key prayer targets as the May vote approaches:

1. That there will be division and disintegration within the RSS/BJP, and that God will thwart and prevent their re-election.  Daniel 2:21
2. That – regardless of the outcome – God will give Christians in India boldness in their faith, and that the Gospel will continue to move forward.  Ephesians 6:19-20
3. That God will stir the global Church to pray for India: in regards to the May elections, in regards to believers in India, and in regards to the millions in India which have yet to hear about HIM!  2 Peter 3:9

Sources Used:

1. www.timesofindia.com. BJP vs Congress in 2014 & 2016.
2. The Indian Express. 21 states are now BJP-ruled, home to 70 per cent of Indians.
3. Un-named, reliable sources.