<b>Aakar Patel:</b> India's idiot nationalism

Our debate is not about facts. It is about faith since our nationalism is akin to a religion

Debates on nationalism in India will always be won by what is called the right. The word right is used to describe a position underpinned by Hindutva. It is, however, incorrect to use right as a substitute for conservative in our country. Conservatism in the West has a long and noble tradition. Conservatism insists on the protection of individual rights and civil liberties from the intrusive state. Here it breaks from Hindutva, which puts the rights of an anthropomorphic and sentient nation (Bharat mata) over those of its human citizens.

This is unique to us as an idolatrous society which