Even as we celebrate our democratic elections, openness and freedom of expression; the much-celebrated power politics and populist pandering by the bigoted jingoistic attitudes of soft fascism could establish and consolidate its hold through the structures and systems of democracy. Built on religiosity and right-wing national chauvinism, this is a tried-and-true tactic of fascism throughout history - ‘divide and rule’ opportunism, and suppression / exasperation that go together like hand and glove to keep the hegemony intact !  © RISHIKESH KB