S/P/11. Why is Religion such an important issue in Indian Politics?

Of all the issues that have (and have had) an effect on Indian politics, religion is perhaps the most influential. This essay explores that influence, particularly focusing on how religion is important in regards to how Indians regard their identity. The scope of the essay covers the time of the Raj to the current BJP-led coalition government, commenting on issues such as partition from Pakistan; the secular state sort by Nehru; the tensions felt between religious communities (including the Punjab) and how they were exploited by political parties. Comment is also made on how the issue affected the relative fortunes of the Congress Party and BJP.