India, Aug. 10 -- On the eve of the 80th Independence Day, the scenes dotting the Indian landscape are more evocative of the pre-Independence era. The Hindutva propaganda machinery perpetually likes to stoke the images of Indira Gandhi's Emergency, even though its declaration was warranted by their actions. However, the current situation seems to be comparable and, in some sense, far worse than British Rule.

The British, as the schoolbooks used to teach, conquered India employing the "Divide and Rule" policy. It raises the question of which rule the incumbents are using. Hindutva rule has been only a persistent chorus of "hum" (us) and "woh" (them)-incessant speeches filled with vitriol, aimed at burning the country.

The British used t...