Why Is Southern India More Progressive?

A Bloomberg Columnist Offers the Answer

Newsreel Asia Insight #187
April 10, 2024

India exhibits a stark dichotomy between the north and south, especially in ideological leanings, which further influences their developmental pathways and societal attitudes. The ideological divide is particularly evident in the contrasting receptions to the Hindu nationalist agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), writes a columnist from Bloomberg.

The columnist, Andy Mukherjee, appears to be right. The ideological and developmental divide between north and south India is as striking as the difference in their culinary preferences — one savours the spicy tang of chaat, while the other relishes the subtle flavours of sambar.

In the north, the political climate often feels like a grand Bollywood drama, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the lead actor captivating audiences with a nationalist script. It’s like the north has a penchant for larger-than-life narratives, where the promise of reviving past glory often takes center stage, much like the epic historical movies that are popular in the region.

Down south, however, the storyline changes. Here, politics resembles a complex, multi-layered Rajinikanth movie, where the hero not only fights the villain but also delivers poignant social messages. The south prefers its politics with a side of progressive reform, much like its preference for well-balanced, nuanced cuisine. 

In the northern regions, particularly in Uttar Pradesh (UP), there is a strong affinity towards Hindu nationalism, Mukherjee writes in his op-ed, “Why India’s South Rejects Modi — And Why It Matters.” This sentiment, he says, is fuelled by historical, cultural and socio-economic factors, with the BJP finding fertile ground for its narrative of religious pride and revival. The party’s emphasis on Hindu identity politics resonates deeply in these areas, where many people face poverty and lack of opportunities that can lead them to find solace and identity in religion.

Political parties like the BJP tap into these sentiments by promoting Hindu identity as a unifying factor, offering a sense of belonging and pride in the face of economic difficulties. Further, the caste system is more rigidly observed in some parts of the north, affecting social mobility and access to resources. Political narratives often leverage caste and religious identities to mobilise support, linking economic and social grievances to these identities.

Conversely, in the south, in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the historical trajectory of social reforms, emphasis on education and economic development has cultivated a political culture that values secularism and regional autonomy, Mukherjee explains. Southern states have largely resisted the BJP’s brand of Hindu nationalism, prioritising development issues over religious identity politics. This ideological resistance is not merely political but is rooted in the historical experiences and social evolution of the region, which have created a political and cultural environment that often views development and social equity as more important than promoting a singular religious identity, the op-ed says.

The developmental disparities between the north and south are both a cause and consequence of these ideological differences, Mukherjee argues. The south, with its emphasis on education, health and economic growth, has seen significant advancements, creating a more equitable society. States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have leveraged their social capital to build robust public services and a vibrant economy, leading to high literacy rates, better healthcare outcomes and lower poverty levels.

In contrast, the north, particularly states like UP and Bihar, lag behind in these areas, with their developmental challenges worsened by a political focus on religious and identity politics, according to Mukherjee. The region’s historical neglect of key development sectors like education and health has perpetuated a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment, making the ideological appeals to religion and nationalism more resonant.

This ideological and developmental divide also manifests in societal attitudes and governance models. The south’s progressive stance on social issues, including caste, religion and gender, contrasts with the north’s more conservative outlook. Southern states have pursued policies that promote social justice and inclusivity, reflecting a broader societal consensus on these values. In contrast, the north has seen a rise in identity-based politics, with communal and caste dynamics playing a significant role in shaping political and social discourse.

The north’s approach to governance, often characterised by populist measures and centralisation, stands in stark contrast to the south’s model of decentralised and inclusive governance.