What are the effects of communalism on India Politics?

Communalism is affecting the Indian politics in the following ways:

Organisation of Political parties on Communal Basis:

In India, many political parties have been organized on communal basis. The Muslim League, the Hindu Maha Sabha, the DMK, the Akali Dal are organised on religious basis. Political leaders also encourage communalism to get votes at the time of elections.

Selection of Candidates for Elections:

Political parties, while selecting candidates for the election, give great importance to communalism. A candidate belonging to the majority community in that constituency is given ticket of the party.

Voting on Communal Basis:

Voters generally vote on communal lines. Besides, communal riots often break out in many parts of the country. After getting elected, the representatives try to safeguard the interests of their community and ignore national interests. These conditions hinder the progress of democracy in the country.

The above practices foment jealousy and hatred among the various communities living in India and sometimes even lead to communal riots. Therefore, communalism should be recognised as enemy number one of our secular democratic polity.