Economist Calls for Economic Equality to Counter Religious Nationalism in Kerala Lecture
On Saturday, eminent economist Prabhat Patnaik delivered a lecture titled "The Politics of Religious Nationalism" as part of the 28th EMS Memorial programme held at the Regional Theatre in Thrissur. The event, organised by the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, attracted scholars, politicians and activists interested in the intersection of economics and social politics.
Patnaik, a former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and former vice‑chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board, argued that the rise of religious nationalism and neo‑fascist tendencies in India can only be checked by reducing economic inequality and guaranteeing basic economic rights for all citizens. He said that India must adopt policies that strengthen the domestic market and increase people’s purchasing power, with particular support for small‑scale producers and farmers.
He called for redistributive taxation, including a wealth tax and an inheritance tax on the richest one per cent of the population, and urged an increase in minimum wages. Patnaik noted that several developed countries, such as Japan, already employ similar tax measures.
In addition to economic reforms, Patnaik listed five essential economic rights that he believes should be guaranteed: the right to food, the right to work, free public healthcare, quality free education, and social security that covers old‑age pensions and support for persons with disabilities.
The economist also warned of a broader global trend that threatens national sovereignty and freedom of expression. He said that strengthening economic justice and social equality is the only way to resist this phenomenon.
The programme was inaugurated by CPI(M) general secretary M. A. Baby, who highlighted the importance of cultural engagement in countering divisive politics. Baby said that cultural intervention is essential to resist the growing strength of identity‑based politics in the country. He criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party for attempting to marginalise minorities and communists, stressing that opposing communalism does not mean opposing faith.
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam also spoke, calling for a broader unity against war and militarism. Viswam urged communists and religious leaders, including the Pope, to come together to resist war hysteria. He referenced the anti‑war stance of Pope Leo XIV and criticised the Modi government’s silence on international conflicts, pointing out that when an oil vessel with Indian workers was attacked, resulting in the deaths of three Indians, the leadership failed to respond.
The two‑day EMS memorial event will conclude on Sunday. The programme has attracted attention for bringing together economists, party leaders and activists to discuss how economic policy can influence social cohesion and democratic values.
The lecture and the surrounding discussions underscore the view that economic inequality is a key driver of social unrest and that addressing it through progressive taxation, wage policies and social security can help mitigate the appeal of religious nationalism.
Published – June 13, 2026 08:34 pm IST
