Communalism acts as a threat to Indian Democracy:

(a) Threat to National Integrity: Hostility’ among various religious groups is a serious threat to national unity and integrity in India. Partition of the sub-continent to religious differences in 1947 has adversely affected social harmony in India. This is continued among both religious communities and leads to communalistn in democratic government.

(b) Threat to Nationalism and Patriotism: Communalism leads to various forms of religious fundamentalism and orthodoxism. Religious fundamentalists exploit their community people breeds bigotry and religious identity. In such a social environment, national and patriotic feelings are marginalized and even forgotten. Therefore, communalism endangers nationalism and patriotism.

(c) Impediment to National Development: Lack of national outlook, secular attitude and holistic approach sometimes leads to their selfish ends of few religious leaders. Through their provocative speeches and writings create communal disturbances which naturally affect the national developmental programmes.

(d) Weak Political Leadership: Political parties and leadership have failed to control the communalism in India. Communal politics emerged by political parties which finally influenced to fundamentalism. It leads to weak political leadership.

(e) Threat to National Sovereignty: A nation which experiences chronic internal conflicts and socio-religious divisions may become a weak country. Gradually it may lead to foreign invasion and threat to sovereignty.