Meaning: The quote by Arundhati Roy highlights the surprise that many people felt at the victory of the Congress party in India, particularly in the context of the divisive and hateful rhetoric propagated by Hindu nationalists. Arundhati Roy is a renowned Indian author and activist known for her outspoken views on social and political issues, and her quote reflects the complex and polarized socio-political landscape in India.

The victory of the Congress party, as alluded to in the quote, was unexpected to many due to the pervasive atmosphere of animosity and division perpetuated by Hindu nationalist groups. This sentiment underscores the influence of religious and nationalist fervor in shaping public opinion and political outcomes in India. The "haze of hatred" mentioned in the quote evokes the idea of a clouded, obscured vision that made it difficult for people to see beyond the divisive rhetoric and prejudices that had been fomented within the political discourse.

In the context of Indian politics, the rise of Hindu nationalism has been a significant and contentious force. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a major political party in India with strong ties to Hindu nationalist ideology, has been at the forefront of promoting a vision of India rooted in Hindu identity and culture. This has led to heightened communal tensions and polarization within the country, as well as concerns about the erosion of secular principles and the marginalization of minority communities.

Arundhati Roy's commentary on the surprising victory of the Congress party sheds light on the challenges and complexities of Indian politics, particularly in the face of rising religious and nationalist fervor. The quote captures the struggle to transcend the divisive narratives and prejudices that have come to define the political landscape, and the unexpected nature of political outcomes against this backdrop.

Moreover, the quote underscores the resilience and agency of the Indian electorate in defying expectations and navigating through the fog of hatred and division. It speaks to the power of democratic processes and the capacity of citizens to push back against the influence of polarizing forces, ultimately shaping the political trajectory of the nation.

In conclusion, Arundhati Roy's quote encapsulates the profound impact of religious and nationalist fervor on Indian politics, as well as the resilience of democratic ideals in the face of divisive rhetoric. It reflects the complexities and challenges inherent in navigating a socio-political landscape marked by polarization and communal tensions. The unexpected nature of the Congress party's victory serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Indian politics, shaped by competing ideologies and the agency of the electorate.