As we inch closer to the 2024 elections, there’s a noticeable change in the stance of the ruling NDA (National Democratic Alliance). Leaders from both the BJP central government and regional counterparts are leaning more towards core Hindutva principles while displaying a clear aversion to any form of religious appeasement.
One significant catalyst for this shift was Udhayanidhi Stalin’s apparent contempt for Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism). This, combined with the somewhat laughable cover-ups attempted by Congress and other opposition parties, has made the BJP’s job easier.
Leaders such as Yogi Adityanath and Himanta Biswa Sarma have boldly declared their unwavering commitment to protecting Sanatan Dharma. Himanta Biswa Sarma even went as far as to proclaim that if the Miyan Bhais (referring to the Muslim minority) don’t want to vote for the BJP, the party is perfectly fine without their support.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said BJP does not need the votes of ‘Miya’ people for the next 10 years till they remorm themselve
“When elections come, I myself will request them not to vote for us. When you will follow family planning, stop child marriage and shed fundamentalism,… pic.twitter.com/pTQYpq5aBL
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 2, 2023
However, the most striking display of aggression came from none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. He recently invoked Sardar Patel’s contributions to the liberation of Hyderabad and shed light on the Kanhaiya Lal case. His message was unequivocal: “Do not test the patience of Hindus!”
Also read: Vote Bank Politics: PM Modi Sheds Light on Kanhaiya Lal Case Controversy
In a recent address, Prime Minister Modi made his stance crystal clear when he questioned the intentions of the Congress party, stating, “So now, do they (Congress) want to decrease the rights of the minority? Do they want to remove the minorities?… So, should the Hindus, who have the largest population, come forward and take all their rights?… I am repeating, the Congress party is no longer being run by Congress people. Senior leaders of Congress are sitting with their mouths shut, neither are they asked, nor do they dare to speak after seeing all this. Now Congress has been outsourced…”
Prime Minister Modi asks if the Congress, which is now talking of ‘Jitni Aabadi, Utna Haq’, take control of religious places of minorities, just like Govts of I.N.D.I Alliance in South, including those in TN, Kerala, Telangana among others, control Hindu temples… Or give them… pic.twitter.com/q0WpHxo2mz
— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) October 4, 2023
The last time the BJP displayed such aggression on this front was perhaps in 2017 when they launched a full-fledged campaign in Uttar Pradesh, which yielded resounding results. It led to a landslide majority for the BJP, a feat not seen in decades.
Judging by the current approach, it’s evident that Prime Minister Modi is sparing no effort to ensure that the 2024 elections are equally remarkable in this regard. The shift towards a more pronounced Hindutva stance is not merely political posturing; it reflects a growing emphasis on Hindu identity and values within the NDA and BJP.
The changing landscape of Indian politics suggests several key factors driving this shift:
- Opposition’s Vulnerabilities: Udhayanidhi Stalin’s apparent disregard for Sanatan Dharma and the feeble responses from the opposition parties have created an opportunity for the NDA to assert itself as the protector of Hindu interests.
- Regional BJP Leaders’ Commitment: Leaders like Yogi Adityanath and Himanta Biswa Sarma are unapologetically championing Hindutva causes, resonating with a significant portion of the electorate.
- PM Modi’s Aggressive Stance: Prime Minister Modi’s recent speeches and references to historical events indicate a willingness to confront the opposition head-on when it comes to issues related to Hinduism.
- BJP’s Past Success: The BJP’s past success in Uttar Pradesh in 2017 has likely encouraged them to replicate a similar strategy on a national scale.
- Hindu Majority: Recognizing the demographic reality of India, where Hindus form the majority, the BJP seems keen on consolidating this voter base.
As we approach the 2024 elections, it is clear that the NDA, led by the BJP, is making a strategic shift towards a more assertive Hindutva agenda. Whether this approach will yield electoral success remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly signifies a significant departure from the political landscape of the past and sets the stage for a potentially intense and polarizing campaign.
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