The BJP has two agenda items it cannot forget and compromise — a core Hindutva agenda which it uses to polarise voters with, and economic development, reforms and governance (“Development and doublespeak,” April 11). Mr. Modi might have moderated himself and his language, but he can never change his spots. The Gujarat model of development is marked by an open alliance with corporate giants, communal politics, neglect of the poor and hoodwinking of people by making tall claims. The BJP and the RSS are two sides of the same coin.
M.Y. Shariff,
Chennai
The writer’s deep hatred toward the BJP and Narendra Modi comes through loud and clear. The BJP’s manifesto has references to enabling good governance, development, and the use of technology. It is a shame that Professor Hasan has found Hindutva where none exists. What is wrong if big businessmen approve of Mr. Narendra Modi’s methods and manner of facilitating quick approvals? Does it not lead to large-scale employment?
Krishna Natarajan,
Hyderabad
In her bid to explore the ulterior motive of the nexus between the RSS and the economic elite, the writer seems to have become overambitious in discerning what she believes to be “Core Hindutva.” Apart from the Ram Mandir, Article 370 or the introduction of a uniform civil code does not pertain to Hindutva. Nehru was a strong proponent of a uniform civil code, and to say that it is a polarising issue is beyond comprehension.
K. Manas Teja,
Hyderabad
It is strange that the writer believes that the implementation of a uniform civil code and the scrapping of Article 370 can polarise the nation. The special status to Jammu and Kashmir has outlived its usefulness as the State is still grappling with issues of development and suffers deep alienation. A uniform civil code will be the first step toward breaking the barriers of religion and caste.
Arun Siddhartha R.,
Hyderabad
Professor Hasan mentions three of the BJP’s core Hindutva issues. How can a person of her stature consider the uniform civil code and scrapping of Article 370 as Hindutva elements? Isn’t a uniform civil code a part of the Constitution? Is she trying to say that the framers of the Constitution were following a Hindu agenda, or is the Supreme Court following one, or is our Constitution a communal document? We cannot save ourselves from looking at just about everything through the prism of community, identity and region. We simply refuse to introspect and interpret things from a rational angle.
Suvir Kapur,
Lucknow
