Veteran Congressman Manishankar Aiyar finds himself at the center of a political storm after casting aspersions on Hindutva, prompting BJP’s Yogendra Chandolia to label it a cynical bid to protect Congress’s vote bank. The episode highlights the high-voltage drama defining Indian politics today.
In his address, Aiyar dissected Hindutva’s role in contemporary politics, suggesting it deviates from Hinduism’s pluralistic roots. ‘Hindutva as practiced today is not the Hinduism our sages preached,’ he stated, urging a return to tolerant traditions.
Chandolia, responding swiftly, called this ‘intellectual dishonesty.’ ‘Congress has mastered the art of Hindu-bashing disguised as critique. It’s all about securing that reliable minority vote before polls,’ he charged during a Delhi press conference.
This isn’t isolated rhetoric. Congress has ramped up its anti-Hindutva narrative amid organizational challenges. Rahul Gandhi’s temple runs notwithstanding, the party struggles to convince Hindu voters of its credentials, pushing leaders like Aiyar to the frontlines.
BJP leverages such moments masterfully. Chandolia listed Congress’s ‘missteps’—from Article 370 abrogation opposition to farm laws protests—framing Aiyar’s words as continuation of anti-national posturing.
Public reaction is divided. Social media trends show #AiyarExposed gaining traction among BJP supporters, while liberals defend his right to free speech. Pundits predict this could boomerang on Congress, solidifying BJP’s Hindu consolidation.
Aiyar’s history of gaffes—from hugging Pakistan’s then-foreign minister post-Pulwama to his Modi barbs—makes him a lightning rod. Yet, party insiders say his candor resonates with core cadres.
Chandolia wrapped up by invoking national unity: ‘Hindutva unites 80% of India. Congress’s divisive talk won’t stick.’
Looking ahead, this could influence campaign narratives. As alliances shift and voter sentiments sway, Aiyar’s provocation tests Congress’s balancing act between ideology and pragmatism. The electorate, increasingly savvy, will have the final say in this ideological tug-of-war.