Modi 3.0: No Longer the Intransigent Prime Minister We Knew
The last one year has showed that the prime minister, in his third term, has found his once-potent political cocktail of Hindutva and muscular nationalism insufficient to remain in control. He has been forced to publicly acknowledge the significance of caste politics and add it to his strategic mix officially.
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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Rahul Gandhi seeks time to reply on plea demanding book quoted by him for ‘defaming' Savarkar
A court in Pune on Thursday granted more time to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to file his reply on an application seeking a copy of the book quoted by him while making an alleged defamatory statement against freedom fighter V D Savarkar during his speech in London. Gandhi is likely to submit his 'say' through his lawyer Milind Pawar to special judge Amol Shinde of the MP/MLA court in Pune, during the next hearing of the defamation case scheduled on July 3. Satyaki Savarkar had filed the defamation complaint against Gandhi for his alleged objectionable remarks against freedom fighter and Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, during a speech in London on March 5, 2023. Satyaki is the grandnephew of V D Savarkar. According to Satyaki, Gandhi had said in his speech that Savarkar wrote a book in which he stated that he and five to six of his friends beat up a Muslim and were 'delighted' about it. Satyaki said V D Savarkar had not written any such book as claimed by Gandhi, nor has such an incident ever happened. Earlier, Rahul's lawyer Milind Pawar had filed an application before the court seeking an English translation of the book 'Mazi Janmathep' authored by V D Savarkar, another book 'Hindutva' also authored by him, and the family tree of Satyaki Savarkar. Satyaki's lawyer Sangram Kolhatkar provided the same to advocate Pawar in the court. Last month, Satyaki filed an application before the court through advocate Kolhatkar, seeking directions for Gandhi to produce the book allegedly written by V D Savarkar, which was cited by him in his alleged defamatory statement. 'The above-mentioned book is necessary for a fair trial. Previously, this court had granted permission to the accused to obtain the book titled 'Hindutva' written by Veer Savarkar from the complainant. Hence, on the same grounds and principles, the complainant too should be granted the same relief in the interest of justice and fair trial,' the application stated. The court had asked advocate Pawar to file a 'say' on this application on behalf of Gandhi. But on Thursday, Pawar filed another application seeking more time for filing the 'say'. Pawar submitted in his plea that Gandhi is holding a constitutional post (Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha) and is occupied with official duties and public responsibilities of utmost importance. It further stated that 'due to certain unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances, the defence is unable to file say/reply on the said application….' Pawar sought reasonable time from the court to file a detailed reply to Satyaki's application. The court allowed Pawar's plea and kept the matter for hearing on July 3. During the last hearing, the court had rejected an application filed by Gandhi seeking the maternal family tree of Satyaki. Satyaki's mother Himani Ashok Savarkar is the daughter of Gopal Godse, the younger brother of Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin. Rejecting Gandhi's plea, the court had observed that Satyaki is the grandson of one of the brothers of late V D Savarkar and the said case is not related to the family tree of his mother Himani Savarkar.
The Wire
15 hours ago
- The Wire
What Happens When Opposition Parties Subscribe to Hindutva?
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Politics What Happens When Opposition Parties Subscribe to Hindutva? Suman Nath 6 minutes ago Their strategies risk diluting ideological clarity and alienating minorities, and underscore the enduring tension between electoral pragmatism and ideological purity in an RSS-BJP-dominated political landscape. From left, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi. Photos: Official X accounts. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has profoundly influenced India's public sphere by integrating marginalised communities into its Hindutva narrative. This is not merely an electoral strategy but a long-term social reconstruction project. Far from being static, the RSS employs technology and a language of inclusivity, compelling opposition leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, and Rahul Gandhi to adopt elements of Hindutva to suit regional, electoral, and ideological needs, while balancing their secular credentials. Mamata Banerjee Mamata Banerjee, leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), practices a 'soft Hindutva' to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) aggressive Hindu nationalism while preserving her secular image. Her approach is rooted in Bengali cultural identity, particularly through prioritising and promoting Durga Puja by funding clubs, organising a carnival, and substantially supporting local fairs and festivals – positioning her as a defender of Bengali culture in contrast to the 'outsider' narrative spun against the BJP. During the 2021 West Bengal elections, she recited the Chandi Path, visited temples, and patronised lesser-known festivals to gain grassroots legitimacy. Unlike the BJP's confrontational Hindutva, Mamata blends Hindu symbolism with secular rhetoric, visiting both temples and mosques to avoid alienating minority voters. She countered the BJP's 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans by emphasising Bengal's Durga worship tradition, even linking it to the deity Ram. After the 2019 Lok Sabha election losses, the TMC organised Brahmin meets, announced allowances to Sanatan Brahmins, and continued supporting Durga Puja committees, all to appeal to Hindu voters, without alienating her Muslim base, for whom she announced a stipend for Imams. This strategic balancing act helped neutralise the BJP's claim that she leans towards Muslims, and contributed to TMC's decisive 2021 victory. The construction of the Jagannath temple in Digha, located in opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari's stronghold, further exemplifies her culturally diverse and inclusive Hindutva. Critics, including BJP leaders, call this 'adulterated' Hindutva, and her approach risks alienating Muslim voters – though her inclusive rhetoric has largely mitigated this. Arvind Kejriwal Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has adopted soft Hindutva since 2019 to expand beyond the party's anti-corruption and governance roots, aiming to neutralise the BJP's monopoly over Hindu voters while maintaining a secular image. His public displays of Hindu devotion include reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, visiting temples, and describing himself as a ' Hanuman bhakt.' AAP's schemes – such as free pilgrimages to Ayodhya for seniors and plans to make Uttarakhand a 'global spiritual capital ' – align with Hindu sentiments but lack the BJP's aggressive rhetoric. Kejriwal avoids anti-minority messaging, emphasising constitutional values in AAP's manifestos to solidify his position as an opposition figure. This shift became more pronounced after AAP's defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. Kejriwal's use of Hindu symbolism contributed to AAP regaining ground in the 2020 Delhi assembly elections, decisively defeating the BJP. In states like Gujarat and Punjab, his soft Hindutva, combined with promises of free electricity and education, expanded AAP's footprint, though the party's organisational strength remains limited. Critics note that Kejriwal's silence on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act has alienated Muslim voters and compromises AAP's secular ethos. The 2025 Delhi result perhaps reflects the cost of this gamble: the BJP, along with the NDA, won 48 seats, and AAP was reduced to 22. His approach lacks the ideological depth of the BJP's Hindutva or the cultural rootedness of Mamata's strategy, reflecting political opportunism more than conviction. Uddhav Thackeray The Shiv Sena, a regional party in Maharashtra, has historically embraced a hardline Hindutva distinct from the BJP's nationalistic version. Under Bal Thackeray, the party was aggressively anti-Muslim and tied to Marathi identity, notably during the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition. Under Uddhav Thackeray, the party has moderated its stance, aligning with secular parties in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition since 2019. Uddhav's 'inclusive Hindutva' focuses on Marathi pride and Maharashtra-specific Hindu traditions, such as Vitthal worship, rather than anti-minority polarisation. This localised Hindutva, however, is less adaptable outside Maharashtra. The 2019 split, when Eknath Shinde's faction aligned with the BJP, weakened Uddhav's Shiv Sena (UBT). The party now balances its Hindu voter base with its secular allies, diluting its Hindutva narrative. Electoral losses in 2024 and 2025 have forced it to rely more heavily on coalition partners, tempering its rhetoric. Secular allies like the Congress criticise Shiv Sena's Hindutva legacy, while the BJP and Shinde's faction accuse Uddhav of betraying Hindutva, highlighting the party's pragmatic oscillation between hardline and moderate stances. Rahul Gandhi Many feel that Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader long associated with secularism, adopted soft Hindutva during the 2017 Gujarat assembly elections to counter the BJP's dominance. His temple visits, including to Somnath and Dwarkadhish, and public display of his janeu emphasised his Hindu identity, marking a departure from Congress's minority-focused secularism. This approach aimed to appeal to Gujarat's Hindu majority while also addressing economic concerns such as GST and demonetisation. Rahul balanced this with outreach to Dalits, tribals, and Muslims, maintaining inclusivity. His opposition to the RSS-BJP's divisive Hindutva remained firm, positioning Congress as a defender of constitutional secularism. This tactical pivot improved Congress's performance, yielding 77 seats in 2017 (up from 60 in 2012), though it still fell short of defeating the BJP. After 2017, Rahul reverted to more conventional secular rhetoric, focusing on economic and social justice during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, indicating that his soft Hindutva stance was context-specific. The strategies of Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, and Rahul Gandhi reflect the complex interplay between Hindutva and secularism in Indian politics. As the RSS reshapes the public sphere with its adaptive Hindutva, opposition leaders strategically adopt Hindu symbolism to counter the BJP's nationalist narrative. Mamata's culturally rooted approach secured her 2021 victory; Kejriwal's pragmatism aided AAP's 2020 success in Delhi; Uddhav's moderated Hindutva reflects coalition imperatives; and Rahul's tactical temple visits improved Congress's 2017 performance in Gujarat. These strategies risk diluting ideological clarity and alienating minorities, yet they underscore the enduring tension between electoral pragmatism and ideological purity in an RSS-BJP-dominated political landscape. Suman Nath is a political anthropologist and teaches anthropology at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Government College, Kolkata. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Rahul Gandhi Points to 'Industrial-Scale Rigging', Alleges EC Role in Maharashtra Assembly Polls Are Election Malpractices Undermining India's Claims of Being 'the World's Biggest Democracy'? 'Narendra … Surrender': Rahul Gandhi in Swipe at Modi on Trump's Claims of Mediating Ceasefire Beyond the Ballot: Institutional Integrity in the Shadow of Executive Overreach Karnataka Government Plans to Conduct Caste Census All Over Again Mamata Accuses Modi of 'Political Holi' with Op Sindoor, Asks 'Why Not Give Sindoor to Your Mrs?' Four Times Narendra Modi Showed That Criticising the Union Government on National Security is Okay 'Prove it': Rahul Gandhi Doubles Down on Rigging Allegations After ECI's Unsigned Rebuttal 'Only Saying What Trump Has Said 11 Times', Says Rahul As He Repeats Claim of Modi's 'Surrender' About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Armed forces — an acclamation—II
Narendra Modi is seriously suffering from the effects of misadventure and is on fire. He claimed Pakistan begged for ceasefire; he is in fact refuting and repudiating President Donald Trump who, to the contrary, has repeatedly said that he brokered a truce at the behest of keeping South Asia at peace. Indians were shocked by the ferocity of response and ran helter-skelter to stop what could have been greater embarrassment than they faced during those 16 hours. The truce engineered by the US gave Indians a saving grace. But Modi more out of shame says 'it is not over yet'. Describing the toothless operation 'Sindoor', the delusional Modi on last Friday (30thMay) seeking to woo voters blurted boastfully (embarrassingly), 'it was just one arrow from country's quiver. …Our fight…nor has it come to an end'. India is still on a war path. India is sending emissaries to important capitals to damage-control the loss of prestige, loss of misconceived invincibility and the loss of morality. To do this the Modi government is relying on Congress party leader Shashi Tharoor. Armed forces — an acclamation — I He has now lowered himself in global estimation by siding with Modi; hitherto he was seen as an impartial politician/ historian. It is now obvious that deep inside him too resides a bigoted version of Modi, equally dangerous and who without making it overtly obvious subscribes to the Hindutva concept. In a recent interview boasting intoxicatedly, he said, 'the colour of Sindoor will match the colour of blood'. Shashi remains unaware of the power of a martyr's blood; red in colour that can burn the skull when placed in the parted hair. They are literally mocking those women who they widowed in pursuit of adventure. Shame. Our armed forces deserve a salute. In the wake of provocations they remained resolutely steadfast in maintaining grace, restraint and the standards of warfare. Indians mistook our internal political situation as a weakness; little did they realise we may have our domestic political squabbles, but when the territorial integrity of our beloved homeland is challenged, we merge our energies irrevocably to become a formidable bulwark, like the Rock of Gibraltar, against aggressors. We are united as a nation backed by strong and brave armed forces. The advisors to Modi applied schoolboy logic. They (Pakistanis) seem disunited, let's attack Pakistan! What a grave mistake they made. Our army or the entire clan of armed forces deserves accolades for yet again not only defending successfully from the aggressor but also for giving them a run for their money. Literally, just calculate the cost of one Rafale, times five, nay six. Under the able leadership and command of the now Field Marshall, Gen. Asim Munir, after restraint, we proved our capability and capacity. Army in consonance with Air Force and Navy acted together only when the Indian belligerence was getting out of hands. The Air Chief led from the front too, so did the Naval forces. If the press reports be correct, it seems that arising out of uncontrollable hallucinations; India wanted to create a naval blockade for Karachi and to the Gulf. They backed off when they saw our Navy's movements and readiness to engage. They saved their battle ships but not their aircrafts! India must know their war posturing strengthens our nerves and resolve, it sharpens our skills; and our enemy foolishly helps us to make ourselves formidable foe to them. As a tribute to our courageous soldiers, I would like to sing an anonymously written war song during the WW-I; 'O death, where is thy sting- a ling- a ling- a ling, O grave, thy victory? The bells of hell go ting -a- ling, a- ling, a- ling, for you but not for me'. An American proverb is: A singing army and a singing people can't be defeated. The only way Indians can on hindsight win the war is to ask Bollywood to conjure some false story line; with necessary masala, they can commission the holier than the Pope, Javed Akhtar, to write the script, who has openly said and showed preference to be in hell. But isn't that a very comfortable abode for a man of such lowly thoughts and character? Modi, the disguised Tartar, must be put in place by the Indian electorate for being the cause of embarrassment and global humiliation; something India did not suffer even when they were beaten hands down by the Chinese in 1962. Nehru couldn't survive the pain. Generally, Indians are peace loving and Hinduism is as noble as any other religion. Modi has tarnished both. In order to correct the wrong done, the man on the street must voice the sentiments through the ballot box, to repair the damage done. Modi must be shown the door by Indians. The government should not take their eyes off the radar. In a concerted manner and joint efforts, the Field Marshall and other service chiefs must remain alert to any fresh misadventure. Indians would do well if they dislodge Modi, Amit Shah, etc., and all their accomplices (not more than two dozen in a population of over 1.4 billion people) and pack them off to isolation in Andaman Islands or still better make them part of the Bay of Bengal. He must face people's retribution for the harm caused. India continues to be a pad in the straw. We must remain alert. The snake in the grass will raise its head again. 'Heart of Oak our ships, Heart of Oak are our men. We always are ready; steady, boys, steady; we will fight and we'll conquer again and again.' (Hearts of Oak- by David Garrick). They rang the war bells and ended wringing their hands. Armed forces, Zindabad. Pakistan Paindabad. (The writer is a Senior Banker, published author and freelance columnist) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
