In a provocative statement that has ignited fierce political debate, Congress veteran Manishankar Aiyar has once again cast doubts on the ideology of Hindutva, a cornerstone of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) political narrative. BJP leader Yogendra Chandolia sharply criticized Aiyar, accusing him of employing this rhetoric purely to safeguard the Congress party’s minority vote bank ahead of crucial elections.
Chandolia, a prominent voice within the BJP’s Delhi unit, did not mince words during a recent press interaction. ‘Manishankar Aiyar and his ilk are desperate to retain their vote bank at any cost,’ he declared. ‘Raising questions on Hindutva is nothing but a cheap tactic to appease certain communities and divert attention from Congress’s failures in governance.’
The controversy erupted after Aiyar, known for his candid and often controversial remarks, questioned the essence of Hindutva in a public forum. He argued that true Hinduism does not align with the political version propagated by the BJP, drawing parallels to historical and philosophical interpretations of the faith.
This is not the first time Aiyar has stirred the pot on this sensitive issue. His past comments, including a infamous ‘neem hakim’ jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have frequently landed him in hot water. Critics within the BJP have long portrayed Aiyar as a symbol of Congress’s ‘soft Hindutva’ approach, which they claim is a facade to mask the party’s alleged appeasement politics.
Chandolia went further, linking Aiyar’s outburst to Congress’s broader electoral strategy. ‘With elections looming, Congress leaders are falling over themselves to prove their secular credentials. But the public sees through this drama,’ he asserted. He highlighted recent electoral setbacks for Congress, suggesting that such statements are a last-ditch effort to consolidate support among minority voters disillusioned with the party’s performance.
Political analysts note that Hindutva remains a polarizing yet potent force in Indian politics. For the BJP, it represents cultural nationalism and a unifying ideology for its Hindu voter base. For the opposition, including Congress, challenging it is a high-stakes gamble that can rally liberals and minorities but risks alienating the Hindu majority.
Aiyar’s comments come at a time when Congress is grappling with internal dissent and leadership questions following successive defeats. The party’s high command has remained silent on the matter, neither endorsing nor disavowing Aiyar’s views, which some interpret as tacit approval of his strategy.
As the war of words intensifies, both parties are gearing up for a protracted battle over ideology and identity. Chandolia concluded his remarks with a stern warning: ‘The people of India will not fall for these divisive tactics. Hindutva is not just politics; it’s the soul of our nation.’ The coming months will reveal whether Aiyar’s gambit pays off or backfires spectacularly for Congress.