Hindutva-cum-development

FIRST-HAND | Fadnavis underscores the compatibility of his twin agenda

- Kalpesh Mhamunkar

In an interview with ABP News and other media outlets, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis laid out his strategic vision for the state. His messaging was clear: it will be a blend of Hindutva and development, both intrinsic to the BJP's platform, which will shape Maharashtra's future.

Central to Fadnavis's rhetoric is the BJP's brand of Hindutva, which he described as "a way of life" rather than a rigid religious doctrine. This position, he argued, is an essential facet of the party's identity, aimed at fostering cultural unity.

"Hindutva is not bound by rituals. Muslims have their own religious practices, and we should not narrow the concept," he said, reiterating Prime Minister Modi's inclusive approach. He framed Hindutva as part of a wider cultural ethos rather than a divisive force, asserting it was a foundation of the BJP's broad appeal.

However, Fadnavis did not shy away from attacking the opposition, particularly the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). He accused the coalition, specifically Congress, of compromising Hindu sentiments by reportedly collaborating with controversial figures like Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani to drop riot-related cases dating back to 2012. This, he claimed, fuelled a voter backlash, contributing to the surge in turnout to 66.05%, up from 61.1% in 2019.

"When you try to suppress someone, they rise strongly," Fadnavis said, implying that Congress's perceived overreach provoked a strong defensive response from Hindu voters.