Top politicians pivot towards religious and community appeals, departing from previous Baba-centric election campaigning.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — A notable trend has emerged wherein party chiefs and top leaders are strategically targeting specific communities during their campaigning and rallies in the ongoing general election. This shift is distinct from previous elections where such efforts were often spearheaded by spiritual leaders, colloquially referred to as “Babas”.
During the 2023 assembly elections in five states, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, attempts were made to sway the general populace with narratives propagated by these spiritual figures. However, these Babas had sparked controversies with their statements, which were met with stiff opposition. Interestingly, their influence seems to have waned in the subsequent national elections, with prominent leaders of the ruling party now taking centre stage in discussing matters of religion and community during public addresses. Political analysts caution that such direct appeals have the potential of exacerbating the already polarised electorate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent election rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara, targeted the Muslim community by claiming that Congress would redistribute the nation’s wealth among those “who have more children.” In his diatribe against Muslims, the prime minister also called them “infiltrators.” Modi also characterised leaders of the opposition as “urban Naxalites” and criticised their manifesto, alleging it advocated surveillance and redistribution of assets belonging to (Hindu) mothers and sisters.
Prime Minister Modi referenced previous Congress statements regarding the allocation of national resources, particularly highlighting a remark by former prime minister Manmohan Singh suggesting a just and equitable treatment for Muslims. This was misinterpreted as indicating a potential redistribution of assets to families with larger populations, often associated with illegal immigrants.
In a recent interview with a news channel, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to a question regarding the proposition of a Muslim quota, asserting, “Why is there a need for a Muslim quota? This issue is being raised by the opposition. When they speak, the prime minister must respond. We must respond. We are conveying to the public that our actions are founded on principles of justice and humanity.”
Addressing the contention surrounding the Muslim quota, Singh emphasised that the BJP did not raise the issue. “Caste and religion have never been the focal points of our politics. Our political ethos is rooted in principles of justice and humanity,” he said.
On the topic of the prime minister’s Mangalsutra statement, the defence minister remarked in an interview: “When talk of conducting a survey arises, it implies potential disruption. To clarify this to the public, the prime minister said that the Congress, judging from their manifesto, appears to have ulterior motives. What purpose does surveying properties serve?”
Notably, senior leaders of the ruling party are now issuing statements targeting specific communities on electoral platforms and through media channels. This stands in contrast to previous assembly and Lok Sabha elections where similar narratives were propagated by spiritual figures, storytellers, and yoga gurus.
The revered Baba of Bageshwar Dham in the renowned Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh has currently distanced himself from political affiliations. While he previously penned narratives supporting candidates during assembly elections, his absence from Madhya Pradesh’s political landscape during the Lok Sabha elections is conspicuous. It’s speculated that despite drawing large crowds to his discourses, Baba Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s influence hasn’t translated into expected votes for political leaders. Consequently, none of the candidates from the BJP or Congress has arranged for Baba Dhirendra Shastri’s discourses in their constituencies this time.
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri also garnered attention for his controversial remarks. In 2023, he made a statement in Pune, Maharashtra, advocating an amendment to the Constitution to declare the nation a Hindu Rashtra. He further advocated the cause during live interviews on various news channels. Despite his prominence, his support through narratives for BJP candidates occurred before the implementation of the code of conduct for assembly elections.
Renowned storyteller Pandit Pradeep Mishra from Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, also made headlines with his controversial stance on amending the Constitution to establish a Hindu nation. During a religious discourse in May 2022 in Narmadapuram in Madhya Pradesh’s Hoshangabad District, Pradeep Mishra passionately advocated for transforming the nation into a Hindu state, interweaving his message within his storytelling and songs. He expressed his determination to raise awareness about this cause and shared his narratives in support of BJP candidates across assembly constituencies.
Likewise, Baba Ramdev has been embroiled in controversy, with both direct and indirect support from BJP leaders. Since 2014, opposition parties have frequently been the target of Ramdev’s criticism. Notably, on February 2, 2023, during a religious gathering in Rajasthan’s Barmer, Ramdev made inflammatory remarks concerning Islam and Muslims. He asserted that Islam condones only namaz, implying that after prayers, any action, including abduction and terrorism, is justified. Additionally, he made derogatory comments about Christianity, contrasting its forgiveness rituals with those of Hinduism.
Another controversial figure, Rajasthan BJP MLA Balaknath, drew attention with his inflammatory statement in November 2023, likening the assembly elections to an India-Pakistan cricket match. He metaphorically urged supporters to strive for each vote as a cricketer does for each run, emphasising the importance of every ballot.
In August 2023, BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma from the Huzur constituency in Bhopal sparked controversy with his remarks during a meeting in Narmadapuram. He suggested an imminent change, citing Muslims’ purported sentiments about relinquishing some claims and implying a reciprocal gesture from Hindus. Asserting their commitment to their homeland, Sharma emphasised that they wouldn’t abandon sacred places. He underscored the significance of strong leadership, attributing achievements such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir to Prime Minister Modi’s governance, asserting the inseparability of the BJP from the essence of India.
