Prime Minister Narendra Modi was created by the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) which is rooted in Hindutva. Yet his mantra is sabke saath, sabke vikaas which rules out the treatment of minorities as second class citizens. The RSS founding fathers wanted it at its inception. President Pranab Mukherjee has also urged everyone to dedicate himself to an inclusive society. But there is considerable skepticism about whether RSS extremists may scuttle the government’s development agenda. Already Love Jihad and the conversion issue have postponed major legislation in parliament. Besides, a majoritarian society can drive minority youth to the wall and that will be pernicious with al-Qaida and the ISIS drying up investment. The government has however undertaken plans for minorities through its Mission Empowerment programme. Officials will visit one hundred districts where minority communities preponderate to look after their needs. A documentary film has been made emphasizing the need to override caste and religion as well as focusing on progress and prosperity. Union minister of state for minority affairs Muktar Abbas Naqvi has said that the objective of the film is to highlight the NDA government’s commitment to deliver economic uplift.
However, the question is whether such an official initiative will stifle divisive rhetoric coming loud and clear from the treasury benches or at political rallies. It is considered that Hindutva can reap political dividends in elections. But the BJP has to go all out to reject this line of thinking if it wants Modi’s agenda to be implemented. Hindutva crusades do not seem to appeal very much to the Hindus. The BJP’s failure in the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan proves it. The film, PK, has been a great hit though Hindutva stalwarts have been up against it. Narendra Modi appears to be genuinely involved with the economic development agenda. 2015 will show whether he can keep Hindutva in check, perhaps living down his own past in his younger days