There is definite desperation in the Hindutva camp. The first phase of polling for 102 seats, particularly in the Hindi belt, has spoken loud and clear that anti-incumbency is working against the government. Price rise, unemployment and corruption are huge issues and the voter is upset at the way these issues are being dealt with by the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s blatantly communal speech in Banswara, Rajasthan is a pointer that he has sensed that something drastic needs to be done to neutralise dis-enchantment of a section of the Hindu voters with the government. Though Modi is known for such utterances, in my opinion this time as prime minister he has crossed the line — and that can only happen if he has visualised catastrophe in the coming days.

As reported, the prime minister, speaking in Hindi, said, “Earlier they were in power, they had said Muslims have the first right to the wealth of the nation. This means they will distribute this wealth to those who have more children, and infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money be given to infiltrators ? Do you agree to this ?” He further says, “Congress manifesto says they will take stock of the gold that mothers and daughters have and will distribute that wealth. Manmohan Singh’s government had said Muslims have the first right to wealth. Brothers and sisters, this urban naxal thinking will not spare even the mangalsutras of our mothers and sisters.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reacted rather bitterly, The Indian Express reports: “Uttering lies to gain power and making baseless references to things to foist false accusations on opponents are the speciality of the training of the Sangh and BJP. ... He should be ashamed for lying and for trying........

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