Defending BJP's move to field Sadhvi Pragya, PM Narendra Modi said her candidature was a symbolic answer to all those who have dubbed the rich Hindu civilization as a terrorist and hence, her candidature will cost the Congress party. The Sadhvi has been charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) over her alleged part in a terror act, but was released on bail though the NIA Court hearing the case hasn’t yet discharged her. Ironically, it was Digvijay Singh, who had coined the word "saffron terror" during UPA regime.

This is not the first time the BJP has fielded sadhus. Uma Bharti is one such high profile leader. The party has also nominated the Hindu monk Jaisiddheshwar Mahaswamiji, in Sholapur against the former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. The other symbol of Hindutva is the UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath. The Election Commission has banned him from campaigning for 72 hours just before the conclusion of the second phase of polls for using anti Muslim baits.

Sadhvi Pragya has not disappointed the BJP with her sixers on Hemant Karkare, whom she claimed was killed because of her ‘curse.’ This statement against the man considered as a martyr provoked anger all around so that the BJP quickly distanced itself from her views. The next bomb she dropped was about the Babri masjid demolition in 1992 and her role in it. "I climbed atop the structure to break it. I am tremendously proud that god gave me the opportunity and strength to do it. And I did it “ The commission has sought a report from the Sadhavi Pragya on both counts for her intemperate remarks.

Why is Hindutva back again in focus? Actually, it has always run parallel to the other themes. The party smells a chance of victory because of the failure on the part of the opposition to expose the weaknesses of Modi and his non- deliverance of poll promises made in 2014. Finding that the development card is not working, the party has decided to focus more on Hindutva.

So far the BJP has strategized a presidential type of campaign with Modi as its face. In the campaign it has been talking about a taint- free sarkar. “We have done well but more needs to be done “ is the message to the voters. The campaign talks of a decisive government and Modi’s bold decisions on many issues including the national security. The emphasis is also on the seven big welfare schemes the government has launched including Swachh Bharat, health insurance etc. There is also a focus between a ‘Majboot’ Modi Sarkar and a ‘Majboor’ opposition sarkar. Above all the failure of the Congress in building the nation is the prime focus.

Based on the reports from the ground that the Pulwama effect is wearing off, particularly in the southern states, the BJP had to shift its gear. In all the five southern states people are concerned more about local issues. Pakistan bashing also has not got much appeal in the south, which sends 130 M.Ps to Lok Sabha. The BJP has realised that neither the supply of cooking gas connections, nor the schemes for rural electrification and cheaper houses, nor the Jan Dhan bank accounts, nor the promise of higher minimum support prices for crops is enough to set off the kind of a Modi wave which swept the BJP to power in 2014.That is why Modi, Amit Shah and Yogi continue their polarising speeches in their poll rallies.

The use of Hindutva card shows the desperation of the party to use religion to woo the voters. It is to be seen if this cafeteria approach of the BJP will click in the next five phases of the polls. (IPA Service)