09-24-2011, 03:46 AM
Not sure what to make out of Modi's strategy to display a few token mullahs during his appearances. It appears to be a gesture to the urbanites who may otherwise be hesitant. Muslim presence however always has a hampering effect as noted by Elst: even one muslim makes Hindus less strident in voicing their opinions. Perhaps Modi is just giving a display of "no fear" in the face of the enemy -- Refusing the skull cap was essentially a public repudiation of Islam, in addition to escape from a political trap.
Anyway, I am sure Modi has no illusions about muslims. However, Sandhya Jain claims that the seculars have been trying to paint Modi as some type super-technocrat in order to tangentially remove any Hindu civilizational aspects to the discourse, and Modi has gone along with this. This may be just a way to expand his base, his supporters will always support him, the apolitical will also gravitate to him. ???
Anyway, I am sure Modi has no illusions about muslims. However, Sandhya Jain claims that the seculars have been trying to paint Modi as some type super-technocrat in order to tangentially remove any Hindu civilizational aspects to the discourse, and Modi has gone along with this. This may be just a way to expand his base, his supporters will always support him, the apolitical will also gravitate to him. ???