It’s clarified by how differently it portrays itself to different groups.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at a road show in Ayodhya. (Photo: Vishal Srivastava/Express)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statements, denying any focus on Hindu-Muslim issues but also accusing the previous UPA government of favoring Muslims, have sparked controversy. These remarks have added intensity to the ongoing election campaign. But how do we make sense of this seeming contradiction?
What started as a dull campaign has turned into a bitter one. Initially, it seemed like the ruling party would easily maintain its majority of over 300 seats or even improve it. However, in recent weeks, the election has become more uncertain. While some of the criticism against the BJP may be exaggerated, there are indications that the dynamics of the competition have shifted somewhat.