The growing controversy about the manipulation of electoral rolls goes beyond elections. While it may be aimed at winning elections, the strategy itself emanates from the underlying political philosophy of Hindutva.
The allegations of roll manipulation did not exist in the first two terms of the Modi government but they have grown louder in his third term, after the results in Maharashtra. In a sense, this marks a shift from the hay-days of Hindutva hegemony to a faltering support base. How it will manage the new situation is a story of wheel-within-the-wheels.
What we are set to witness in the coming days is contempt for consent. While the majoritarian psyche talks about the rule of the majority, it in essence empathises with none. In effect, contempt for consent calls the bluff on Hindu unity. There is no empathy for the Hindus here, because it does not respect the opinion of the majority of Hindu voters.
This story was originally published in thequint.com. Read the full story here.
