BJP’s Babulal Marandi has delivered a masterclass in political rhetoric, targeting Mani Shankar Aiyar for his alleged cluelessness about Hinduism and Hindutva. The Jharkhand leader’s pointed criticism has set tongues wagging across party lines.
During a fiery address, Marandi lamented Aiyar’s ‘armchair expertise’ on matters close to every Indian’s heart. ‘Without roots in our scriptures and traditions, one can’t fathom Hindutva’s profundity,’ he remarked, directly addressing Aiyar’s skepticism.
He wove a narrative of Hinduism’s resilience, from resisting foreign dominions to fostering scientific temper in ancient times. Marandi contrasted this with what he called Aiyar’s ‘Western-tinted lens,’ urging a return to indigenous wisdom.
The backdrop involves Aiyar’s critique of BJP’s Hindutva push as majoritarian. Marandi flipped the script, accusing Congress of minority appeasement that dilutes national ethos.
Strategically timed before key political events, Marandi’s words galvanize the base while exposing opposition faultlines. Past Aiyar gaffes, like calling Modi ‘chaiwala,’ resurface in this context.
Experts view this as classic BJP counteroffensive, blending ideology with electoral math. Congress risks backlash if it doesn’t counter effectively.
Marandi ended on a unifying note, inviting discourse grounded in facts. This episode reaffirms Hindutva’s centrality in shaping political destinies.