India is in the grip of election fever. Citizens of the world’s largest democracy are only weeks away from exercising their democratic rights. Political parties in their mood of subtle metachrosis are changing their public face. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that was talking of “corruption” is now talking of “communalism.” Was it because they were not sashaying their newfound hubris on the streets of Delhi but addressing a reluctant audience at the India Islamic Cultural Center in Delhi?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in its turn, is now talking of “progress.” Gone are the strident slogans of “Hindutva.” Modi, too, is seen changing colors to match with his surroundings. Both his habit and headgear change with the change of scene. Recently, while in Punjab, he was seen sporting a Sikh turban. This is the same man who had once declined the offer to wear a Muslim skullcap. Modi’s party is now harping on the agenda of “development.” The grand motif of the Gujarat model, so to say. But the chronicles of history speak the truth. Modi’s chef-d’oeuvre is not the “progress” of Gujarat; it is the pogrom of Gujarat of 2002.

Syed H. Hashmi

New Delhi