Narendra Modi's campaign for 2014 parliamentary elections was focused on development. In his speeches, Modi was more concerned for toilets in home than temples in neighborhood.
The development plank became so powerful and likeable to the common man that the opposition failed miserably to paint his campaign saffron.
Six months after he was sworn in as the PM, unfortunately, irresponsible statements made by some of the BJP MPs who can, at best, be described as representing the fringe section of the party is dampening the euphoria.
It also gave an opportunity to the opposition to blow PM's saffron credentials out of proportion.
Narendra Modi tried to come across as a statesman who was mainly concerned about poverty, water, electricity, lack of civic amenities that people so easily connected with. He assured that every young Indian will have a job in his hands.
‘Good governance' was the hallmark of his entire election campaign.
Narendra Modi, oozing with confidence and backed by his impressive track record as Gujarat Chief Minister, succeeded in striking a chord and was rewarded with a clear majority, first in last 30 years.
Modi took off well. His ‘development' oriented approach and speeches were widely admired across the country. He won applauds both inside and outside India.
He has been applauded by none other than USA President Barack Obama himself. In Australia, he was effusively praised by PM Tony Abbott .
Everything seemed to be falling on the right track.
Last fortnight, unfortunately, was not good for the image of the government, especially for Modi.
First came the highly provocative statement of first time MP and Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti. It was followed by Unnao MP Sakshi Maharaj's praise of Nathuram Godse who killed Mahatma Gandhi. He later apologized for the statement, but the damage was done.
Even Modi had to express regret in both houses of parliament for Sadhvi's remarks.
Then came the issue of Agra conversions. It was the handiwork of some RSS affiliated organizations.
Not to be left behind, Yogi Adityanath has once again raised the pitch on religious conversions and this time he has done it in Bihar.
The point is why are these fringe elements looking in a hurry to undo the goodwill that Modi has generated after so much of hard work? Will making provocative statements serve any purpose? Will it do any good to Hindu community or the cause of ‘cultural nationalism' that RSS boasts of and the BJP so fiercely advocates for? Will inducing people or community for religious conversion bring any laurel to ‘Hinduism'?
RSS and its affiliates have a sense of hurt for whatever has happened in the past including forced conversions of Hindus, destruction of Hindu temples etc. But what they have to understand is that we are no longer living in the medieval era where ‘tit-for-tat' was not looked upon as uncivilized.
Nobody doubted Modi's commitment to ‘cultural nationalism' even when he omitted it from his election speeches in 2014. His persona and past background was enough to convey his message of nationalistic politics.
The fringe elements should avoid creating a scene where the Prime Minister of the country is forced to express regret in parliament on behalf of his ministerial colleagues, they should strengthen his hands.
Once development becomes a reality, memories of past will stop haunting them.
PM should not hesitate in telling them that this is a hard-earned mandate and he'll not allow it to be sacrificed on the altar of politics of provocation.
