'Bharatiya' and not 'Hindu Rashtra' was what Vajpayee vouched for in stand against theocracy
Atal Bihari Vajpayee once clarified the RSS's position on Hindu Rashtra. He noted that the RSS did not advocate for a Hindu Raj but emphasized the concept of a Hindu Rashtra. He was of the opinion that the idea of Rashtra extended beyond India's 1947 formation and encompassed its ancient civilization.
Vajpayee preferred to call it the 'Bharatiya Rashtra' instead of a 'Hindu Rashtra'. In an interview, Vajpayee explicitly stated, «we never demanded Hindu Rashtra or theocracy.» He emphasized that the fusion of politics with religion had never occurred in India's history and would not occur in the future. Vajpayee's views on minorities were unequivocal.
He asserted that minorities were full-fledged citizens with equal rights and responsibilities in a secular India. He believed that fear should have no place in the lives of minorities in this nation. Vajpayee's visionary leadership and strategic acumen not only shaped the BJP's image during his prime ministership but also played a crucial role in building the party's foundation.
During the interview, Vajpayee defined nationalism as equal rights for all and rejected communalism based on religion or majority dominance. He highlighted the distinction between the two by saying, «if Hindus in this country believe they should hold special rights due to their majority status while minorities have fewer rights, that is communalism.» Vajpayee stressed the significance of constitutionally guaranteed equal rights in safeguarding minority interests. He stated, «If the constitution establishes equal rights and there is an independent judiciary and elected parliament to protect it, wrongdoing against minorities significantly decreases.» Atal Bihari Vajpayee, born in Gwalior in 1924, was a
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