Growth & social justice — BJP’s thrust for 2019 ..
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pitch for constitutional status for the National Commission for Backward Communities and his assurance that the new body would be beneficial not just for backwards among Hindus but among all communities, including Muslims, is a step towards ensuring greater social justice across the board. Not only is it a well-thought-out strategy to win favour with the backwards but it is also an undeniably progressive move. Modi has shown repeatedly that he has his finger on the pulse of the people. He is now widening his appeal to encompass the minorities who have largely been outside the scope of the BJP because of its past record. Coming close on the heels of his vociferous support for Muslim women on the issue of outlawing triple talaq (the practice of divorce by the man repeating the word talaq thrice) which has won silent appreciation from oppressed women in that community, Modi is systematically seeking to make himself and his party acceptable...