New Delhi: In what could well be a pre-election move, the new chief of the RSS Mohan Bhagwat avoided making any political moves at a public function. He spoke of inclusive politics and did not indulge in minority bashing.
The new boss of the Sangh Parivar is moving forward. But will it be the same for saffron politics?
In a first of sorts, Mohan Bhagwat, a known moderate had subtle hints for the Hindutva forces to ease pressure on minorities.
"A P J Abdul Kalam or somebody like P J Kurien is also a Hindu by their respective Karma though they are not members of RSS," said Mohan Bhagwat, president, RSS.
It can even be a pre-election move by the Sangh to improve the BJP's image among voters unhappy with strident hindutva especially after the attacks on Christians in Kandhmal, women in Karnataka and Varun Gandhi's recent hate speech.
So Bhagwat is presenting Hindutva not as a religion but as a way of life- tolerant, receptive with a nationalist tinge.
"Every citizen of this country is Hindu. All can claim with equal pride that they are Hindus as Hinduism is no religion," added Bhagwat.
But will Hindutva groups like the VHP, the Ram Sena be allowed to take backstage?
Bhagwat a veterinary doctor by profession has the prescription ready with a dose of caution as well - politicians just cannot succeed without respecting the aspirations of the common man.