Twitterati digs up Tejasvi's Hindu hardline views

The Hindu nationalist ideology followed by Tejasvi Surya, the BJP’s pick for Bangalore South, came to the fore on Tuesday when netizens discussed some of his “conservative” tweets and statements from the past.

“Call me a bigot, communal fanatic or whatever. But the singular reason for BJP’s defeat in Jayanagar is the complete consolidation of the Muslim vote,” Surya tweeted in June last, after the BJP’s shock loss to the Congress in the Jayanagar Assembly bypoll.

“BJP should unapologetically be a party for Hindus. Must take concrete legislative measures to alleviate Hindu issues, not just make speeches. USHV (United Spectrum of Hindu Votes) is the only solution to counter Muslim consolidation,” he had tweeted.

In a 2014 tweet, Surya had opposed 33% reservation for women in Parliament. “With the exception of Women’s Reservation in Parliament, Modi govt agenda is inspiring. Dread the day when women’s reservation becomes a reality.” This tweet was deleted, in an apparent reaction to netizens having dug it up.

It is widely believed that Surya’s candidature for Bangalore South, which came as a shock for many in the saffron party, was backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In a series of tweets that followed the announcement of his candidature, Surya mentioned the names of RSS Sah Sarkaryavah (Joint General Secretary) Mukunda C R and BJP national joint general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh. “I can’t thank enough RSS and its selfless leaders for showering their choicest blessings on me...,” Surya wrote.

The 28-year-old also recollected the time he spent with BJP national president Amit Shah. “The one-hour conversation with him left me so motivated that I couldn’t sleep for a week.”

Surya also received brickbats from many who oppose his ideological position. For instance, pro-Kannada activist Vallish Kumar S recollected in a tweet: “I was once part of a panel debate on a TV channel where Tejasvi Surya passionately defended the use of Hindi in Namma Metro and also opposed official status for Karnataka state flag. How will he approach Kannadigas to vote for him with such anti-Kannada attitude?”
Noted quizzer Thejaswi Udupa surmised in a tweet that “the only reason he’s got a ticket is that Modi-Shah thinks he is more pliable straight from high command.”