Gurus and the Hindu Nationalist Politics

Abstract

Though Gurudom is diverse, Gurus and Hindu Nationalism have a shared world, promoting and patronizing each other. With the onset of the New Age mediatized Hinduism and the rising popularity of these Gurus, the bonding between Hinduism and Hindutva has got strengthened further. Reflecting on Yoga guru and entrepreneur Ramdev’s life-journey, world-view, political activism, particularly with reference to his anti-corruption crusade, this chapter argues that though Ramdev’s Hindu revivalist and nationalist ideas are closer to the Sangh gospel in many ways, Ramdev has always nurtured his own political ambition and agenda. Analysing the complexities of Ramdev’s political ideas and actions, it tries to understand why Ramdev, setting aside his own agenda, decided to have a partnership with Modi and the BJP in the 2014 elections.