Hinduism vs Hindutva: Mani Shankar Aiyar draws distinction, triggers row; BJP hits back

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar stated that Hindutva is “Hinduism in paranoia,” arguing it incites fear among Hindus towards Muslims. He contrasted this with Hinduism, calling it a spiritual religion that has thrived for millennia without Hindutva’s protection. BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi countered that Hindutva represents the core essence of Hinduism, or ‘Hindu tattva,’ and cherishing Hinduism is Hindutva.