Liberalisation and Hindutva: New Threats to National Unity marked features which have gone into the making of a nation in a multi-national setting2. This process continues to unfold in independent India. This way of approaching the national question in India recognizes the vital contribution of the anti-imperialist national movement to the shaping of modern national consciousness. In contrast, there is the position of Hindu communalism. It sees the 'nation' as an ancient entity which has survived through the ages. This ahistorical and irrational concept sees the nation not in terms of language, territory, economy, culture and classes but on the basis of religion and its cultural attributes. This is the meaning of the 'Hindu Rashtra' advocated by the RSS. Its outlook is exemplified by the slogan 'one nation, one people, one culture' which is remarkably similar to the Nazi call for 'Ein volk, ein Reich, ein Fuehrer' (one people, one state, one leader). Underlying the talk of 'cultural nationalism' by the BJP is the identification of the nation with race (Aryan) and religion (Hindu). The issue of the BJP-RSS version of nationalism is no more a matter of academic analysis or ideological debate alone. After the advent of the BJP-led government in office in March 1998, the direction of the state and the shaping of government policies which impinge on national unity have become, for the first time, subject to a leadership which bases itself on the BJP-RSS combine's ideological world-view. This has introduced a new element in the discussions on national unity. The Hindutva forces are engaged in negating the evolution of Indian nationalism based on the common consciousness and values of the national movement. What is sought to be transposed is the belief in an ancient Hindu nation which needs revitalizing with the nationalist ideology provided by the RSS. Under BJP rule, this attempt is being made by exercising State power. The Pokhran blasts, the symbolism of the bomb, the re-targetting of China as the enemy, the one culture/one nation rhetoric are all designed to facilitate this idea of a Hindu India. Conversely, at the political level, the BJP seeks to undermine the secular principles contained in the Constitution. This will adversely affect the democratic basis for national unity. The abolition of Article 370, the abrogation of Article 30 and so on are part of this agenda. The protection accorded to the religious minorities and the tolerance of multi-religious society are sought to be done away with. The proposed setting-up of a commission to review the Constitution expresses this not-so hidden agenda.