There are some encouraging voices from Muslim clerics, such as Maulana Kalbe Sadiq, that the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate is not an untouchable for them if he takes the right steps to address their community's concerns.
Mr Modi should reach out to the community to engage the people in a serious dialogue and to infuse confidence that their interests in inclusive development will be protected. There will be a union of minds once this awareness gains ground, and those who play vote-bank politics will bite the dust. There are many instances in the country's political history where leaders have recast their earlier ideologies to suit the need of the hour. There is nothing wrong in this so long as the new approach is good for the nation.
The prejudiced mindset from both ends must change. The coming lok Sabha election must bring about this change. Political parties must understand the futility of and dangers in indulging in communal politics.