As the general elections in India run full steam, speculations of the BJP spectacularly falling short of achieving its dream of 400+ have been surfacing. That may well be the reason why, in true Modi style, Rahul bashing remains the favourite BJP pastime. The ruling party has fallen into a cycle of pushing out fabrications and testing what resonates with the people while employing Godi and social media tactics to turn it into a "reality". Previously, they claimed that Pakistan was directing Congress' moves behind the scenes and that Congress would prioritise Muslims over Hindus, among others.

The story then turned to Congress receiving tempo-loads of black money from Ambani-Adani for hushing up on their non-virtuous deeds with the BJP. Modi asserts that Rahul, who had been harping continuously about the government espousing the cause of the top "industrialists", had become silent on the issue after he received hush money. In his retort, Rahul asked the PM to send the ED and CBI to the industrialists and get an enquiry done.

Amit Shah resorted to remembering Rahul's late maternal grandmother, the mother of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, who had no involvement with Indian politics. The use of such an uncouth and uncalled-for statement is a testament to the BJP's standards.

Recently, the BJP has turned to concocting reports. The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) recently released a working paper stating that the share of the Hindu population in India decreased by 7.82 per cent between 1950 and 2015. In the corresponding period, the share of the Muslim population saw a 43.15 per cent increase. Independent bodies that worked on the same data were flabbergasted at the gross misrepresentation of truth.

The BJP minions are using this inaccurate report to adduce that the minorities are overtaking Hindus and lay the blame squarely on Congress' policies. They claim that certain religions are becoming prominent because of illegal immigration and conversion. The opposition has verily called the data into question.

The BJP's arguments don't hold ground since the census was to be conducted in 2021. Voices have been raised regarding this for some time, but the BJP has refused to consider it. A recent census might have put forth the actual landscape of the nation, which would have been helpful for the voters as well as for the lawmakers to debate and decide on the nation's future. The party skirted the affair, possibly due to the hypothesis that it would have led to the need for an increase in reservations. Even though such reports might have limited impact, such falsifications are profoundly concerning. It is plausible to venture some guesses as to what BJP gains with such trumped-up displays.

The information must be presented accurately and within the appropriate context for proper utilisation. It must highlight areas that lack growth and need better focus to create inclusive, equitable and balanced policies.