In the Janata interregnum (1977-79), former BJS members constituted the largest faction in the Janata Party parliamentary representation, c. 95 out of 295. Yet, this did not in the least lead to any kind of “hinduization” of the polity: they did not influence policy in proportion to their numerical strength (one in three), nor even to the extent of one half or one tenth or one percent of their strength. It remains puzzling that all manner of India-watchers have painted grim doomsday scenarios about “Hindu theocracy” in case of a Hindu nationalist majority, when the historical experience of the
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