The neo liberal policies adopted by the Congress – led UPA government have led to a huge discontent amongst ordinary people. The poorer, more disadvantaged sections have especially suffered its worst consequences. This anger is paving the way for the resurgence of communal politics. While there is an obvious need for an alternative, can the Bharatiya Janata Party, backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its ‘Hindutva” brigade, under the leadership of Narendra Modi as its PM candidate, provide any kind of solution? The BJP ruled states are equally “models” of a neo liberal development paradigm. The women living in these states are at the receiving end of economic policies that marginalize them, and also of a reactionary, patriarchal ideology that undermines their fundamental right to equality and social justice. Concerted attempts are being made by the corporate sector and its handmaidens in certain sections of the media to whitewash these dimensions of the BJP in power.