And Modi has not lost sight of the caste element either. He has managed to build a network of caste-community notables around him, including from among the Patels. But the BJP has not been able to develop its own tribal leadership — potentially a major roadblock for the party in this election.

This new middle class is very comfortable with a strong Hindu political identity and Modi is therefore all the more their leader. But the necessity of expanding acceptability, particularly among the powerful Gujarati NRIs cannot be overstated — a riot-torn region is, after all, not exactly an investor’s destination. Modi therefore understates his Hinutva credentials where as the traditional elite-turned-rebels are abusing him as a Muslim!

The BJP leadership is banking completely on Modi’s ability to mobilise the young middle class enamored of the new economy and conscious of its Hindu identity. If he wins, what will change the most will be BJP’s internal power dynamics.