In the final lap of the Lok Sabha election campaign, many contenders and political commentators are claiming that voters have to choose between growth and secularism. This is a false claim. Why then, does the idea of a stark ‘choice’ between economic growth or secularism appear to be so compelling to a wide range of people? Firstly, the idea of growth and its mechanics are not closely examined. Secondly, it is assumed that a more decisive and forceful prime minister will work an economic miracle. Thirdly, therefore it is worthwhile to compromise on secularism which many view as being a sham in any case. To further complicate the matter, growth is seen as something tangible while secularism is treated as a fussy idea, or worse a political ploy, cynically deployed by both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. How then might voters resolve their polling day dilemma?