I am habituated to browse through the CNN IBN website once in every two or three hours when I am at work. With so much happening in economy, politics and sports in my country, it is beyond the bounds of possibility for me to resist myself from opening Internet Explorer once in a while and typing in ‘ibnlive.com’ in it.On one such day, recently, a news article that appeared in IBN LIVE caught my complete attention. The article was titled “BJP frames new party line: inclusive Hindutva”, which talked about BJP’s plan to overhaul its current Hindutva ideology, and the party’s plan to move towards an 'Inclusive Hindutva’.
After completing the article, I couldn’t help but laugh. It sounded to me like the Catholic Church on a fine day is making a proclamation to the whole world that it is no more going to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Hindutva is the rock on which BJP is built. And they are now deliberating up on drifting away from Hindutva!!
We all know how BJP assumed a stature of national party during early 90s. Until the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, nobody imagined of a national level party whose ideology would be based on a religion, that too in a secularist nation like ours. The demolition of Babri Masjid and the riots that followed across the length and breadth of the country helped BJP in penetrating into the Indian Hindu masses. Ever since, Hindutva was the core ideology on which the party functioned. Hindutva helped BJP to win few general elections, and with the support of various regional parties, they formed a BPJ led government at the center twice. But, how long can they continue to flutter the flag of Hindutva when there are numerous other issues that are of higher priority for the Indian voters?
The 2009 General Election, however, has turned out to be an eye-opener for BJP. After the second defeat in a row, they have gradually started realizing that they cannot survive in this country for long only by scratching the religious sentiments of Indian voters.
‘Inclusive Hindutva’ sounds a better idea to me than actualizing another version of Babri Masjid.
I agree on the fact that BJP can never be seen as a secular party but you have to give them credit for few good things.
ReplyDeleteThey are the reason that central government in India is now feeling it got some responsibilities. Before BJP became a strong contender in national politics Congress had a feeling that they can do as miserably as they could and still be elected to power. If you want an example, look in Kerala politics. I can surely say that the strong belief of both CPM and Congress that they will be elected to power in alternate terms has led to 3 governments (including the current one) which did nothing for the state.
Another thing that BJP took forward is infrastructure. One has to admit they were more open to development than 80's and 90's congress party. And Vajpai was fit to PM by anyone’s book.
I don't support BJP nor have I voted for them once but i believe they are required in India. Not as a Hindu party but as a right wing to left minded congress. And if they are going to change their outlook why not now ??
Thanks for your comments Sibin
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on the point that BJP did a decent job when they were in power from 1999 to 2004. In fact that was one of the best governance independent India has seen. I am definitely not questioning their capability for good governance.
I also agree with your point that BJP is the reason why congress has become more responsible as a party. Competition is what fuels your performance. That is true for politics as well as business.
I am only questioning the ideology on which the party functions. Imagine, if a religious riot with a magnitude that of the Babri Masjid riot breakout in our country when a pro-Hindu or pro-Muslim party is ruling the country. We all know how things are going to be handled then. We all know how such an incident was handled by the BJP government in Gujarat.
In a country like ours, where there are umpteen number of religions and castes, it requires a party that is not driven by religion to be in power. Only such a party can provide security to all the citizens of the country, without grading them by caste or religion.
If BJP can let go of their Hindutva ideology, well and good. That is why I wrote:” ‘Inclusive Hindutva’ sounds a better idea to me than actualizing another version of Babri Masjid.”