WAKE UP CALL - My election compendium

My last few days were almost similar to most politicians as they and me both were entagled in understanding the intricacies involved around the uncertainity in politics. But finally India is able to feel a sense of stability. Definitely the expectations are on a high but this is something which Manmohan Singh has been facing right from the beginning when he took the charge in 2004. Since continuing the legacy of excellent work done by our great prime minister A.B. Vajpayee was a big encumbrance on his shoulder but trust me, not many men would have been able to uphold the responsibility with such grace and steadfastness. Surely somehow I am getting into the books these days having finished three books in almost same amount of time but this explicate my curiosity and anxiety for Hindu Nationalism. Yes, I am talking about that face of the history which has been deliberately tried to be wiped out, reason being what I call as Congresswaad in our country that has prevailed for a long time.

Well not talking about the past, even the future looks dismay. There is no structured forum where people of broadly similar views and concerns can state their views bluntly about BJP. The BJP certainly offers no platform for free and frank discussion--the National Executive meetings have become an occasion for leaders to deliver speeches. I have not censored anything, including the uncharitable comments on leaders, in the belief that BJP functionaries should gauge what the party's supporters truly feel.
I do recognize that a dialogue on internet conducted in English (and also involving non-residents whose concerns and perspectives are a little distant) is a very limited exercise. Still, it is a modest start.
I want to emphasize the importance of a candid discussion in the light of the BJP's reluctance to dissect the debacle. Having re-anointed Advani as Leader of Opposition, the party leadership has retreated into a shell.

DIVIDED OPINION

It is clear from the responses that there is a sharp division on many counts:

• Some people say Hindutva is the soul of the party and without Hindutva the BJP becomes another Congress. Others feel that aggressive Hindutva is the road to political oblivion.
• Modi, as usual, evokes controversy. He is somehow associated with hard Hindutva. Those who feel that the BJP should become more centrist feel that Modi isn't nationally acceptable. The pro-Hindutva lot think ideology overrides the importance of individuals.

POINTS OF AGREEMENT

There are three main areas of agreement:
• The BJP must seriously take up work in states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra and West Bengal where its presence is nominal.
• There is implicit agreement of the fact that the BJP will have to fight its battles alone, without the benefit of alliances.
• There is agreement that the media, particularly the English-language media, is viscerally hostile. Most of those who commented felt that alternative media space should be probed.

MY CONCLUSIONS

• I think that strident Hindutva of the early-1990s variety is looked upon with disfavour by large sections of the population. The BJP must take steps to distance itself from extremist elements. Most important, it must be seen to be doing so.

• Development is the main concern of people. The BJP governments have a good track record of development but it is weak in the articulation of economic issues. But economics has to be the priority in the coming years. The BJP has to be totally focused on economic issues.

• The BJP must champion social reform, particularly women empowerment.

• What will distinguish the BJP from the Congress is an uncompromising adherence to ethical politics. Unfortunately, this is one area where the party has faltered. The Congress has stolen a march by inducting bright, young, idealistic people. This has helped it overcome the complications of dynasty.

• The RSS is increasingly being regarded as an impediment to change in the BJP. It is replacing its old moral leadership with organisational control.

• The party leadership looks and appears tired. The present leadership lacks combativeness. Modi, despite his flaws, is the only leader with energy and an inspirational quotient. I believe that pressure from below will catapult Modi to the national leadership.

• Modi must project himself as an aggressive moderniser. He must take care to shed frivolity and acquire more gravitas.

We have just about begun the process of discussion. I hope it continues.