Tuesday, June 22, 2004

BJP turns "right"

The BJP's on going national executive meeting in Mumbai has outrightly rejected any suggestion of moderation. To the contrary they are going full throttle in the "right" direction. Rejecting ex-Prime Minister Vajpayee's suggestion to reconsider the selection of Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi (widely accused of complicity in the 2002 riots that left 60 Hindus and 1000 plus Muslims dead)the BJP has reaffirmed its faith in figures like Mr.Modi.

I had feared that the extreme forces under the auspices of the RSS may dominate the scene after the election debacle. I am saddened to say that my fears were not unfounded. For all those who supported the BJP just because Mr.Vajpayee was at the helm this is a wake-up call. I always contended that Mr.Vajpayee was a mascot. A mask that suited the BJP in 1999. They don't need it any more. Their garbing their right-wing conscience didn't pay off this time so their going "back to basics". I wonder what will happen of people like Mr.Jaswant Singh, Yashwant Sinha and the likes. People who are moderates and not wedded to the RSS. I hope these leaders realize that the BJP is no more a party where they can survive. If Mr.Modi overpowers Mr.Vajpayee in a party then that party has issues.

I hope the BJP splits. For the better of the nation. The nation can use the service of its moderates. These moderates in the end will be the best bulwark against dangerous polarization. Let's see what happens.

Peace.

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