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| Distinct BJP's Extinct Ideology | | | Omkar Dattatray
BJP the modern incarnation of that old grand Bharitya Jana Sangh has travelled much distance from the days of its ideologues Deen Dayal Upadaya and Dr. Shayma Pradesh Mukerjee. In its march from that old Jan Sangh - the so called party of Manuwadies to its present form of BJP as the leader of NDA has all along made compromises. These compromises are on its much valued principles and cherished themes which were the certificate of BJP's distinct character as a party with difference among the multiple political formations of post-independence. BJP has diluted from its main plans, planks, commitments, core issues and basic premises and promises. This compromise and dilution of the party from its major principles, cherished themes and ideology has given it more strength in today's coalition era. At the same time it has distanced itself from its basic ideology distinct character and the core constituency as well. Once the party was a shining example worthy of emulation by other parties for its being a cadre based and disciplined organization. Alas! today it is no different from other political parties in Indian politics. Earlier it stood for positive, genuine, and true secularism but today it is also treading the same path of minorityism more or less as did its predecessors of congress during their long stay in office. However, still it has not been able to gain a political constituency among minorities. In fact, to gain political power and showcase itself as a secular party it has divorced itself completely from its thinking and ideology. Though BJP is tasting power for the third time at the national level it is now weaning away from its core issues and has shelved its principle at the altar of power politics. What a topsy turvy situation? The party was once strong votary of the strong centre and champion of the unitary character of Indian federation. But today it is advocating strong federal structure and is for devolution and decentralization of powers and authority to federal units of Indian union. Earlier BJP stood for centralization of powers. Where have these commitments of the party gone? In the changed socio-political scene BJP has compromised a lot. In J&K BJP is playing in the hands of PDP satraps. It has ceased to be a party with a difference and with a distinct and separate ideology committed to its principle and values. From the party with a difference it has become a party with differences. Where is the BJP's commitment to ek-Vidhan, ek-Nishan, ek-Pradhan which was so dear to the old leaders of Sangh. Right or for wrong the party has transformed itself from its conservative outlook to modernity though in the process it has forgotten its main issues and themes. It has distanced from its stand on HIndutva or what can be appropriately be called as cultural nationalism or Sanskritik Rashtrayawad notwithstanding its half hearted statements on Hindutva theme. The three main planks and issues on which BJP earlier emerged on national scene and due to which it has established its distinct image had long been kept in the backburner only to appease minorities. So where is the BJP's stand on much talked about article 370, common civil code for all Indians and the Ram temple? These three main issues were the benchmark of the BJP's distinction from other political parties. These crucial principles/issues and many smaller ones have been consigned to the dustbins of history, the occasional utterances of the party leaders not withstanding BJP has in fact become another congress for its hypocrisy on secularism. It is following the same practices and politics and policies as the congress. Under the pressure from mother and sister organizations of the Sangh parivar like RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal, its twisted and half hearted statements on Ayodhya, article 370, uniform civil code and Hindutva cannot earn any accolades to BJP. Some opine that the party has not completely distanced from its main planks but has kept them in its itinerary. But there are very few takers of this view. As for the past practice the party can use these issues and also dump them as it suits its political vested interests. Then they say that everything is fair in war, love and politics and there is no Mr. Clean in politics. Still the BJP and its leaders should understand that it cannot befool the gullible voters and its core constituency for all times to come by using its planks and core issues when it suits them and then shelving them for their cozy chairs. BJP as the party heading the NDA government has also failed to contain terrorism and in sending a strong message to Pakistan. It was earlier criticizing Manmohan Singh's government for their weak policies towards Pakistan and now it itself is doing the same meek overtures towards Pakistan. Hence where has its strong stand on terrorism and internal security gone? The party has diluted its stand on foreign nationals issue and is somewhat soft even on religious conversions only to appease different minorities. Further isn't it there a total dilution on BJP's earlier position and stance on Swedeshi movement, PSU's and their disinvestment, privatization and other pressing economic issues confronting the nation. The party stand on Hindi language as the medium of instruction and the official language as well does not receive much attention as one hoped from BJP, thanks to party politics of BJP. Earlier BJP led NDA government was on the path of blind privatization without having any regard for the poor consumers and for the socialistic pattern of society. It has allowed direct foreign investment in sensitive sector of print media and defense as well. And this in fact has resulted in subjugating of economic sovereignty and freedom of press. It seems to have been done under pressure from WTO, World Bank and western powers. All this boils down to and sums up as distinct BJP's extinct ideology if you please allow me to say so. |
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