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| BJP suffering from identity crisis | | |
Sushil Vakil
There is no denying that BJP has nothing fresh to offer except the same old Temple issue. This has been clearly demonstrated by the resolutions passed by the party at its just concluded session at Nagpur . Apparently, the raking up of the "Ram Temple" is nothing but one more attempt to regain power by luring Hindu voters to its fold in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections It is another matter that promise of building a magnificent Ram Temple at Ayodhya had cost the party dearly during the previous elections as most of its candidates had to face humiliating defeats. It seems BJP is heading down the same road again-away from power.
The fact remains that after coming to power the BJP leaders chose to follow secular ideals in a bid to woo the minorities particularly Muslims. It was a stark betrayal of high hopes of its supporters and sympathisers. Ever since the Babri Masjid was demolished, it has been talking of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. But after forming the government it kept the issue on hold for the survival of the government. BJP's deviation from "Hindutva' to "secularism" not only hurt the sentiments of a large section of society but also led to its dwindling base support. The people never expected duplicity from the leaders who ate and breathed "saffron agenda" prior to getting married to power. Expectedly, the people gave vent to their ire by not voting for BJP candidates in the last elections.
More than anything else the party leaders not only played with the sentiments of patriotic people but also exploited the cause for which they were voted to power. It is a travesty that BJP ruled the country for six years but made no attempt to build a Ram Temple worshipped by more than a billion people across the world. It is an irony that the leaders of the party who attained power by exploiting religious sentiments went to polls by highlighting "India Shinning" leaving behind the "Hindutva" slogan. This change of mindset pushed the BJP leaders to the opposition benches. Not to face the same wrath in the ensuing elections the party has again pitched for "nationalism" agenda. However, the fact remains that this time around there are very few people to get impressed by its hollow promises. For BJP leaders can fool some of the voters, some of the time and not all the voters, all the time.
Evidently, the Lotus party is reverting to the Ram temple issue with an eye on Hindu votes. It is surprising that the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate, L.K. Advani, has found it fit to invoke the name of Lord Ram to appeal to the electorate. BJP's return to the temple agenda shows that it has run out of election issues which are relevant to the country. Its attempt to engage the people in discussions relating to a Ram temple when the nation is reeling under terrorism, corruption and the impact of a global recession smacks of irresponsibility. Mr. Advani's declaration that only when a temple is built in Ayodhya will a Jai Shri Ram slogan come from the heart will reopen old wounds is nothing but an election gimmick. It is becoming increasingly apparent that Mr Advani is so desperate to become the Prime Minister that he feels no distinction in raising emotive issues on one side and releasing online advertisements in the Pakistani newspapers on the other. Incidently, he is the same person who praised Late Jinnah for his secular credentials while paying floral tributes at his Mazar in Pakistan.
Undoubtedly, the revival of the Ram temple issue by the BJP indicates that the party is still in identity crisis. As a matter of fact the BJP leaders should be aware by now that voters want only development-oriented politics and not the emotive issues. The youth want politicians to work for them, not indulge in religion. Moreover, the BJP leaders should also understand that the people are looking for a government that represents all sections of society. It should draft its agenda accordingly.
It is not mere talking but a fact that by bringing the Ram temple issue to the fore once again, the BJP has exposed its helplessness. Using the name of Lord Ram for electoral gains as opposed to the larger national objectives is nothing but selling old wine in the same old bottle. Mr Advani and his team needs to understand that at present people don't need " Temple " but security, better health facilities, social infrastructure and inclusive growth. Accordingly, the BJP should contest elections on issues such as price rise, inflation, healthcare and terrorism etc. and not on issues which have become redundant and totally outdated.
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