For much of the past year, the Bharatiya Janata Party gave the appearance of being in deep slumber — this even as the world all but crashed around the scam and scandal-hit United Progressive Alliance. With the principal Opposition party seemingly unable or unwilling to take on its chief adversary, the vacuum was being filled by a host of non-political actors. However, last week saw the BJP hit the political tarmac in a burst of iridescent energy. With Baba Ramdev's Ramlila maidan protest blowing up in the face of the Manmohan Singh government, Sushma Swaraj jived to celebratory music on the lawns of the Rajghat. Simultaneously, BJP spokespersons hauled the Congress over the coals and yesteryear's poster woman Uma Bharti returned with the mandate to re-ignite Uttar Pradesh. It is anybody's guess, however, if all of this adds up to a refurbished, battle-ready BJP. Indeed, there is a desperation evident in the way it has latched on to the yoga guru, hoping no doubt that when the time comes, Baba Ramdev will walk into the sunset, bequeathing his vast constituency of supporters to the BJP.
This is a serious miscalculation because what Baba Ramdev has done is to seize the oppositional space that, as matters stand in Parliament, rightfully belongs to the BJP. It was Lal Krishna Advani who first made a case for the repatriation of overseas black money. Yet in an unbeatable irony, the BJP allowed the issue to be hijacked by Ramdev. The party's national executive meeting in Lucknow did not throw up a single fresh or innovative idea; instead the party showcased Atal Bihari Vajpayee and recycled many of the old shibboleths. Surely, the BJP does not expect Ms Bharti to wrest U.P. by rabble-rousing on Ayodhya, an issue that no longer resonates with voters, young or old. Consider the BJP's electoral performance. It won only a total of five seats in the recent Assembly elections. It has had only one good showing in the two years since the UPA returned to power — in Bihar. But then, the party owed its phenomenal success there more to the political stock and charisma of Nitish Kumar than to any achievement of its own. The BJP has currently only three dependable allies — the Shiv Sena, the Shiromani Akali Dal, and the Janata Dal (United). The immediate challenge before the party is to expand its own base while striving to bring on board estranged alliance partners. None of this will be possible if it hitches its wagons to Baba Ramdev, who admittedly touched a chord when he spoke on black money. Yet he also thought nothing of inviting the infamous Sadhvi Rithambara to share the stage with him. The BJP has one of two options: either it reinvents itself to meet the aspirations of the new generation or it speaks in a bygone idiom and plods a lonely path.
Keywords: Baba Ramdev fast, BJP, RSS, Sangh parivar, Ayodhya movement, Ram temple
This is the right moment for Narendra Modi to enter into National Politics and refurbish BJP. Forgive him for Godhra by considering his administrative skills and non currupive management. More than anything else,this new blood can bring in fold many regional parties into the BJP fold.
Will BJP rethink his modalities and adopt aggressive posture to win over this enlightened mass?
I tend to agree that BJP really needs to expand it's base. Unless they do not do that they will keep giving opportunities to the old rivals. It is the internal weakness in the party which has just not allowed the party to move ahead. Although they are democratic party, but, they are still way behind the grand old party which purely believes in Dynasty politics. BJP seriously needs to work out a plan to get back own voters who have ditched them. I believe that no one else is responsible for slump is BJP's fortunes but for themselves. Despite UPA 2 being in terrible shape, they still are strong enough not to be toppled. UPA knows how to play the game well. It is extremely important that BJP fights out the tag of so called ' Communal party' which is really is not. Unfortunately, they are not able to do that due to internal weakness and also to large extent media also branding them 'Communal' along with rival party.
someone who wants to combate against corupption, it's very necessary to make himself clear from the evil of corruption.
Ram or Ramdev will never be able to create corruption free state.It's question of integrity of the people it should be cultivated from childhood or atleast from schools and should be injected into the blood otherwise there is no point in discussion about anti-corruption scandals every day.
I really agree to the author's opinion. Nowadays, BJP is just supporting the issues based on religion or regionalism,far away from diligently working to strengthen people's belief in the party. As BJP has realized that people have no interest in Ram Temple issue now, they switched to support Baba Ram Dev's protest against corruption. And lugubriously, Anna Hazare has also supported Baba Ramdev in his movement without realizing that he is just a representative of political parties, trying to make a smart entry into politics.But I fear that this weak movement by Yoga Guru may deteriorate the effectiveness of the Nation wide movement for Lokpal Bill, the need of the hour.
Your editorial rightly depicted the sorry state of affairs in the BJP!BJP a political organ of RSS, always wants a shoulder to train its gun- whether it was during emergency and afterwards as well as installation of Vajpayee government with the help of its allies - the so called secular JD(U) and others like Mamta's Trinamul Congress or creating fanaticism by demolition of Babri Masjid under its stalwarts L K Advani, Murali Manohar Joshi and others to grab power. Such tricks clicked in uniting Hindu by demolishing Babari Masjid structures and had come to power -but it failed to serve the promise to Hindu for Ram Lala temple in Ayodhaya! The BJP always misses opportunity to act promptly to cash in failures of successive union governments for the last several years.Sadly and strangely the BJP, which is currently in neck-deep problems to keep the organisation intact over its stand on corrupt Yedurappa government in Karnataka, infighting among top leaders including Susma swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Venkainaidu and others and of all ignoring of vetran party leader L K Advani, failed to take a cohesive stand on scams after scams in the union governments in recent past. Suddenly it emerged from deep slumber when Baba Ramdev started launching agitation against blackmoney of Indian neorich in foreign banks and countries, its leaders including Susma swaraj started visiting Baba and highlighting his causes. Baba, on the otherhands, did not hesitate to take their support and other Hindu outfits and its leaders Like Ritambhara, VHP leader Singhal, forgetting his earlier stand that his agitation will be apolitical. At the same time BJP has readmitted fiery leader Uma Bharati, who was expelled from the organisation on indiscipline charge, and put her incharge of forthcoming Uttar pradesh assembly elections! But it does not appear that Bharati would be able cut much ice in UP elections! But BJP hopes of persons like baba , Uma, and present agitation against corruption lately to revive the organisation. Taking into account the RSS leaders also seem indifferent with some top ranking leaders of BJP and present state of affairs when Baba appears gripped in serious controversy over amassing huge empire and also buying islands in foreign countries and the crediblity and graph of the party , going down gradually, the BJP does not appear to be successful to utilise crutches to regain lost ground.
Well said Hindu! This is a clear sign that BJP has totally lost relevance in modern India. Its slogans, politics and thinking is all summed up in L.K Advani! It was truly pathetic to see Sushma and party seizing the Ramdev eviction to score dancing points! Two days later, they are trying to distance themselves from a thug, who is himself worth millions. Indian politics has become a joke and everyone in the West is wondering what happened to the grand old days and ways of Nehru and Gandhi. Corruption is a serious issue and requires a serious response. BJP should focus on substance rather than theatrics!!
Politicians of all parties have failed India again and again. Criminals have entered politics in a big way and these people are not interested in providing good governance. They are only interested in enriching themselves at the country's expense and for this purpose they have not hesitated to play vote bank politics by dividing the people on caste/communal lines. Whatever prosperity has been achieved in the country in the past few decades is certainly not due to these politicians.
Ram or Ramdev- we, the ordinay people of the country are really pulverised by the pervasive incursion of corruption. In a so called liberalised economy, we are stuggling to sustain ourselves on this planet. A frightful hiatus keeps increasing between our earnings and yearnings. In this scenario, how we could shell down money in every avenue of our necessity: obtaining a ration card, procuring a dwelling, securing an educatinal seat, obtaining a loan and what not. What we genuinely seek is the elimination of bribes and nothing less than that.
The dirty tricks department of the Congress and its sponsored media is back at work. They are experts in perception management by writing such articles while posing as neutral people. One just has to look at the way the TV debates have come up and articles being written by journalists after that horrible night when innocent sleeping people were subjected to the tyranny, arrogance and barbarism of the state. Day1: To protect its own credibility the entire media had no other option but to condemn congress party so debates and articles centered around that. Day3 and beyond: the debate changed to all perception-building side issues to prove that there was some-way the Govt. is right (BJP, RSS, foreign national, dancing at Raj Ghat, baba is money-laundering, BJP has left the space, this mobocrary is not good for democracy, What did NDA do etc. etc.) As an ordinary thiking citizen who cares for our country and future generations, I am condemned to see all this and suffer and die in silence.
No doubt Indian have been fed up by current political scenario.Not only BJP but current ruling party has failed to understand people expectations of transparent,curroption free and accountable government macninery in 21 century.That is why they follow someone like Hazare or Ramdev.All parties must make a way for change in India.
BJP has no moral right to raise the issue of Corruption after its leadership failed to sack Land scam tainted Yeddiyurappa and to take action against those indulging in corruption in ohter BJP ruled states. Atleast, I see congress taking action againt corrupt by sacking them..(Ashok Chauhan, Raja,etc..) But, poor BJP, what they can do when Yeddiyurappa threatens to split the party if he has to go.. Moreover, the biggest drawback of BJP today is the absence of charismatic / nationally acceptable leadership.. That is why they are going after Ramdeva and Annas.
All the political parties fight unitedly in rooting out corruption which is slowly eating the hard earned money of many Indian.one has to take collective responsible to root out the great menace. Those who found in higher office must be brought into book even if he belongs to the same party.Transparency and clarity must be maintained to cleanse the rotten system. There are some black sheep involved in it to tarnish the image of our country.
When I read the caption, I wondered whether it is an attempt to hit out at BJP to placate Congress, which has been taking a beating through your hard hitting Editorials. After going through the contents, i'm really relieved to note that it is kind of a sage advice to the self proclaimed Principal opposition party. BJP over the last 5 years, have clearly lost focus , not knowing the path it has to tread. The Party is made up of old ideologues who continue to take shelter under the age old sangh parivar blessed by RSS and the younger brigade who are itching to move away from the shackles but being prevented by old generation. In the Parliament also, it has not conducted itself with great Elan. It could only stall the parliament and succeeding in throwing out a few ministers .
Interestingly, after the recent agitation by the civil rights group, Baba Ramdev, BJP leadership has started saying that the UPA is paying the price for stifling the voice of the opposition in the parliament. Mr Advani lost no time in recalling PM's uncharitable remarks on him as irresponsible and lying. May be, it is the nature's cure to remedy the situation by giving energy and voice to the common man in fighting the politicians. What about the congress party? You should come up with another Editorial giving them hints to look ahead.
On one hand, Ramdev tries to flee from Delhi Police to save his life and on the other he sits on 'fast' till death - there is an implicit contradiction in this. I am wondering, will Ramdev be really able to keep up his fast if the government continues to ignore him (wouldn't he opt for some other survival tactic!)? It is interesting to note that there was hardly any murmur from political parties in support for Anna Hazare's fast for Lokpal Bill, which would have made life difficult for corrupt politicians. Now, when someone else's (black) money is at stake, political activism is suddenly quite high.
To come out in a new role ,BJP must have some strong candidate in front now. As a party ,they have nothing now... no leadership , no aspirations..alwasy raising the same issue cant befool the people again and again . They must have some strong leader like Narender Modi in center and restructure themselves to meet the aspiration of new generation. Thats has become a necessity now for the existence of the party.
Whoever is running the government, BJP or Congress, is at the beck and call of the Corporate industry that owns big buisness in India. The inquiry trails are now leading black money accumulation to top industrialists. Political contenders do not have the large funds required to run a campaign and have to rely on the corporates which in turn fund the campaign only if they can get their money back through scams and plus make a huge profit. Corporates are neo money-lenders of modern day politicians and it is impossible to root corruption out because to do so we would have to have all big buisness behind bars. The economy would then screech to a halt and there would be nothing to do. Best way to have a cleaner society is to reinstate the teachings of the law of karma, inculcate values of honesty and hard work right from childhood and things may start to improve. This government showed by it's violent response that it has the guns and has no qualms using them. We don't really have non corrupt alternative party unless Dr. Kiran Bedi and Anna Hazarre and prominent respected citizens put one together fast before the next elections. But they too will eventually find themselves cornered by big business unless they opt for some kind of Singapore type of legislation...We need to change the present set - up Over one billion indians and we still want to be ruled by foreigners!
No sane person could deny after looking at a news flash showing Sushma Swaraj , leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, dancing at the Samadhi of the Father of the Nation, that it was an act of great sacrilege of the sactity of the sacred place. Visiting Mahatma's Samadhi has come to be for the the people of India and visiting dignitaries from abroad , a sacred mission to be performed. Any body , coming up and trying to violate its sanctity in any way is intolerable and ought to be punishable.
The major problem for BJP is its credibility crisis.Their record in the office is too recent and people in their late 20's and above know it only too well. They ask 'Was there no black money in 2004 and what were you doing?' and 'If DMK is corrupt were they not your cabinet colleagues in 2004?' and 'If present ministers are corrupt what about Pramod Mahajan?' and so on and on. People see the BJP as glib talkers who can paint black as white and white as black. They use emotive issues to come to power and laugh it off if asked to implement their promises.
So the BJP is left with only two vote banks to woo - the youngsters who are emotive and the uneducated village folk. Unfortunately the former group is well informed due to internet connectivity and the interaction with the rest of the world thanks to their own and their peer group's travels abroad, and a divisive agenda does not appeal to them. The village folk are suspicious of clever people and will always vote for a dependable though dumb leader rather than a too clever by half leader. For them Sonia who is as clever as themselves is preferable to Advani the modern day Chanakya. Rahul whose IQ is comparable to their own is preferable to Arun Jaitley or Sushma who can win a world championship in debating if there is one.
The south and the east India is the precursor of where India is heading. The rest of the country follows it with a 20 year gap. BJP is non-existent in most of the south and the east and in the rest of the country it will evaporate into thin air in a few years time. For now it is kept alive by the constant media indulgence, but it is like a plant with its root cut-off. It will inevitably wither away in a few years time.
RSS,BJP`s emotions and Naxals are behind Baba Ramdev which appears to be true as correctly pointed out by this editoral.RSS was also behind Baba Ramdev in 2005-2006 wherein this `respectable` yoga teacher cum businessman Baba Ramdev was caught red handed in spreading lies that was acknowledged by Mrs. Menaka Gandhi then.The genuine but weak cries of `Ramdev`s adulteration` raised by Maneka Gandhi of BJP,Brinda Karat of CPI-M and whistleblowers from Baba`s own factory fell on deaf opportunist ears of both BJP and congress.Why were you sleeping Mr. Chidambrum then ? Why did not you ask congress to promote transparency in Ayurvedic medicines then? Let us fast-forward Baba Ramdev Ashram life slice in 2005-6 when he was not popular:Total 114 odd young men and women labeled as `sewaks` instead of `employees` were fired since May 2005 by Baba`s order. Agitation and hunger strikes followed but no one from congress labelled Baba as a cheat or a thief. Logic is simple. An employee, who used to earn only Rs 60/- per day manufacturing Ayurvedic drugs was not important so the matter was closed but you allowed Baba to become a champion of democracy wherein he is good in Yoga teachings. Now when Mr. Chidambrum your party is caught `living and walking` away with corruption which is responsible for gross poverty in India wherein majority works but few get rewarded in your systems and same is the case in oppostion governed Indian States then why should you complain and divert the `War against Corruption`, Mr.Home Minister.
What has secular party done to India other than dividing it into India Pakistan Bangladesh and inciting everlasting hatred among the muslims and the hindus with that partition just for the whims of one leader who wanted become the PM for himself and his dynasty.Partition was done to better the lot of a particular community in their respective domains so Why this big talk about Ram and Ramdev This majority Hindu country and it is natural to Talk of Ram.And just because the BJP RSS VHP Baba find common ground nobody need grovel on that score
I think there is a lack of innovation and political will in BJP of now. Their phlegmatic approach towards every issue and progress at snail's pace will prove to be the cause of their demise from the minds of the hoi polloi. After Atalji, no member of the party is having the conviction, integrity and the persona that the chief members of a national level party should have. The populace knows this. Hope the BJP is burning midnight oil finding a solution.
It is not surprising that Baba Ramdev has decided to raise an Army. Ordinary citizens of India know that the police is just a political puppet. Most Indians would like to arm themselves and take their own security into their own hands. Women cannot travel safely in public places at night. Corrupt politicians eat the national wealth and resources while leaving millions to starve. In India the Poor alone suffer... regardless of religion.
Anna Hazare began a righteous war against corruption. But the Government is now showing that it is indeed anti-people. Ramdev Baba cannot be blamed or condemned for his actions or words. Even in the struggle for our freedom, the moderate phase was immediately followed by an extremist phase. My comments will be moderated because I am an ordinary citizen so I really cannot say all that I feel. But now I really understand why Mahatma Gandhi, the messiah of Ahimsa, had also demanded a repeal of the Arms Act made by the british. He really cared for the people and he knew that the only thing that would ever bring true equality is the gun. The Indian Government has an inherent distrust for its citizens even now. Hence we still have draconian gun laws. Indians generally do not support violence. I am not a violent man. We are not cowards. We are a soft-hearted people.
But it seems to me that now the time has come that we demanded a better India. It is our right. The least the Government can do is clean up its act and set things right. I see poor starve every day. And no matter what I do it seems little. How much more can a soft-heart bear? Or do politicians believe we have all gone blind? I demand the End of Arms Act. And I hope the Government gets my message.
There is lot of space for third front to come up with fresh ideology, to enter into the vacuum created in the absence of agenda for both political parties.
Not only BJP, but all other political parties, especially the Congress and left, should reinvent themself to meet the aspirations of the new generation. Otherwise the future of Indian polity is in danger.
What was the party with a difference doing to curb the corruption menace during their rule? We still remember JJ's Charge against Mr George Fernandes while withdrawing her support to BJP. Corruptions are part and parcel of this country which cannot be done away through Satyagraha of Mr Ramdev. Ramdev's languages are very much provacative and will have an effect of challenging the democratically elected government.
BJP has only itself to blame for its present miserable condition.It could have gone after the government in a big way in the matter of the unprecedented price rise by organising massive protests throughout the country. It didn't do so. It could have attacked the PM and the Congress party when the various mega scams came into public view instead of concentrating its critical attention on some individuals like Raja,Kalmadi and now Maran. It could have tried to get the media on its side. The entire private electronic media has been during the last few years using its wide reach to promote the interests of the Manmohan Singh government while continuously attacking the BJP. This country needs a strong opposition party. The BJP has an obligation satify that need.
You have a point. BJP was caught napping. Sushmaji did even worse: dancing at the Shantivan! Whatever the compulsion it is a sacrilege by a responsible citizen. As far as Ramdev is concerned he has said the right thing. The politicians walk about in the streets with gun totting securitymen (in a land where the great son of India, Pandit Nehru strode freely in the streets)and use state power to suppress anti-corruption movement spearheaded by the likes of Hazare and now Ramadev. Nearer home, the DMK family (not party) has amassed millions over the years, hijacked the telecom, TV channels making the hapless Tamil people beggars. He gave 10 kilos of rice(unconsumable)at Re.1 each, and the present Government 20 kilos free! Do these politicians understand economics? Who are these IAS economic advisors to the government giving wrong direction to the economy? As a layman I have calculated what it means if 20 kilos of rice is given free to roughly 1.83 crore card holders in the next five years! Can any economic correspondent in 'The Hindu' explain me how Madam Jayalalitha is going to distribute rice free for five years? What is total production of paddy in the state? How much will be left to the open market?
A succinct snap shot of an opposition which failed to provide an alternative space for people to choose from. The BJP is on a downward spiral after it lost the initiative on the issue of corruption. Looks like it is going to be a long bad nightmare for the country with an inept government and a failed opposition from the right and left dispensation. The only hope is that the arrogance and hubris displayed by the ruling dispensation will ultimately be its down fall and some new leadership will emerge from new actors.
BJP as a party is loosing the grip over its electoral base . In the midst of all the hue and cry of scams the major and once vibrant opposition party seems to be lost. The party is attempting the revival by the methods of 90s which had brought them from 2 seats in parliament to 200 . Neither the issues nor the leaders with ideologies of 90s could revive the prospects of the party.Its time the party starts thinking and learning from its success in Gujrat and Bihar along with its failure in its stronghold UP.The need of the time is a vibrant leader with ideas for tomorrow . BJP has been known for its leaders with extraordinary oratory skills but due to the lack of ideas and timely action the talented junk seems to be in deep slumber.A leader with national appeal and with a grit to attain a stand on issues which matter with nothing to loose philosophy is what is required.BJP has failed to be a responsible opposition . I don't remember any issue expect a demand for a JPC in 2G scam where the party has played its role significantly. There has been more behind the doors sessions for revival than any action on any. If BJP really wants to get an opportunity to be a party to reckon it needs to understand and act on its responsibilities as an earnest opposition else it would take one more general election and it might get lost into oblivion.
Editor's desperate attempt to analysis and predict the current situation reflects India's western educated intellectuals to feel what is going on in their surroundings! For BJP, Ram to Ramdev, better to say, Ram temple to Ram Rajya is a natural evolution of a movement that projects Hindutva in a modern context. So, what you are seeing now is the unfolding an event of Parivar's consolidation to a sophisticated structural transformation to meet the need for 21st century: efficient delivery of a state, i.e. Ram Rajya! You guys, just try to grow up and put some creative thoughts when you write your editorials.
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