It is difficult to understand why BJP is still standing by Varun Feroze Gandhi. The party seems to have been brought into by Mr Gandhi’s contention that the CDs are doctored. However there is little evidence to suggest foul play. If the BJP really believes that the CDs are tampered with then it can get them analyzed from a third-party independent agency and publicize the results. It may not be the last word on the issue but it will seriously dent the arguments being made out against Mr Gandhi. Furthermore the issue will be off the 24×7 news cycles and stop political hemorrhaging for BJP. It will also allow BJP to sharpen its arguments against UPA and the Congress.
As it is, the Varun Gandhi issue is causing serious harm to NDA’s chances of returning to power. For one, BJP can’t attack Congress on the “dynasty” issue as the party itself has given tickets to not one but two Gandhis – Varun Gandhi from Pilibhit and her mother Maneka Gandhi from Badaun. Narendra Modi can claim all he wants that one family has been responsible for India’s plight but the argument wouldn’t find any takers if his own party is promoting two Gandhis for no other reason than their surnames.
Secondly, BJP has been pounded in the media for its inaction on the hate-speech issue. All the major newspapers have been critical of BJP’s stand. Even the Election Commission had to issue a rare advisory to BJP to not to nominate Mr Gandhi from the Pilibhit seat. BJP’s own allies are getting increasingly critical of party’s stand. Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar, publicly came out against Mr Gandhi. The only outside support Mr Gandhi has found so far is from Shiv Sena and its chief Bal Thackeray – not because of Mr Gandhi’s stand that the CDs are doctored – but apparently because he was speaking for the “Hindus” and against the Muslims.
Thirdly, a lot of Indians are getting queasy with BJP and its hard line Hindutva approach. BJP lost TDP in Andhra Pradesh and recently BJD in Orissa for various reasons but hard line Hindutva being a major reason. JD (U) is also getting increasingly critical of BJP’s Hindutva line. BJP’s flip-flops and winks at the violence perpetuated by its off-shoots in Kandhmal and Mangalore and its non-stand on the Varun Gandhi issue has made more people distrustful of the party and its agenda. And then there is always Gujarat.
May be BJP is hoping that the case against Mr Gandhi would not be proven by some legalities. Or maybe it will take 12 years for EC to come to a decision as it did in the case of Bal Thackeray. May be the party thinks that it will lead to Hindu mobilization of late 80s and early 90s in the Hindi heartland. May be BJP doesn’t want to cede even an inch to its opponents just before elections. May be it is just about winning the Pilibhit seat and try to reach double digits in Uttar Pradesh. May be BJP’s stand on the issue emanates from political calculations alone. Whatever the reason, it is not working in BJP’s favor so far, and will continue to cause problems to the party for a long time to come.
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Mohib,
I have quite a lot of grouse against all the so called ’secular’ brigade who are anything but secular. But in all honesty I am very deeply disenchanted with BJP and their brand of politics. So disappointed that I am going to vote for Congress inspite of my dislike for them.
Today when I read the news that Advani will campaign for Varun in Pilibhit I recalled the Sanskrit adage “vinaasha kaale vipareetha budhi”.