*** Note: This one is gonna be pretty lengthy one ***
Yes, I am a pro BJP guy, I would always like to see BJP getting elected but at the same time, I don’t believe in following anyone blindly.
To be frank, in this election, I had high hopes for BJP, the way they started their online campaign was showing some good signs.. the good signs of stressing more on the development factor.. but as the day passed, the whole scenario changed and it turned into cat fights..
There were few incidents which I feel were given more importance and blown out of proportion by media and rivals.. e.g. being classic case of Varun Gandhi.. everyone said, his speech was inflammatory (Video), even he was slapped detention order under NSA. At the same time, Sanjay Dutt too gave in inflammatory speech, but no one bothered to care about it.. (I feel this was something not at all fair)
Apart from these issues, the issues like Modi as CM was also blown out of proportion.. Godhra riots ghost was brought back..
BJP tried to fight back with the genuine issues like black money, Afzal Guru and Bofors but I guess, these issues made no impact on anyone. You can read about failure of central government on Hassan Ali case here (Government cent forged document to Swiss bank) and also over the issue of Quattrocchi. Afzal Guru is still enjoying his stay in the jail instead of the hell.
I am not trying to say that Congress is bad but they are certainly not the good ones.. I feel there is some kind of layer which is between a common man and what actually the truth is. BJP is always portrayed as anti-muslim party and Congress is a secular party. But I don’t understand how can a reservation system be secular? There have been many instances where congress tried to play vote bank policy keeping monitories in front. Is it secular? But when BJP tries to talk about development, Godhra and Babri issues are brought back and BJP called anti-muslim party talking about Hindutva all the time. (Where BJP has clarified meaning of Hindutva zillions of times). Congress even went on to doubt the existence of lord Ram but at that time too Congress was secular party.
I am not getting deep into this as I don’t want this post to become more like Congress Vs BJP. But my point here is, don’t just follow any political party blindly, if everyone says Congress as secular party, it certainly does not mean that they are secular. We should not ignore the points I have mentioned (and many more which have happened in the past).
Now, coming back to the point of “What actually went wrong with BJP?”
- They started well with promoting themselves online, infact they were pretty early at it and they were doing good. But somewhere in between they lost the track, the blog never got updated properly. Basically they should have used online medium to echo their views and clarify on things like Godhra, Kandahar etc.. but they never utilized the online medium. And on the other hand, the young crowd always remained unclear about BJP’s stand and they always considered Congress as a secular party. (As no one clarified the things)
- On the rural front, Rahul Gandhi did a fantastic job by reaching out to the people.. in fact I feel, it helped Congress a lot to gain more votes. At the same BJP did nothing as sort and even if they did, they could not tell the people about it. So, it was Rahul Gandhi all over.. (I would call this very very smart politics – I see him as India’s next PM)
- BJP never promoted young leaders. I know, they must have tried it but to the common people, they never tried. Where as congress sent everyone signals about Young leaders.. Rahul Gandhi, Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora are the best example.
- Anti Muslim image – I feel it hit BJP the most. Even though Narendra Modi did fantastic job in the development of Gujarat. Just check his interviews, this guy has got the power, he never talks crap but since BJP could not clear it out properly (as mentioned in the point 1), the opposition parties kept hitting them on the same issues. Some funny people even blamed BJP for Mangalore pub incident. BJP ruled Karnataka government took care of the issue and made sure that they (Ram Sene) do not repeat these kind of incidents. Even the Varun Gandhi issue hit them really hard. (I would blame Media and other parties for this), BJP clarified their stand but it did not help. In fact over the Godhra issue too, they have welcomed Supreme Court’s decision of speeding up the investigations.
So, I feel above issues have hit BJP the most. They need to work out on the issues from now itself, change the image of the party. Get more young people.. be more active online.. and keep 100 miles away from getting into dirty politics.
Now, apart from all these things, let me share my views on few things like Godhra, RSS and about everything which is there in my mind.
Godhra – I know, whatever happened in Godhra wasn’t right but if government feels, Modi or BJP government is responsible for this, then they should work on pacing up the things and make sure that everyone gets justice. (I am not talking about the castes here) There are many people out there.. (at least what I see on Twitter and other social networking places) blame Gujarat government for this and call them Anti-Muslim party. I suggest them to put more time in pressurizing the government to act fast. (We have seen zillions of petitions happening around) So we can have clear justice. Do not blame anyone if we do not have the facts right.
RSS – Some silly people call RSS as Indian Mujahedeen or SIMI of Hindus. I mean, it’s like WTF situation for me. On what basis? Do you guys even know anything about RSS? What do they do? What are they into? They don’t support bullshit of religious war or beating up girls. They are far away from these things. Wikipedia has excellent article on them. RSS.org is their official website. (Check their archives section for their views and resolutions)
The Rest: Since, Congress has come into the power, I expect them to squash terrorist organizations. Do away with the vote bank politics, get rid of quota system, do fair and transparent politics. Focus more and more on the development front, think how Indian can grow. I really like the fact that Congress has got the most seats, so they won’t have to depend on the left or other parties.
So, that’s about it.. I am quite disappointed that BJP could not win but I see the bright future ahead for the BJP, they can learn from their mistakes and come out as party which focuses on the development.
brilliant article. I feel that bjp is far more secular than congress. Bjp is the party which believes in ‘jUstice for all, appeasment of none’ while in congress , we can find ‘justice for none’, appeasement of minorities always. ‘ shah bano case, afzal guru, antiley’s remarks , affidavit that ram does not exist etc are several example of congress’ minority appeasements but it involves Muslims so they r secular. But when bjp talks abou ram mandir and ram setu, as it involves Hindu cause, they r communal.
Godhra is a nightmare for all of us gujkus and we try to forget that. But tjiese congree people always dig the burried grave.
It’s hillarious to see people comparing rss with Taliban. Just look and watch how much social work this organization is doing.
I m disappointed but I m happy that leftists and other stupid regional parties are out of the government.
Hope for the best!!!
Every country needs a party for the dumb nationalists and religious bigots. The BJP fulfills this role in India. While the BJP wasn’t so bad the last time they were in power, this time their leading figure is LK Advani, who is most well known for leading the demolition of a Muslim mosque, sparking riots nationwide that led to 2,000 deaths. So depressing!
Oh and just about 3,000 people killed in Anti Sikh riots but a sorry was more than enough to forget it…
It’s so impressive..
//But I don’t understand how can a reservation system be secular?//
Reservation is for all religions
So it is secular
So Simple
What is troubling you dude
//get rid of quota system,//
Why
What is wrong in uplifting the down trodden
Quota is needed for social development
Without quota, only brahmins and few upper caste will hold all top posts and jobs
Anon..
Here is the meaning of Secularism from Wikipedia..
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Secularism is the assertion that governmental practices or institutions should exist separately from religion and/or religious beliefs.
In one sense, secularism may assert the right to be free from religious rule and teachings, and freedom from the government imposition of religion upon the people, within a state that is neutral on matters of belief, and gives no state privileges or subsidies to religions. In another sense, it refers to a belief that human activities and decisions, especially political ones, should be based on evidence and fact unbiased by religious influence
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Now, let’s talk about the quota system being secular..
Sometimes, government talks about being secular, no religions no casts but now in these kind of things why to have quota system, which will again divide people by classes? If we are talking about giving everyone a equal level then what’s the need to give some specific class reservation?
The reservation should be based on the income not based on the cast. Every person belonging to OC / OBC etc.. is not going to be poor but every poor can belong to any cast. So if the government is so secular, then they should simply have the reservation system for the poor and needy people. The details about this is already posted on one of my quota / reservations related posts.
About quota and religion relation..
Here we go:
I am quoting from a press release from the RSS website
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Government of Andhra Pradesh providing 4% reservations for Muslims and earmarking 12% out of the SC quota in Social Welfare Schools to converts thus depriving the SCs of their seats; government of Tamil Nadu giving 7% to Muslims and Christians – that too out of the quota for OBCs in educational institutions; provision by the West Bengal government to allocate 30% of the budget of each department and all surplus government land to Muslims – such incidents clearly betray this blatantly partisan approach.
In a classic case of competitive minoritysm the Government of Bihar has announced fee waiver to all the Muslim students of Std. X and XII in four districts i.e. Purnea, Araria, Katihar and Kishangunj while no such provision has been made for the general students of the flood-affected districts despite repeated pleas. Similarly the monetary gift of Rs. 10,000 being offered by that State to each Std. X pass-out from the minority community is another example of this appeasement policy. The Kerala Government’s decision to provide pension to madarasa teachers too falls into the same category.
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The same thing has been mentioned on Wikipedia here (check Religion based just below that too)
To cut things short, quota system is certainly not needed to uplift the people from other caste. But it should be used to uplift the people with very poor financial condition.
I am not sure how this kind of reservation system helps in social development of the country.
Cheers,
Deep
hey,
article is fine….yeah the quota system should be changed…but i am a bit of confused about the Secularism…….i don’t know why you guys keep thinking that secular government means the assertion that governmental practices or institutions should exist separately from religion and/or religious beliefs,yes that is true but here it is different.
Look now this is what writer has wrote here…
“But my point here is, don’t just follow any political party blindly, if everyone says Congress as secular party, it certainly does not mean that they are secular.”
well let me say that by secular what they tried to say is they want a government that is on his own at the centre i.e.Delhi.By secular government they mean nothing but a government party with no allies.
And as for BJP Anti-Muslim label is concerned…..let me tell you something….Narendra Modi is(no doubt) a very good CM and but he is a very strong HINDUTVA HARDLINER….and last but not least he is star campaigner who is campaigning for BJP with 225 rallies in one and a half month all over India….now tell me BJP is not Anti-Muslim…
Another point related to BJP’s Anti-Muslim label and failure of forming government is also unfortunately Narendra Modi……the writer has wrote here this…
“Apart from these issues, the issues like Modi as CM was also blown out of proportion……”
yeah that is true but it was as PM….well the main reason for BJP failing to form government is the issue of Narendra Modi as a PM…..because of this the allies and voters of BJP forced back as they dont want a PM as a Anti-Muslim hardliner…..
And at last about the Gujarat Godhra riots…..as i hv personally witnessed this riots as i was leaving in Gujarat back at that time……let me show u this video…just watch it and then tell us whats ur say….. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcN5wVoEboc
cheers,
vj_p
vj_p – Secularism doesn’t mean that they want to stand on their own.. it means, they don’t believe in castes and religions.. check the definition I have posted in my earlier comment.
Yes Modi is Hindutva leader but if you are pro-Hindu, it doesn’t mean that you are anti-Muslim or against any other cast. Being a Hindu, he will obviously work for well being of Hindu caste and I don’t see anything wrong in it.
225 rallies in one and half month has no relation with Hindutva or anything, it is for purely political purpose.
Modi as PM – I am not sure if BJP raised this issue, infact Media asked the people, other parties commented on it.. and the issue became big.
About the video – Yes, I have seen that video at the time it was out.. but it nowhere proves that he is guilty. My point is, if he has done something wrong, prove it and give him the worst punishment so no other leader can do such things. But if you cannot prove it, don’t atleast spoil the name just for the votes. Don’t mislead people.
Cheers,
Deep
Can you please make me understand the situation in Kandhamal(orissa).
The naxalites demanded the responsibility of killing of the VHP leader. But the VHP and RSS went on rampage killing, burning houses and church, rape the christians. It not only damaged the image about orissa, whole india in international arena.
I agree that VHP, RSS do a lot of social works, but a single incident like this destroy all the good work they do.
I think this incident played a huge role for the downfall of BJP in orissa. They even failed to open their account.
Hi Bimal,
From what I understand, the whole issue related to forced conversions happening around in India. RSS has stated clearly that, they are not against any Christians or anyone but they are against forced conversions.
The government is not doing anything to stop the forced conversion.
Check this article: http://rssonnet.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=26
According to the article, it is mentioned that, many attempts of reporting to the government went in vain and if that is true, then this kind of violence was bound to happen.
But if it isn’t true, then the government should make sure that whoever is involved should get strict punishment so that no one else dares to repeat this kind of incident.
Regards,
Deep
I will like to say something on reservation. For that is the thing that bothers me most. Don’t blame Congress alone for reservation. Reservation is a curse on India. But it was first introduced by VP Singh. And no political party objected against it. Not even the pseudo-secular communists. All the political parties are equally to be blamed. BJP was in power for 5 years. They din’t have the guts to abolish quota system. Did they? So why blame Congress alone. Not that I am a big supporter of Congress. But show me a single party who will speak against reservation and I’ll vote for them. 🙂
As for BJP, they are a pretty medieval party. Seriously, people have more bread-and-butter issues than to be concerned about destroying mosques or building temples.
http://renjithmn.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/muthalikram-sene-and-election-2009/
To all the pro-reservation guys/gals ….
Is reservation in education only way to uplift the backward people?
Why should they be uplifted at the cost of other more deserving students?
Government of India collects a few thousand crores as education cess. Can they not build schools, colleges, libraries, etc.? Provide them facilities and then let them work hard to earn their seats on merit in higher education.
You look brain-washed by Secular Parties. 🙂
Hindutva never means hating other religions. In this case Muslim League should instantly be declared Communal! Star-campaigner means one is communal?
You have redefined each and every term. Read your comment again and try whether it makes some sense or not.
What went wrong were two things.The first their differences with RSS.Remember,it was hindutva which got BJP into power.Now,you can’t take a U-Turn and stay away from Sangh.It is necessary for BJP to accomodate RSS people at every level of its organisation,otherwise,it would never return to power again.Second reason is 5th Pay Commission.Some will be surprised but it is one of the reasons why the BJP lost.Bereaucracy in India has always been a committed Vote-Bank of Congress party.They have been entrusted with no responsibility by the govt,yet they are getting one pay commission after anoter.So,this class was obviously happy with their full wallets and has highly voted for the Congress Party.
I will like to say something on reservation. For that is the thing that bothers me most. Don’t blame Congress alone for reservation. Reservation is a curse on India. But it was first introduced by VP Singh. And no political party objected against it. Not even the pseudo-secular communists. All the political parties are equally to be blamed. BJP was in power for 5 years. They din’t have the guts to abolish quota system. Did they? So why blame Congress alone. Not that I am a big supporter of Congress. But show me a single party who will speak against reservation and I’ll vote for them. 🙂
As for BJP, they are a pretty medieval party. Seriously, people have more bread-and-butter issues than to be concerned about destroying mosques or building temples.
not a BJP person …i m from congress family…