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Has India's BJP lost the plot? Has India's BJP lost the plot?
(about 16 hours later)
Many say the party leadership needs young bloodMany say the party leadership needs young blood
In the past week India's main opposition Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been wracked by infighting and a crisis of leadership. Analyst Mahesh Rangarajan explains why this may be the worst crisis facing the party.In the past week India's main opposition Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been wracked by infighting and a crisis of leadership. Analyst Mahesh Rangarajan explains why this may be the worst crisis facing the party.
Even seasoned observers of the Indian political scene have been caught unawares by the speed with which the crisis in India's main opposition party is unravelling.Even seasoned observers of the Indian political scene have been caught unawares by the speed with which the crisis in India's main opposition party is unravelling.
Ever since its second successive defeat in the general elections of May 2009, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has embarked on a phase of transition, most notably by introducing younger leaders into key posts in parliament.Ever since its second successive defeat in the general elections of May 2009, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has embarked on a phase of transition, most notably by introducing younger leaders into key posts in parliament.
But much of this work has come undone.But much of this work has come undone.
Caught in this struggle of head and heart, the BJP's leadership has been wavering href="#map">Send your views on this article Caught in this struggle of head and heart, the BJP's leadership has been wavering href="#map">Your views on this article
The party has expelled from its ranks one of its founder members, Jaswant Singh, who had held the key portfolios of finance, foreign affairs and defence. His book on Pakistan's founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah has also been banned by the state government in the party stronghold of Gujarat.The party has expelled from its ranks one of its founder members, Jaswant Singh, who had held the key portfolios of finance, foreign affairs and defence. His book on Pakistan's founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah has also been banned by the state government in the party stronghold of Gujarat.
Even as the party wrestles with issues of identity and ideology, it seems in more disarray than ever in its nearly three decades of existence.Even as the party wrestles with issues of identity and ideology, it seems in more disarray than ever in its nearly three decades of existence.
Mass supportMass support
Founded in the summer of 1980 in the western city of Mumbai (then Bombay), it was led by Atal Behari Vajpayee who espoused a centrist strategy to act as a foil to the ruling Congress.Founded in the summer of 1980 in the western city of Mumbai (then Bombay), it was led by Atal Behari Vajpayee who espoused a centrist strategy to act as a foil to the ruling Congress.
The party's campaign to build a temple at Ayodhya generated mass supportThe party's campaign to build a temple at Ayodhya generated mass support
Once this strategy failed, it gave way six years later to a mood of militant Hindutva, or Hindu-ness.Once this strategy failed, it gave way six years later to a mood of militant Hindutva, or Hindu-ness.
This was embodied best by his close associate LK Advani's campaign to build a temple at a disputed site in Ayodhya, which generated mass support.This was embodied best by his close associate LK Advani's campaign to build a temple at a disputed site in Ayodhya, which generated mass support.
But the destruction of the disputed mosque at the site in 1992 led to nationwide rioting and the party veered once again to the middle ground.But the destruction of the disputed mosque at the site in 1992 led to nationwide rioting and the party veered once again to the middle ground.
This paved the way for Vajpayee-led governments.This paved the way for Vajpayee-led governments.
The party itself has walked a fine line between posing as an alternate pole of power and being a militant party defined by an ideological core that stresses the Hindu-ness of India.The party itself has walked a fine line between posing as an alternate pole of power and being a militant party defined by an ideological core that stresses the Hindu-ness of India.
The latter has always been problematic in a country with a sizeable population of other faiths including Muslims, Christians and Sikhs.The latter has always been problematic in a country with a sizeable population of other faiths including Muslims, Christians and Sikhs.
It eventually contributed to deep divisions between the party and its regional allies, especially after the massacres of Muslims in Gujarat in February 2002.It eventually contributed to deep divisions between the party and its regional allies, especially after the massacres of Muslims in Gujarat in February 2002.
The general elections earlier this year saw the party lose for a second time in a row.The general elections earlier this year saw the party lose for a second time in a row.
Faced with a Congress-led alliance that emphasised welfare for the poor and safety for religious minorities, the BJP came across as out of touch with the times.Faced with a Congress-led alliance that emphasised welfare for the poor and safety for religious minorities, the BJP came across as out of touch with the times.
But what undercut the BJP was the eclipse of Atal Behari Vajpayee.But what undercut the BJP was the eclipse of Atal Behari Vajpayee.
His successor, LK Advani, was unable to counter Congress charges of having been party to a prisoners-for-hostages deal in December 1999 to secure the release of passengers on a hijacked Air India flight that was taken to Taliban-controlled Kandahar.His successor, LK Advani, was unable to counter Congress charges of having been party to a prisoners-for-hostages deal in December 1999 to secure the release of passengers on a hijacked Air India flight that was taken to Taliban-controlled Kandahar.
The eclipse of Atal Behari Vajpayee has hit the partyThe eclipse of Atal Behari Vajpayee has hit the party
Meanwhile, in his own party, the octogenarian leader never recovered from his praise for Mr Jinnah on a visit to that country in 2005.Meanwhile, in his own party, the octogenarian leader never recovered from his praise for Mr Jinnah on a visit to that country in 2005.
Soft on terror, he was also seen as warming up to a historic figure his own followers blame for the partition of 1947.Soft on terror, he was also seen as warming up to a historic figure his own followers blame for the partition of 1947.
In a sense, the party and the wider cultural movement it is part of are in a crisis of their own making.In a sense, the party and the wider cultural movement it is part of are in a crisis of their own making.
In a country where seven of 10 people are below the age of 40, it is the future and not the past that is a pressing concern.In a country where seven of 10 people are below the age of 40, it is the future and not the past that is a pressing concern.
Out of touchOut of touch
Already in 2004, it lost as many as 17 of the 20 parliamentary seats in the big metropolitan centres, a sure sign that it has lost its sense of the popular pulse.Already in 2004, it lost as many as 17 of the 20 parliamentary seats in the big metropolitan centres, a sure sign that it has lost its sense of the popular pulse.
Further, a clutch of hitherto lower-caste groups has come to power in much of northern India, undercutting the religious appeal of the BJP.Further, a clutch of hitherto lower-caste groups has come to power in much of northern India, undercutting the religious appeal of the BJP.
Where the party has retained power in west and central India, it has done so with a mix of welfare and populist measures aimed at farmers, women and the poor.Where the party has retained power in west and central India, it has done so with a mix of welfare and populist measures aimed at farmers, women and the poor.
At the pan-Indian level, its "India Shining" campaign message of five years ago failed to entice voters.At the pan-Indian level, its "India Shining" campaign message of five years ago failed to entice voters.
In a country where one in two children is malnourished it reinforced its older image as a party of traders, priestly and the merchant classes.In a country where one in two children is malnourished it reinforced its older image as a party of traders, priestly and the merchant classes.
Mr Advani's party is also out of touch with the wider shifts in the mood in the region at large.Mr Advani's party is also out of touch with the wider shifts in the mood in the region at large.
Religious symbols and icons continue to matter in politics but they have a jaded air about them.Religious symbols and icons continue to matter in politics but they have a jaded air about them.
Religious polarisation last worked wonders for the party as long ago as the Gujarat state elections of 2002.Religious polarisation last worked wonders for the party as long ago as the Gujarat state elections of 2002.
A book on Mohammed Ali Jinnah led to the expulsion of a senior memberA book on Mohammed Ali Jinnah led to the expulsion of a senior member
Last winter even the terror strike on Mumbai known in popular parlance as 26/11 did not polarise voters.Last winter even the terror strike on Mumbai known in popular parlance as 26/11 did not polarise voters.
The leading religious trusts of Muslims in Mumbai refused to accept the bodies of terrorists for burial on grounds that they had violated the tenets of Islam.The leading religious trusts of Muslims in Mumbai refused to accept the bodies of terrorists for burial on grounds that they had violated the tenets of Islam.
If religion has less appeal in the political arena, so does the BJP's claim of being "a party with a difference".If religion has less appeal in the political arena, so does the BJP's claim of being "a party with a difference".
It has no leader who can challenge Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's economic credentials.It has no leader who can challenge Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's economic credentials.
On another front, it seriously underestimated the resilience of the Nehru family, who with Rahul Gandhi as future leader make the middle-aged opposition leaders look out of synch.On another front, it seriously underestimated the resilience of the Nehru family, who with Rahul Gandhi as future leader make the middle-aged opposition leaders look out of synch.
DilemmaDilemma
There is still room for the party to regroup; given the immensity of the challenges the Congress-led alliance faces in governing India.There is still room for the party to regroup; given the immensity of the challenges the Congress-led alliance faces in governing India.
A drought due to the failure of the monsoon affects about half the country. Prices of key food items are rising. The rapprochement with Pakistan attempted by Prime Minister Singh has not won full endorsement even in his own party ranks.A drought due to the failure of the monsoon affects about half the country. Prices of key food items are rising. The rapprochement with Pakistan attempted by Prime Minister Singh has not won full endorsement even in his own party ranks.
There is also a long history in the sub-continent of leaders rallying people around symbols that unify adherents of one faith and set them up against another.There is also a long history in the sub-continent of leaders rallying people around symbols that unify adherents of one faith and set them up against another.
The party is plagued by infightingThe party is plagued by infighting
The BJP's dilemma is that if it takes up the baton on Hindutva, it will alienate not only potential regional allies but a vast middle ground that has had enough of strife.The BJP's dilemma is that if it takes up the baton on Hindutva, it will alienate not only potential regional allies but a vast middle ground that has had enough of strife.
But the rank and file of the party and its affiliates is most at ease with such emotive issues. Caught in this struggle between head and heart, its leadership has been wavering ever since 2004.But the rank and file of the party and its affiliates is most at ease with such emotive issues. Caught in this struggle between head and heart, its leadership has been wavering ever since 2004.
Unlike Mr Vajpayee who was a master of saying little and being many things to many men, his successors are caught in webs of their own making.Unlike Mr Vajpayee who was a master of saying little and being many things to many men, his successors are caught in webs of their own making.
The BJP is facing more than a crisis of leadership. It is facing a crisis of direction.The BJP is facing more than a crisis of leadership. It is facing a crisis of direction.
Mahesh Rangarajan is a leading historian. He teaches at Delhi University.Mahesh Rangarajan is a leading historian. He teaches at Delhi University.
Here is a selection of your commentsHere is a selection of your comments
This analysis was well done. It showed how any political party that plays with identity politics in the 21st century will fail. India does not need BJP type of political ideology in vast country with a multi ethnic and tribal groups.Christian Toglan, Boston, USAThis analysis was well done. It showed how any political party that plays with identity politics in the 21st century will fail. India does not need BJP type of political ideology in vast country with a multi ethnic and tribal groups.Christian Toglan, Boston, USA
The author is very right in his analysis over the dilemmas that this party faces. I for one will be happy to see its demise, as it has done nothing to unite but only succeeded in dividing us further on caste and communal lines. India of the 21st century and one which prides itself on its multiculturalism can do without such a party. Melanie, IndiaThe author is very right in his analysis over the dilemmas that this party faces. I for one will be happy to see its demise, as it has done nothing to unite but only succeeded in dividing us further on caste and communal lines. India of the 21st century and one which prides itself on its multiculturalism can do without such a party. Melanie, India
India being a country of many ethnic and religious groups should do away with exclusive religious parties if it is to stay in the community of decent democratic nations in the world. There is no room for petty religious and ethnic divisions and exclusiveness in the 21st century. If India goes the route of ethnic and religious parties its going to end up an utter mess.Faqi, UKIndia being a country of many ethnic and religious groups should do away with exclusive religious parties if it is to stay in the community of decent democratic nations in the world. There is no room for petty religious and ethnic divisions and exclusiveness in the 21st century. If India goes the route of ethnic and religious parties its going to end up an utter mess.Faqi, UK
It is certainly true that the BJP is fast losing its touch when it comes to young, urban India. I am a college student from Bangalore. When my friends and I talked about voting in the past election, the BJP was a last choice for all of us. The elections, we felt, were made up of a strange vacuum, in which the Congress was the best of a bad situation. My only fear is that if the BJP were to lose power completely, we would have no functioning opposition. What repercussions this might have for politics in India I do not know, yet I mistrust giving any one party too much power. I do not wish for a rise of the BJP back to its former glory. As the author of this article says, I along with many, many others, are tired of religious strife - which has been such an integral part of the BJP's success story.Sanjana Shelar, IndiaIt is certainly true that the BJP is fast losing its touch when it comes to young, urban India. I am a college student from Bangalore. When my friends and I talked about voting in the past election, the BJP was a last choice for all of us. The elections, we felt, were made up of a strange vacuum, in which the Congress was the best of a bad situation. My only fear is that if the BJP were to lose power completely, we would have no functioning opposition. What repercussions this might have for politics in India I do not know, yet I mistrust giving any one party too much power. I do not wish for a rise of the BJP back to its former glory. As the author of this article says, I along with many, many others, are tired of religious strife - which has been such an integral part of the BJP's success story.Sanjana Shelar, India
I feel that the BJP is more interested in building temples rather than building a nation. The people should oust the people who spread communalism and build a nation that can be a developed one and can compete with other developed nations.Shashikiran Srinivasa, USAI feel that the BJP is more interested in building temples rather than building a nation. The people should oust the people who spread communalism and build a nation that can be a developed one and can compete with other developed nations.Shashikiran Srinivasa, USA
This article best describes the situation in the BJP.Kulbhushan Singh, IndiaThis article best describes the situation in the BJP.Kulbhushan Singh, India
From my perspective, the BJP is going through what Congress went through during the freedom struggle. BJP is not equipped (except for Vajpayee who was more of a statesman) for power at the Central level. It does a good job at the state level but it just doesn't have what it takes to rule at the centre - general policies that can carry forward together the whole of the country. Congress had different dilemmas then, but the people who ran the party bitterly fought as bad as the BJP is doing now. I guess the taste of power blinds even the best of men. If BJP needs to get in sync, then they have to dump the Hindutva policy altogether and adopt a semi-socialist. Credibility & accountability needs to be garnered first to gain lost ground too.Yunus K, BangaloreFrom my perspective, the BJP is going through what Congress went through during the freedom struggle. BJP is not equipped (except for Vajpayee who was more of a statesman) for power at the Central level. It does a good job at the state level but it just doesn't have what it takes to rule at the centre - general policies that can carry forward together the whole of the country. Congress had different dilemmas then, but the people who ran the party bitterly fought as bad as the BJP is doing now. I guess the taste of power blinds even the best of men. If BJP needs to get in sync, then they have to dump the Hindutva policy altogether and adopt a semi-socialist. Credibility & accountability needs to be garnered first to gain lost ground too.Yunus K, Bangalore
I think this crisis is not only BJP's alone its also of the country, as the weakening of a major political opposition will obviously impact the Democratic nature of the country as it will lessen the choice of this plural nation when it's people can speak through ballot boxes. And also like the writer rightly points out the BJP's crisis can also before the darkest night just before dawn. If that is not the case then the BJP's chances of sustaining the power it had accumulated under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee can all be lost.Aftab Ahmed, IndiaI think this crisis is not only BJP's alone its also of the country, as the weakening of a major political opposition will obviously impact the Democratic nature of the country as it will lessen the choice of this plural nation when it's people can speak through ballot boxes. And also like the writer rightly points out the BJP's crisis can also before the darkest night just before dawn. If that is not the case then the BJP's chances of sustaining the power it had accumulated under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee can all be lost.Aftab Ahmed, India
This is a very interesting article. The BJP indeed lost the plot a long time ago when they chose overtly divisive religious policies as the mainstay of their political agenda. In a newly partitioned country, the focus on religious polarisation may not have been as overt given that they had the newly-formed Pakistan as a foil. But today, in a country that veritably raced into the 21st century economically, is it any wonder that progress and progressive thinking are making themselves felt enough for this basis of the BJP to be at best redundant, and at worst, ridiculous? It's time not only for new management but a revaluation of the basic principles the party works on and the image it presents to a modern vote bank. And, of course, this involves actually wanting to work for the good of the country as a whole, not something our politicians are accustomed to doing.Pragya, BombayThis is a very interesting article. The BJP indeed lost the plot a long time ago when they chose overtly divisive religious policies as the mainstay of their political agenda. In a newly partitioned country, the focus on religious polarisation may not have been as overt given that they had the newly-formed Pakistan as a foil. But today, in a country that veritably raced into the 21st century economically, is it any wonder that progress and progressive thinking are making themselves felt enough for this basis of the BJP to be at best redundant, and at worst, ridiculous? It's time not only for new management but a revaluation of the basic principles the party works on and the image it presents to a modern vote bank. And, of course, this involves actually wanting to work for the good of the country as a whole, not something our politicians are accustomed to doing.Pragya, Bombay
Mahesh Rangarajan is known sympathiser of Leftist ideas and in general Congress leadership, knowingly provided imbalanced approach in his over enthusiasm putting down BJP like most of the 'researchers', 'analysts' coming from sub-content providing Western audience what-thy-want-to-hear. BJP like Congress is undergoing challenge as Congress did during late 90s and early 2000. BJP has far superior leaders than Manmohan Singh or Rahul Gandhi.Amar, IndiaMahesh Rangarajan is known sympathiser of Leftist ideas and in general Congress leadership, knowingly provided imbalanced approach in his over enthusiasm putting down BJP like most of the 'researchers', 'analysts' coming from sub-content providing Western audience what-thy-want-to-hear. BJP like Congress is undergoing challenge as Congress did during late 90s and early 2000. BJP has far superior leaders than Manmohan Singh or Rahul Gandhi.Amar, India
Truly, BJP is completely out of synch with reality. It was never a party with a difference. It was, it is and it will never be a party with a difference. It is the same, in fact worse than all other parties.Jeya, IndiaTruly, BJP is completely out of synch with reality. It was never a party with a difference. It was, it is and it will never be a party with a difference. It is the same, in fact worse than all other parties.Jeya, India
I thought BJP is strong disciplined party but as Mr. Singh has mentioned the there was lot of corruption , no tolerance each other and fraction with in the part, senior leaders Mr. A. Vajpayee semi secular person Mr Advani Dr Joshi etc. in fighting leads wrong direction to the nation. BJP has to leave the communal agenda and adapt the secular path, to win the poor and minority's hearts in the country. party has to thing such way, then only will win mandate of India. Abdul Khayyum, IndiaI thought BJP is strong disciplined party but as Mr. Singh has mentioned the there was lot of corruption , no tolerance each other and fraction with in the part, senior leaders Mr. A. Vajpayee semi secular person Mr Advani Dr Joshi etc. in fighting leads wrong direction to the nation. BJP has to leave the communal agenda and adapt the secular path, to win the poor and minority's hearts in the country. party has to thing such way, then only will win mandate of India. Abdul Khayyum, India
BJP should adopt right-of-centre economic policy and not focus on HindutvaRadhika Ghatage, IndiaBJP should adopt right-of-centre economic policy and not focus on HindutvaRadhika Ghatage, India
Such periods of crises do come in every big organisation. The BJP will definitely come out of it. The party must adhere to its Hindu oriented philosophy with aggressive nationalist policies and the world will see the country prosper under BJP in near future.Pramod Vaid, IndiaSuch periods of crises do come in every big organisation. The BJP will definitely come out of it. The party must adhere to its Hindu oriented philosophy with aggressive nationalist policies and the world will see the country prosper under BJP in near future.Pramod Vaid, India
For democracy to work effectively, a powerful and a constructive opposition is a requisite. The BJP would do best to evolve with the times and reflect the real aspirations of the citizens. People in India today aspire for better quality of life in a India seen as a potential global power. They definitely do not have any religious or cultural aspirations. The Congress party and the BJP did not even fight on the same issues. While the Congress stressed on inclusiveness of one and all, the BJP always portrayed a party exclusively of, by & for the 'upper caste' Hindus. Buta Singh, IndiaFor democracy to work effectively, a powerful and a constructive opposition is a requisite. The BJP would do best to evolve with the times and reflect the real aspirations of the citizens. People in India today aspire for better quality of life in a India seen as a potential global power. They definitely do not have any religious or cultural aspirations. The Congress party and the BJP did not even fight on the same issues. While the Congress stressed on inclusiveness of one and all, the BJP always portrayed a party exclusively of, by & for the 'upper caste' Hindus. Buta Singh, India
Lal Krishna Advani is a capable person, but it was visible even before the election that BJP will not be able to muster enough votes to form a government in New Delhi. All senior leaders of BJP should realise that their charisma has not worked. So, to save the party, they must handover the reins to younger people in the party by consensus and respectful agreement. The issues like poverty, education, electricity, water and religious freedom, will be live in India for next 25 years. Hindutva does not give food and water to anybody. Let it be enjoyed by those who have time to indulge in it. Party's collective thinking should be what is that which congress could not do in last tenure which BJP would have done. Pointing out that the Congress PM is weak is certainly not the issue to be wrecked. Issues should be ideology based and population based and not leaders-based. Thanks, Lal Singh, IndiaLal Krishna Advani is a capable person, but it was visible even before the election that BJP will not be able to muster enough votes to form a government in New Delhi. All senior leaders of BJP should realise that their charisma has not worked. So, to save the party, they must handover the reins to younger people in the party by consensus and respectful agreement. The issues like poverty, education, electricity, water and religious freedom, will be live in India for next 25 years. Hindutva does not give food and water to anybody. Let it be enjoyed by those who have time to indulge in it. Party's collective thinking should be what is that which congress could not do in last tenure which BJP would have done. Pointing out that the Congress PM is weak is certainly not the issue to be wrecked. Issues should be ideology based and population based and not leaders-based. Thanks, Lal Singh, India
It is time for the old people to move away and let the younger generation take over. The party needs to look forward than 60 years back. Keep religion out and be an opposition party for all the Indians and not only for Hindus. Stay away from RSS.Maharaj K Razdan, USAIt is time for the old people to move away and let the younger generation take over. The party needs to look forward than 60 years back. Keep religion out and be an opposition party for all the Indians and not only for Hindus. Stay away from RSS.Maharaj K Razdan, USA
Somebody need to tell BJP bigwigs it is time to hand over to younger generation. People who are less than 40, about 60% of the population are not interested in strife but economic progress. Hindutva does not appeal to them but job security and larger avenues of employment does. Consequently Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi are a greater draw with the people. If BJP wants to stay in business they should change track.Prof SN Dhar, IndiaSomebody need to tell BJP bigwigs it is time to hand over to younger generation. People who are less than 40, about 60% of the population are not interested in strife but economic progress. Hindutva does not appeal to them but job security and larger avenues of employment does. Consequently Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi are a greater draw with the people. If BJP wants to stay in business they should change track.Prof SN Dhar, India
BJP leaders are living in the past while the Congress party is more keen to build the future, old BJP leaders have tried to divide India once again in the name of religion. It is time the geriatric leadership to resign and let the younger people run the party. A strong opposition is essential for a healthy democracy, but an irresponsible opposition party cannot win a general election.Hem Adwani, ScotlandBJP leaders are living in the past while the Congress party is more keen to build the future, old BJP leaders have tried to divide India once again in the name of religion. It is time the geriatric leadership to resign and let the younger people run the party. A strong opposition is essential for a healthy democracy, but an irresponsible opposition party cannot win a general election.Hem Adwani, Scotland
The title of the article is wrong. It is not the BJP as a party but just a few leaders at the top who had lost the plot. This has happened umpteen number of times in the case of the Congress party, yet it had recovered and metamorphosed into several identities as an enterprise of a single family. BJP will come out stronger after this internecine conflict. As Jan Sangh the party merged with the Janata party and then re-emerged as BJP. It is a cadre based party and the cadre is intact. Mahesh Rangarajan is otherwise accurate in many of his observations in the article.Srini, IndiaThe title of the article is wrong. It is not the BJP as a party but just a few leaders at the top who had lost the plot. This has happened umpteen number of times in the case of the Congress party, yet it had recovered and metamorphosed into several identities as an enterprise of a single family. BJP will come out stronger after this internecine conflict. As Jan Sangh the party merged with the Janata party and then re-emerged as BJP. It is a cadre based party and the cadre is intact. Mahesh Rangarajan is otherwise accurate in many of his observations in the article.Srini, India
If India is truly going to join the league of super nations it needs to leave behind its history of human rights violations and embrace everyone in India as Indians. Any party, such as the BJP, that advocates hatred, sectarian violence, or doing harm to others should be outlawed and its leaders punished under the law. Such hate mongering in the name of Hindu-ism gives that religion and its people a bad name. Everyday Indians need to stand up to these people who exploit everyone including Hindus. Likewise let's not forget the crimes of the Congress Party (Delhi Nov 1984 Sikh pogroms). Indians need to unite to remove these criminals from amongst our midst. Surely with a country of 1.3 billion people we can do better than the BJP and the dynastic Congress Party which feeds on the fear of people to win votes. Meean, USAIf India is truly going to join the league of super nations it needs to leave behind its history of human rights violations and embrace everyone in India as Indians. Any party, such as the BJP, that advocates hatred, sectarian violence, or doing harm to others should be outlawed and its leaders punished under the law. Such hate mongering in the name of Hindu-ism gives that religion and its people a bad name. Everyday Indians need to stand up to these people who exploit everyone including Hindus. Likewise let's not forget the crimes of the Congress Party (Delhi Nov 1984 Sikh pogroms). Indians need to unite to remove these criminals from amongst our midst. Surely with a country of 1.3 billion people we can do better than the BJP and the dynastic Congress Party which feeds on the fear of people to win votes. Meean, USA
Why is this reminding me of a certain out-of-power, out-of-touch party in my own country? Marc Sullivan, USAWhy is this reminding me of a certain out-of-power, out-of-touch party in my own country? Marc Sullivan, USA
It is a deserving dilemma that the BJP has got in its hands. I hope more and more political parties get exposed with their inherently nonsensical contradictions. That a major political party cannot handle a small matter shows the political bankruptcy that pervades India. The alternatives are not great but better. Hopefully the political parties would realize that rhetoric can only take you so far- ultimately the role of political process is to deliver to the citizens a better and uplifting life, and without economic deliverance, all the religio/ideologue- political symbolisms mean nothing.Harjot Kahlon, USAIt is a deserving dilemma that the BJP has got in its hands. I hope more and more political parties get exposed with their inherently nonsensical contradictions. That a major political party cannot handle a small matter shows the political bankruptcy that pervades India. The alternatives are not great but better. Hopefully the political parties would realize that rhetoric can only take you so far- ultimately the role of political process is to deliver to the citizens a better and uplifting life, and without economic deliverance, all the religio/ideologue- political symbolisms mean nothing.Harjot Kahlon, USA
BJP is very much out of touch with Indian masses. Cadre based parties have to go beyond ideology and reinvent to accommodate and assimilate people from all walks of life to become parties of masses. BJP utterly failed as it did not make any such attempt. Current efforts of RSS helping to BJP will further alienate it from main stream. It failed to attract the intellectuals as well as poor and uneducated. Party of 'middle classes' failed even to understand the needs of middle class. In the current situation of price hike, drought and other issues, Congress will still emerge stronger with populist measures. My prediction: Rahul Gandhi will be PM by next election and he may continue his great grandfather or grandmother's legacy of ruling for long years. Uday Deo, USABJP is very much out of touch with Indian masses. Cadre based parties have to go beyond ideology and reinvent to accommodate and assimilate people from all walks of life to become parties of masses. BJP utterly failed as it did not make any such attempt. Current efforts of RSS helping to BJP will further alienate it from main stream. It failed to attract the intellectuals as well as poor and uneducated. Party of 'middle classes' failed even to understand the needs of middle class. In the current situation of price hike, drought and other issues, Congress will still emerge stronger with populist measures. My prediction: Rahul Gandhi will be PM by next election and he may continue his great grandfather or grandmother's legacy of ruling for long years. Uday Deo, USA
It is sad to hear about the new development with BJP leadership, in the current scenario, when BJP has already lost to the Congress in recent Indian election. Is the loss more important to refer than stating the positive aspect that BJP as a national level party, compared to other traditional national icons like Communist parties and once upon a time there was a Janata Party also with national identity? But coming to the point of continuing as a national party in Indian democracy; so many parties have perished, yet Congress is continuing. And BJP has established, in short span of time, currently on stage. It may well continue as Congress is or decline into regional pockets, may be by next general election, or the election after one; is any body's guess. Surya N Mishra, UKIt is sad to hear about the new development with BJP leadership, in the current scenario, when BJP has already lost to the Congress in recent Indian election. Is the loss more important to refer than stating the positive aspect that BJP as a national level party, compared to other traditional national icons like Communist parties and once upon a time there was a Janata Party also with national identity? But coming to the point of continuing as a national party in Indian democracy; so many parties have perished, yet Congress is continuing. And BJP has established, in short span of time, currently on stage. It may well continue as Congress is or decline into regional pockets, may be by next general election, or the election after one; is any body's guess. Surya N Mishra, UK
It would behove the next generation of leaders of the BJP to look toward a "Indian" identity rather than a "Hindu" one. The long tradition of the India for being accepting, and sometimes even welcoming, varied ideas and viewpoints; is at the core of the continuing resilience of the culture. Until the leaders of the BJP recognize the greatness of Indian culture is a consequence of the comingling of other cultures, religions and viewpoints with the indigenous Hindu culture; the party will always be a sectarian, upper-class, regional party.VC Tirumalai, USAIt would behove the next generation of leaders of the BJP to look toward a "Indian" identity rather than a "Hindu" one. The long tradition of the India for being accepting, and sometimes even welcoming, varied ideas and viewpoints; is at the core of the continuing resilience of the culture. Until the leaders of the BJP recognize the greatness of Indian culture is a consequence of the comingling of other cultures, religions and viewpoints with the indigenous Hindu culture; the party will always be a sectarian, upper-class, regional party.VC Tirumalai, USA
I suspect BJP's recent loss was due to miscalculation of sums of coalition politics .Presently in India scores of regional parties have their own weight as they bring a finite number of seats to the parliament and also it helps some parties more than other by splitting votes and what kind of votes they are eating into! So rather than being harsh on themselves or some leaders they should introspect, thrash out some solutions for future and inject some youth. They should handpick or headhunt some people from different fields who can bring with them their business experience and image of intellect and honesty to the party. They should reject dogmas of past and not continue with some aberrations of thought/policies on the part of one or two as reasons of failure. People should not take those as blunders, damaging interests of India but rather an aberration of thought on some or perhaps a personal view they hold which everyone is entitled though not to everybody's liking. The BJP should project themselves as a dynamic party of intellect, blend of youth and experience, forward looking, forward thinking and as a party who could propel India ahead. I agree with Rangarajan that the party will regroup and grapple with the crisis soon once some people are weeded out. It is also possible this crisis is fuelled by some who think the leadership is within their arms distance which is not a bad thing in a democratic party, although rather unthinkable in some.Dr Laxman Madhav Karajgikar, UKI suspect BJP's recent loss was due to miscalculation of sums of coalition politics .Presently in India scores of regional parties have their own weight as they bring a finite number of seats to the parliament and also it helps some parties more than other by splitting votes and what kind of votes they are eating into! So rather than being harsh on themselves or some leaders they should introspect, thrash out some solutions for future and inject some youth. They should handpick or headhunt some people from different fields who can bring with them their business experience and image of intellect and honesty to the party. They should reject dogmas of past and not continue with some aberrations of thought/policies on the part of one or two as reasons of failure. People should not take those as blunders, damaging interests of India but rather an aberration of thought on some or perhaps a personal view they hold which everyone is entitled though not to everybody's liking. The BJP should project themselves as a dynamic party of intellect, blend of youth and experience, forward looking, forward thinking and as a party who could propel India ahead. I agree with Rangarajan that the party will regroup and grapple with the crisis soon once some people are weeded out. It is also possible this crisis is fuelled by some who think the leadership is within their arms distance which is not a bad thing in a democratic party, although rather unthinkable in some.Dr Laxman Madhav Karajgikar, UK
Suddenly every one seems to be celebrating BJP's problem. Have we forgotten the fate of Congress when Indira Gandhi lost an election and after her Congress did? BJP at least is a democratic party, what do we say for the Gandhi led Congress? BJP was known for discipline and not religion, its is discipline that need to come back again, which they would.Nick Jaggi, USSuddenly every one seems to be celebrating BJP's problem. Have we forgotten the fate of Congress when Indira Gandhi lost an election and after her Congress did? BJP at least is a democratic party, what do we say for the Gandhi led Congress? BJP was known for discipline and not religion, its is discipline that need to come back again, which they would.Nick Jaggi, US
I'm strongly against the BJP, but surely they're deserving of a worthier, and better considered, appraisal.Vikramaditya Singh, FranceI'm strongly against the BJP, but surely they're deserving of a worthier, and better considered, appraisal.Vikramaditya Singh, France
Experts, commentators & journalists write obituaries too soon. Politics is ever changing & to comment on the happenings in any political party after just a week or two is doing so at your own peril. The Congress party does not smell of roses- the dynasty rules here. The problems facing India are huge & at this point in time the government of the day is not solving any of them. I am no lover of the BJP but I can say that the BJP will emerge stronger than the Congress party over the next couple of years. Give it time. Dont write the obituary now. Focus on the Congress- the party is back to behaving like it owns the country.Sid, IndiaExperts, commentators & journalists write obituaries too soon. Politics is ever changing & to comment on the happenings in any political party after just a week or two is doing so at your own peril. The Congress party does not smell of roses- the dynasty rules here. The problems facing India are huge & at this point in time the government of the day is not solving any of them. I am no lover of the BJP but I can say that the BJP will emerge stronger than the Congress party over the next couple of years. Give it time. Dont write the obituary now. Focus on the Congress- the party is back to behaving like it owns the country.Sid, India
I think the BJP needs a new set of leaders, probably someone like Atal Behari Vajpayee. I notice the BJP is always branded as a Hindu Militant party by the BBC I hope to see more about BNP than just racist party in U.K. maybe militant party of Britain.Siddharth, IndiaI think the BJP needs a new set of leaders, probably someone like Atal Behari Vajpayee. I notice the BJP is always branded as a Hindu Militant party by the BBC I hope to see more about BNP than just racist party in U.K. maybe militant party of Britain.Siddharth, India
This isn't a commentary- it is a degradation of the BJP. Please tell me why you refer the BJP as "militant Hindutva". In a country where this majority is being massacred on a daily basis from Kashmir to the Christian eastern states. Remember, it was the BJP that protected the Sikhs during the riots following Indira Gandhi's assassination. But the India media has become a blatant beacon for political correctness and currently, anything negative that can be said about Hinduism is fair game. I can tell you one thing though, when Hindus lose the majority in India, this country will no longer be a safe-haven for people of all religious faiths.Ankit, USAThis isn't a commentary- it is a degradation of the BJP. Please tell me why you refer the BJP as "militant Hindutva". In a country where this majority is being massacred on a daily basis from Kashmir to the Christian eastern states. Remember, it was the BJP that protected the Sikhs during the riots following Indira Gandhi's assassination. But the India media has become a blatant beacon for political correctness and currently, anything negative that can be said about Hinduism is fair game. I can tell you one thing though, when Hindus lose the majority in India, this country will no longer be a safe-haven for people of all religious faiths.Ankit, USA
The photograph you have posted on this page of Mr Vajpayee is positively vile, but it is perfectly reflective of the attitude you have to India in general. I could not imagine you posting a similar photograph of Deng Xiaoping or Mao, but, typical of schoolyard bullies, you go for soft targets. There are few news sources on India that have shown themselves to be more consistently biased that you; that, at least, is a virtue. It is precisely because of your biases that I feel compelled to note---as I would not in a normal setting---that I am not a BJP supporter, merely one who is disgusted by your attitude to India. Raghu Sundaram, IndiaThe photograph you have posted on this page of Mr Vajpayee is positively vile, but it is perfectly reflective of the attitude you have to India in general. I could not imagine you posting a similar photograph of Deng Xiaoping or Mao, but, typical of schoolyard bullies, you go for soft targets. There are few news sources on India that have shown themselves to be more consistently biased that you; that, at least, is a virtue. It is precisely because of your biases that I feel compelled to note---as I would not in a normal setting---that I am not a BJP supporter, merely one who is disgusted by your attitude to India. Raghu Sundaram, India
I hope the BJP crashes and burns. And before that happens, Advani and his cronies, need to be tried for murder for his role in the Babri Masjid riots. Who needs fear-mongering religion-plagued right wingers in a country, when our hands are full with infrastructure, population and energy problems? Rakesh Sharma, San Mateo, USI hope the BJP crashes and burns. And before that happens, Advani and his cronies, need to be tried for murder for his role in the Babri Masjid riots. Who needs fear-mongering religion-plagued right wingers in a country, when our hands are full with infrastructure, population and energy problems? Rakesh Sharma, San Mateo, US
name="map"> I think its wrong for people to say that BJP has run its course. Its also wrong for people to say that it should stay away from RSS. Most of the core BJP members are from the RSS. Right now BJP needs discipline, and RSS and its cadres are the ones available to provide that. Secondly its time BJP grooms second generation of leaders to take up the role. Mr Advani, Arun Shourie and Jailed are intellectuals but they lack grassroots contact...this would will be filled up by the RSS. In short a clear mission, discipline and hard work will propel BJP to a higher level than the congress.Sreenivasa, Hong Kong
If you would like to send a comment about this story you can use the form below. Get Gandhi family out of Congress and you will find Congress doing exactly the same thing. Congress was almost on verge of extinction in late 1990s when Sonia Gandhi stepped in and stabilized the party. I think BJP is facing the exact same challenge now that Congress faced earlier. It is leadership crisis, not ideological crisis. Sahil Mehta, US
Like any major political party that's lost back to back elections and moving from one generation to other, it's very natural to be in this phase. The country NEEDS a national alternative to Congress and there is no other party that can fill the gap of main opposition. The third front was tried, tested and failed miserably. With millions of disciplined and dedicated cadre, BJP is not going anywhere. Before all you so called secularists and communists celebrate it's demise, it will come back stronger. BJP doesn't need a Gandhi family to reinvent itself but can match leader to leader with Congress on intellectual prowess to run the country. The newly elected Congress will make some mistakes be it handling of the drought or foreign policy in a year or 2 and well before next general elections, BJP will find it's voice and leadership.Sushant K, USA
name="say"> Communal or no-communal, its been the character of political parties to divide and rule. Why is corruption, a Congress baby, being overlooked as an issue which is the biggest malaise afflicting the country and touching every one of us?Rohit S, India
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/terms/">Terms & Conditions The main problem with the BJP leadership is that it is caught in a time-warp. Its septuagenarian /octogenarian leadership broods over a past that (in their opinion) "could have been" and, as the mainstream leadership of Gandhi Nehru and Patel was unacceptable to them, finds champions in the least likely place, i.e., Pakistan. Thus Jinnah becomes a "champion of secularism and democracy", in spite of his having effectively crushed the voice of the Bengali majority in East Pakistan, by denying them the right to even speak their own language, and insisting that Urdu should be the national language and that the capital should be in West Pakistan. Such sagacity and foresight had its just rewards in 1971. The Hindi-centric BJP leadership seems to have quietly ignored the Bengalis too, in eulogising Jinnah.Dennis Dey, USA / India
class="bodl" href="#story">Click here to return True, There is a low in BJP otherwise rising curve. It is the first real low the party is facing in its 25 years of existence. It has to do more with the generational change that is coming in to the party. Unlike India's other big and small political parties, BJP is neither dynastic or pseudo-dynastic. BJP is India's only true Democratic Party, where rise in power is by merit. To someone who argues that India doesn't require BJP, and hopes for BJPs demise, I can only say 'You know nothing about India, so please don't comment.' India like any mature democracy needs a Right-Centrist party, and BJP is just that, and Indians claim as a credible bipolar democracy depends largely on BJPs chances of survival.Nikhil, India
There is churning going on in the BJP and I am sure it will come out strong in the end. I feel any day the BJP is more reliable and honest than the Congress. The state governments run by BJP -for example, Karnataka and Gujarat are more democratic and there is no need for rushing to Delhi to take even trivial decisions as is the case with Congress run State Governments. BJP has the backing of RSS which has a sound ideology and everything will be OK in the near future.K Vishwanath, India
This article has aptly described the current political environment in India. The Indians living in India and abroad who have seen the world progress and their country come to the centre stage of the world have realized that politics of communal, religious, economic and ethnic divide can not be the way forward in this age of a global village where no majority or a minority community can have a special status in a multicultural and multi faith society. The BJP came to power propagating Hindutva as Indianess and that all other cultures and faiths are foreign to Indianess, however having said that it has been the only other major party to lead an opposition alliance against the dominance of the Congress lead alliance party which has been a healthy option for the political process in India. For India to progress, a party whose manifesto contains equality, justice, development, transparency and secular ideals is the way forward and this can be achieved if young hardworking educated Indian participate in the political process and shun the age old politics of divide and rule which led to the partition of this great nation. A Ahmed, UK
In today's and tomorrow's progressive and educated Indian society, political parties which bank on religion and caste to get votes will not be successful. Period. Today, the priority for the people of India is not to reconstruct a temple that was converted to a mosque hundreds of years ago or avenge any social injustice; rather they would like to have a stable economy and see themselves prosper. A party that promises and delivers prosperity will work and not one like the BJP that wants to divide the country based on religious lines. Saif Ahmed, India