BJP’s downfall

Sir,

With infighting increasing among BJP and its Sangh affiliates it appears that there will be no meeting ground for them in near forseeable future. This is not good news for those who want BJP to act as strong opposition party to the Congress. It appears that lack of power is causing fissures in the party which in not too distant a past prided itself as being party with a difference.

In no small measure, the disappointment in BJP leadership and its rank and file appears as a result of rout that BJP suffered in May Lok Sabha elections. The party was confident in ranking have in elections with comfortable majority and NDA was looking strong as ever. But BJP had not bargained for voter's mood which upset its calculations to rule India in successive elections. But Indian polity fractured as ever it would be unwise of the BJP to throw in the towel so early. BJP has emerged as strong counterforces to the dynastic politics of Congress and it is a matter of time before Congress falls again.

The announcement of VHP President Ashok Singhal that Vajpayee and Advani should retire has further eroded the confidence of BJP rank and file. While in power BJP was able to keep Singhals in check. But out of power BJP is unable to defend itself properly. At the moment there is a great debate whether BJP should return to its strong pro Hindutva image or dilute it to suit India's coalitional politics. L K Advani has himself admitted that moving away from BJP's core issues was one factor that led to the BJP's Lok Sabha rout. If true, it means that clamour for building of Ram temple will hot up. With Mandir Masjid issue deadlocked and seemingly no breakthrough in near future, it seems that BJP is dead set to play the role of opposition. But whether such tactics will reap dividends in three states which are going to the elections remains to be seen. The problem with BJP is that it has all played all the cards and it has nothing new to say.

Yours etc...
Bilhan Kaul
Talab Tillo
Jammu

Kashmir and Musharraf’s options

Sir,

President Musharraf’s call to give a serious thought to various options on Kashmir is not only highly desirable but also very timely. Indo-Pak relations have never been that congenial as now and there are good chances of arriving at a solution that could be acceptable to Pakistan, India and the Kashmiris.

Elaborating upon the issue though Musharraf did not spell it out clearly, yet said in so many words to ponder over some ‘give and take’ approach to the solution. And that’s what seems to be the only logical approach to the long outstanding problem. It is one thing to be emotional and sentimental and it is another to be rational and pragmatic. One has to face the reality some day. Let’s face it now. India and Pakistan both being the nuclear powers can not pressurise each other in any way.

More than half a century has passed but nothing except the acrimony between the neighbours and poverty in their ranks due to the colossal defence expenditure have resulted. For how long more such state of affairs could be allowed to carry on.

It is, therefore, the need of the hour that all three India, Pakistan and the Kashmiris sit around a table and settle the issue once for all mutually by some give and take.

Yours etc...
Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)
30 Westridge 1
Rawalpindi 46000
Pakistan.