Rama Setu: Rajnath ask Centre to apologize for hurting Hindu sentiments
BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY National Council Meeting
(28January, 2008) Vijay Sankalp Parisar, Ramlila Maidan,
New Delhi- 110001
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH
Friends,
I warmly welcome all the respected delegates who have come to participate in this National Council meeting to our country’s capital. The Sun God has already begun his transit from the south to the north. Winter’s freezing ice is beginning to thaw thus paving way for spring. Rituraj, (the king of seasons) symbolic of new enthusiasm and maturity, is about to grace us with his presence. I mention all of this because the manner in which the BJP is achieving important electoral successes one after the other, clearly indicates that the people’s support for the UPA government is melting in favour of the BJP. A new golden era beckons all of us. We are all aware that true devotion, hardwork, mutual confidence, coordination and self restraint alongwith meticulous planning are the prerequisites for success. If we all truly follow this path, then in the forthcoming year further glorious achievements await us. All of us here need to pledge ourselves for victory. To attain this we will laboriously make constant attempts and in the process also meet our social and political responsibilities with maturity.
Events since our last Council
We had all met in Lucknow in December 2006 for the last meeting of our National Council. In that meeting, you had all endorsed my appointment as the National President of the party. Today after a gap of about 13 months, we have once again come together for the National Council. During these 13 months we have won four elections. First Punjab and Uttarakhand and only last month in Gujarat and Himachal we achieved glorious success. We snatched three states from the Congress and in the prestigious battle of Gujarat we again retained our government. However, during this period, the election results in Uttar Pradesh were not upto our expectations and in Goa we were not successful in wresting power from the Congress. However, this is a historic occasion where in a single year the BJP formed the government in four states. The victory in each of these four states has a separate significance. In Punjab where we have emerged as the main constituent and effective coalition partner of the government, in Uttarakhand the people of the state voted for the BJP for the first time since the creation of the state. The recently concluded election in Gujarat was unique in itself where the entire nation focused on that Gujarat where unprecedented development has taken place under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi. The splendid success of Gujarat has given the twin message of ideology and development in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party. For this splendid victory I congratulate both the people of Gujarat as well as the efforts of the dedicated workers of our organization. During the period of the Sri Ram Janambhoomi movement of 1990-91, we had rapidly grown in many states. Gujarat was also one of them. However, the current victory has established that over the last 16-17 years, Gujarat has emerged as an invincible bastion of the BJP.
The victory in Himachal Pradesh was also a grand achievement. The people of Himachal, the efforts of our committed workers as well as the collective efforts of Chief Minister Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal and former Chief Minister Shri Shanta Kumar needs to be lauded for this impressive victory. The Himachal victory has literally silenced our critics who made a hue and cry about our non existent internal strike.
Both Gujarat and Himachal have given a befitting reply to those who tried to paint the BJP as being communal and inflicted by internal strife.
Out of the four states which we won last year, in three states the BJP has its own chief ministers and in Punjab our trusted ally and the senior Akali leader Shri Parkash Singh Badal became the Chief Minister of the Akali-BJP coalition government. Shri Badal is among the country’s seniormost chief ministers and has the enduring pillar of Punjab politics for over half a century. On behalf of the entire National Council I congratulate and felicitate the four Chief Ministers, our NDA ally Shri Parkash Singh Badal of the Akali Dal and the three BJP Chief Ministers Shri Bhuvan Chand Khanduri, Shri Narendra Modi and Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal.
Friends, during this very period, we also experienced a glimpse of power in Karnataka. After much dithering on the terms of the coalition, the Janata Dal (S) finally supported the BJP. Shri Yediyurappa became the Chief Minister. However, prior to the vote of confidence, the action of the Janata Dal not only resulted in the demise of the BJP’s first government in the south within its infancy itself, but has also further worsened the crisis of credibility that is increasingly impacting the country’s political scenario. We are however satisfied that the BJP had fulfilled its commitments towards the dharma of coalition. The BJP has been ditched but the BJP never took any step that may have led to a breach of trust. I am confident that in the forthcoming assembly elections in Karnataka we will win the confidence of the people to successfully form the government, and in this year we will also establish the BJP’s first government in the south whose glimpse we had witnessed last year.
The situation of the governments in Goa and Jharkhand clearly stands before you. Nothing can be said about how long the governments in these two states will last. The current political instability is a consequence of misuse of power, trampling the spirit of the Constitution and making a joke of democracy only to prevent the BJP from forming the government in both Goa and Jharkhand. I hold the Congress and the so called secular parties directly responsible for today’s instability in Goa and Jharkhand and also appeal to the people of the country to understand how undemocratic political machinations merely for opposing the BJP can create such instability, Goa and Jharkhand being examples of this.
Only recently our coalition government in Nagaland was dislodged and President’s rule was inappropriately imposed despite elections being due in a few days. Prior to this, by misusing the constitutional authority, the Congress dislodged our governments in both Goa and Jharkhand. The Nagaland incident is the latest example of this very mindset. Despite all of this, I am confident that in the forthcoming assembly elections in Nagaland, our coalition will once again emerge victorious.
Today, across the country the BJP is expanding state by state and the influence of the Congress party which is ruling at the centre is constantly shrinking. Today, the states which are being governed by the BJP on its own or alongwith coalition partners, in those states (including Karnataka) there are over 200 Lok Sabha seats. In contrast, the states which are being governed by the Congress alone or with coalition partners, in them there are less than 125 Lok Sabha seats. These figures are a clear indicator about the country’s current political pulse as well as the prospects of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. If the democratic results of Goa and Jharkhand had not been hijacked, then this figure and the gap could have been even larger.
Another fact worth considering is that Congress Party has consistently declined over the last six consecutive Lok Sabha elections. The situation today has conclusively changed since twenty years ago, when in 1988, the Congress Party stood at 400 seats as compared to the two seats of the BJP. During this period, the people of the country have rejected the Congress in 225 seats, while the BJP has grown from 2 seats to 183 and in the present Lok Sabha we got 137 seats. Where 20 years ago we did not have a single government in any state, today in six states we have our own governments, in three states we are in power through coalitions and if we take into account both Karnataka and Nagaland at the time of the dissolution of the assemblies, then in total we would have been in power in eleven states. At the same time, the number of states where the Congress is in power is far less than us. These facts indicate towards the constantly changing face of India’s political scenario over the last two decades. In the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, we need to change this in a decisive manner and ensure that the BJP gets a stable change in its favour.
Friends, whether the Lok Sabha elections take place this year or on the due date, for all practical purposes the country has already entered into an election year. After the defeat in Gujarat and Himachal, the Congress is in a state of shock. Even the Left which on virtually every matter threatens to topple the government, is keen to keep away from the very thought of elections. The so called secular parties are still busy calculating the pros and cons of future political possibilities. The parties that have recently emerged as powerful regional centres and who are nurturing national political ambitions, have also faced setbacks in the recent elections. However, the BJP is way ahead of the other political parties and has already started tightening its belt in preparation for the elections.
The seniormost leader of the party after respected Atalji, respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji, has been declared as the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate. During his long political life, while working with Atalji, the additional political strength that Advaniji has given to the BJP is indeed everlasting. Advaniji’s personality, his far sightedness and his staunch commitment towards values has always inspired party workers. The entire leadership of my generation has gradually matured under the guidance of Atalji and Advaniji. When I compare ourselves with other political parties, I am unable to find another pair of leaders as respected Atalji and Advaniji who have worked so closely for such a long period of time. The close coordination between these two leaders during the entire journey from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to Jan Sangh, from the Janata Party to Bharatiya Janata Party and from a numerically irrelevant party in the Lok Sabha to the ruling party, is nothing less than being God gifted in Indian politics. Today as I mention the name of Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji, I feel I am literally taking the name of the future Prime Minister of India. Today he is no longer only the leader of the BJP but he now the leader of our entire nation. I am certain that with the cooperation of all our workers and the blessings of Atalji, the BJP will definitely be successful in the forthcoming Lok Sabha under the leadership of Advaniji.
We are the first political party in the country to announce the formation of its Election Campaign Committee in which we formulated an initial framework for the forthcoming Lok Sabha as well as over ten assembly elections that are due this year. This means that in terms of both leadership and campaign we are already far ahead of other parties.
The BJP as a political party does not belong to a single personality or family. Rather, our party leadership is carefully nurtured through a natural evolution process. In the past, we have contested several parliamentary elections after clearly declaring our leader. From 1996 till 2004, we contested all elections by projecting Atalji as our leader. Today, in a unique situation, the Congress Party, known as a party under the influence of one person and family, is unable to take a decision about its leader for the elections. While we have already announced our prime ministerial candidate, on behalf of the entire country, I would like to ask the UPA, who will be their candidate for the post of Prime Minister in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections? I don’t think the Congress will be able to answer this question, because ironically while the Congress does have a Prime Minister yet it does not have a Prime Ministerial candidate.
Only a few months ago the Congress had voiced its support for single party rule. While the Congress is talking about single party rule, it is not clear about a single centre of authority within the government of their party.
Required Direction for the Country
This is the fourth year of the UPA government. As a result of the wrong policies of the government, over the last four years, people have had to face numerous problems and hardship. The UPA government is entering the last phase of its tenure. Therefore, it is natural that it should be compared with the erstwhile Vajpayee government. During the tenure of the Vajpayee government, from control on prices to foodgrains, gas, milk, fruits, vegetables and even salt and other daily use items as well as the dream of owning a house were all within the reach of the common man. Today with increasing prices and increasing interest rates, everything is going out of the reach of the common man.
Our government, in contrast to earlier governments, undertook totally new initiatives such as the National Highway Programme, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, development of the IT sector, disinvestment, and nuclear tests among others. These novel initiatives laid the very foundation of a new India.
The BJP led NDA government had a grand vision for a comprehensive development to make India a global superpower. We established a new epoch in Indian politics and international diplomacy.
I would like to remind the people of the country, that immediately after coming to power, we conducted the Pokhran test. Virtually all the superpowers of the world went against us. Economic sanctions were imposed on us. It was the farsightedness of the Vajpayee government that we became prosperous by issuing India Development Bonds for the purpose of investments in India, and through other diplomatic means we came to be recognized as a nuclear power. This repositioned India in the global scenario. In this process we not only established India as a strategic power but also practically enhanced the emotional bonds of our non resident Indians with the country’s development. Along with this, we achieved spectacular progress in the field of technology, became leaders in agriculture and food grain production, and thus, by overcoming all hurdles started emerging as a global economic superpower.
No country can become a strategic power only on the basis of military might. For this, diplomatic dexterity is also required. The biggest diplomatic achievement of the NDA was that we were able to finally end the era of comparison between India and Pakistan.
Through the Seattle (1999) and Doha (2001) WTO summits, we ended the hegemony of the western world and the United States on global trade. We further democratized the internal structure of the WTO. For the first time in history, India was triumphant in economic diplomacy.
Therefore, through the excellent diplomatic initiatives undertaken during the tenure of the NDA, we clearly established India as one of the military and economic powers of the world.
However, beyond this, I would like to draw your attention to another dimension of the evolution of India’s power. For any nation to establish its influence in the world, it requires to become a military superpower. This is not a new concept but has been in practice for centuries. In world history, the earth was shaken on several occasions by many, from Alexander who claimed to be the son of Apollo to Chengiz Khan who hoisted his flag from the Mediterranean Sea to the China Sea, by the massive army of Greece or the Roman Eagle to the might of the Spanish Armand or the slogan of Rule Britannia, or Hitler’s Third Reich.
The indispensibility of military power cannot be negated. It makes a nation into a “Hard Power”. Any big country in the world can acquire this power. Military might can establish one’s awe but cannot ensure one’s respect, affection and oneness. For this a nation has to possess “Soft Power or Gentle Power”. Under the NDA, we were even able to establish India’s inherent and eternal soft power in the world.
The concept of Soft Power was propounded in 1990 by Harvard University’s eminent intellectual Joseph Nye. In 2004, in his book titled “Soft Power: the Means to Succeed in Global Politics” he explained how any country can influence global politics by combining cultural and emotional bonds with its social and economic power.
Our government at that time made meaningful efforts to establish a live contact with the over 2 crore people of Indian origin. Through the government, we started the process for observing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas every year. For the first time, we appointed a special ambassador for non-resident Indians whom we called Ambassador at Large, so that the Indian community in different parts of the world could collectively spread our culture and contribute towards India’s interests. During the tenure of our government, we also launched the Indian Entertainment Industry and Cinema on the international scene. I would like to remind you that in Afghanistan, after the defeat of the Taliban, when our Foreign Minister went there, he not only carried relief material and a package for economic assistance, but also took with him numerous CDs and cassettes of Hindi films, songs and Indian dance music. This also laid the foundation of a new and close relationship between the common people of India and Afghanistan. On account of such efforts, the global community slowly and indirectly gets deeply influenced and this becomes evident only after some time. An American journalist in Beijing, Jehangir Pochha, wrote that a Russian youth was so highly influenced on seeing the sacraments and process of an Indian wedding in a film, that he is believed to have said that Indian sacraments are so full of life and colorful enthusiasm that one’s heart feels like becoming an Indian.
Soft Power and Gentle Power can also be understood from a famous example. Hu Shih, China’s ambassador to America from 1938 to 1942, and later the Vice Chancellor of Peking University from 1946 to 1948 had said that India culturally conquered and dominated China for 2000 years without ever having to send a single soldier across her border.
I am only trying to say that during the tenure of the BJP led NDA government and under the leadership of respected Atalji, India not only emerged as a Hard Power or Military-Economic Power but also emerged as a Soft Power or Gentle-Cultural Power in the world. Under us, India’s real power evolved in a complete manner. In my opinion, this marked the real Bharat Uday or “India Rising”. In politics, sometimes it takes many years to get the message across to the masses. I believe that after experiencing the mis-governance of the UPA government, the people of the country will be able to better understand how the real rise of India was taking place during the tenure of the NDA. If the people give us another opportunity to govern, then we will effectively establish India’s rise before the entire country and the rest of the world.
Challenges & Challenges before the Nation
Today under the UPA, whatever little development is being seen, it is merely an expansion of the foundations that were laid by the erstwhile NDA government. I would like to ask the UPA government to inform the nation about even a single novel developmental project that it has initiated during the last three and a half years of its tenure. The novel initiatives undertaken by the UPA government in the country are clearly evident in the present circumstances of the country.
Pitiable Conditions of Farmers
Since the UPA government has assumed power at the centre, the common man has had to face numerous hardships. However, if a single category of persons have had to encounter misery literally falling from the skies, it is the agricultural sector. In addition to the farmers not getting electricity, water and fertilizers at the appropriate prices, they are increasingly getting entangled in a vicious cycle of debt to such an extent that after a point they have no other option but to commit suicide. Over the last few years, the huge increase in the number of cases of farmer suicides is a shameful chapter in the history of India.
At one end, one sees new dimensions of industrial growth across India. It is indeed a matter of pride for us that many Indian industrialists are taking over prestigious foreign companies and we laud their efforts. However, at the other end, it is indeed a matter of great shame for us, that farmers in such large numbers are being forced to commit suicide and the government’s incapability and insensitivity is truly deplorable.
On the one hand, the number of millionaires in the country is increasing and markets are sparkling with expensive luxury items, but on the other hand, according to the facts of the United Nations that were published recently in a leading national newspaper while making an economic comparison between India and China, the daily earning of 80% of India’s population is less than US$ 2 i.e. approximately less than Rs 80 per day. The massive imbalance between these two aspects of progress is a clear proof of the UPA government’s shortsightedness, incapability and insensitivity.
I constantly reflect about a comprehensive vision for development, central to which are the villages, the poor and farmers. As the Union Agriculture Minister and with the blessings and support of our then Prime Minister respected Atalji, I could successfully bring down the interest rates on agricultural loans from an unviable 14 to 18% to 8 to 9%. At that time we also set up the National Commission on Farmers.
Last year the National Commission on Farmers submitted its report to the government in which it has expressed concern on the current condition of the agricultural sector. Our demand for bringing down the interest rate on agricultural loans to 4% has been included as one of the suggestions of the commission. I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister demanding that an all party meeting should be called for immediately implementing the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers and all the political parties of the country should rise above political considerations to help farmers come out of this vicious cycle. The government did not pay any heed to this demand. Thereafter, to focus attention on the misery of farmers, the Bharatiya Janata Party resorted to political means and on 20th October 2007, at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi, we organized a meeting of farmers in huge numbers and then marched towards Parliament where respected Advaniji, myself, many BJP leaders and thousands of farmers courted arrest.
Friends, farmers are not burdened only by debt, and in the different parts of the country, farmers have to face various types of severe hardship. In West Bengal’s Singur and Nandigram, the manner in which farmers were suppressed in the land acquisition process is totally shameful and deplorable. Even beyond this, the CPM cadre went ahead and unlawfully used force to recapture land and spread terror amongst the inhabitants of Nandigram. This exposed the true character of the so called champions of the proletariat. Last year, the BJP was the first to react on the Singur and Nandigram issue when I personally visited Singur and expressed our support to Ms Mamata Bannerjee, who was spearheading the movement. Recently in November, an NDA delegation led by respected Advaniji toured Nandigram to nationally highlight the atrocities being perpetrated on the farmers there.
Over the last few years, thousands of farmers have committed suicide in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. For many years, the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra has become a graveyard for farmers. The maximum number of cases of farmers suicides are from this region. Both the state and central governments are not being able to find a solution to deal with the problem. The Prime Minister’s package for the Vidarbha has proved to be nothing more than an illusion. That is why the BJP once again took steps and on this every 10th and 11th of January, I went on a two day Kisan Yatra in Vidarbha. During the yatra, the misery of the farmers that we witnessed was truly heart rendering. I also realized that sitting in Delhi, we cannot even estimate the amount of fury that the village and farmers feel towards the central government. This anger is natural and we will feel its true impact in the times to come.
It is indeed a sad irony to see the pitiable condition of our food providers that too at the hands of a government that has been elected by the people. The UPA government today is an example of this irony. Those who claim to be with the common man stand fully exposed. The issue is no longer about ignoring or being insensitive towards the farmers but has now reached the point of exploitation and suppression. Both Vidarbha and West Bengal are glaring examples of this.
Despite all of this, the Congress boasts about the magnificent 10% growth rate of the economy. Does the Congress believe that a great India can founded on a heap of dead bodies of farmers? This is impossible. In these developments, I can clearly foresee even greater concerns for the future. Similar to the manner in which the Congress accepted the partition of India during the independence movement in the 20th century, which laid down the foundation of everlasting communal tensions within the country, if the Congress rule persists for a few more years, it will sow the deep rooted poisonous seeds of economic disparity in the country and this may create major chaos in the times to come.
The upliftment of farmers is not a political issue. Even more than a social issue it is a national priority. In the north, from the Sutlej to the Ganga, and in the south, from the Tungbhadra to the Cauvery, lies one of the largest fertile plains of the world. This is one of the most densely populated regions of the world. In this region, it is worth considering as to how practical is it to follow any developmental scheme that keeps agriculture and the human resource on the margins. The service sector based model of economic development of those countries which were not having a large and developed agrarian sector cannot as such be appropriate for India. The vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya appear even more relevant today.
The pitiable conditions of villages is a matter of concern not only because the Annadatta farmer comes from the villages, but also because our brave soldiers of the security forces come from the same families. If the farmers continue to desert agriculture like this, then we may have to confront another complicated dimension of this problem. The pathetic condition of farmers will not only impact the social imbalance and food security, but beyond a point, will also have far reaching consequences where it may lead to a dearth of committed human resource for our security forces. Jai Jawan Jai Kisan was much more than a mere slogan. It reflects the inherent and natural co-relation between the jawans and kisans.
I would like to clearly point out that no country can continue to ascend the path of progress by ignoring the interests of the villages, poor, farmers and the youth and soldiers. That is why we need to carry them along and reorient ourselves in the direction of the villages. A peoples awareness movement needs to be taken to every village.
The farmer is the country’s largest working class. In terms of population, they comprise the largest group of producers and consumers. Economic progress cannot be actualized without enhancing the purchasing power of farmers. We need to inform our farmers that they are the architects of India’s future. And who are eclipsing their progress will have to leave power. We will also tell the farmers which political party is their true sympathizer. They need to reflect upon this prior to casting their vote. The farmer should neither be dazzled by the hollow talk of development nor should they be misled by the fog of regionalism and casteism. Infact, they need to support the committed nationalist forces to bring to the forefront the real power of both the Kisan and Jawan.
I demand that the government should seriously apply itself to the problems of farmers and convene a special session of Parliament for an extensive discussion on this.
Directionless Economic Policy
The fast growing share market is considered to be symbolic of the country’s prosperity, but this prosperity cannot be treated as all-inclusive until the interests of the small investors are clearly protected. The BJP is ever vigilant about protecting the interests of the small investors. A serious matter of concern is the volatility that is being witnessed in the share market particularly over the last six months, where the sensex dramatically rose from 15000 to 21000 points in a mere 190 days. In the recent crash, in only two and half days, the sensex crashed by about 3000 points and thereafter within a single day rose by 850 points. Such volatility impacts the small investor the most, and creates doubts in their minds. The BJP has already voiced its concern about the role of Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) and funds coming into the Stock Market through the PN route. Given all this, the BJP demands that the Government should immediately investigate about who are the people behind the upheaval in the share market, what are their objectives, who are the main beneficiaries and also how the government is planning to compensate the billions of rupees that small investors have lost in the process. And the government needs to ensure that a repeat of such an event does not take place and a few people are not able to manipulate the entire market in the future.
The central government is stoutly claiming that the country is economically progressing at a fast pace. I am unable to comprehend what sort of economic progress is taking place wherein over the past three years and eight months, prices have consistently been increasing, interest rates for housing loans have increased to such levels that owning a house has once again becoming a dream for the middle class, and I have already outlined the pitiable condition of the farmers.
To provide relief to the common man who is burdened by increasing inflation as well as interest rates, the BJP demands that the government should increase the income tax standard exemption limit to Rs 1.5 lacs, bring down the interest rates for housing and education loans to the 2004 levels, and reduce interest rates for agricultural loans to 4%.
On account of the rising level of urbanization across the country, the demand for commercial and residential properties is increasing. However, the speed at which the prices of these properties are increasing, do not augur well for inclusive development. Housing is a basic human need. This sector cannot be left unregulated or uncontrolled. To bring about healthy competition in this sector and also to ensure that the common man is assured the availability of a house, the BJP is demanding the setting up of a “Real Estate Regulatory Authority.”
Terrorist incidents have increased in the country. The National Security Advisor has expressed an apprehension that terrorist funds could be injected into the share markets. This makes it imperative to strictly monitor funds that are coming in through the overseas Foreign Institutional Investors (FII). The government’s measures to monitor funds coming in through the PN route are not adequate and there is a need for even stricter vigil to be maintained on this front.
The theme of the Eleventh Five Year Plan is comprehensive development. 27 goals have been identified for achieving comprehensive development. Out of these, the states have been given the responsibility for achieving 13 goals. This indicates that the Planning Commission itself is not sure about achieving these goals. According to the Commission, poverty reduction is not taking place at the same pace at which the country is progressing. The scheduled castes, tribes and other weak sections of society are not benefiting from this progress. Gender disparity continues to be a big problem. Undoubtedly, the Eleventh Five Year Plan will have to deal with huge challenges.
The biggest challenge before the Eleventh Five Year Plan is the fact that foreign trade and foreign investment comprises 40% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This implies that the forecasted slowdown in America and the western countries can also impact India. According to the country’s economists, it will not be possible to achieve the difficult and specific goals of the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
During the tenure of the NDA, our economic policy was not limited to making India only a leader in sectors such as the service sector, housing, IT and telecom, but was also to take the country to a commanding position for all items of the common man’s daily use. Under the NDA, India became the number one producer of the world in the areas of milk production, fruit and vegetable production, tea production and jute production. In the areas of wheat and rice production, we achieved self reliance and also became the world’s third largest producer. This was possible because we sought to link the economy with agriculture. Today, we need to import even basic food grains such as wheat and that too at high prices and of lower quality. This explains as to why the country is suffering from a sense of insecurity in the context of food grains. In terms of employment, agriculture is a highly labour intensive sector, which appropriately can utilize a large number of the human resource. Agriculture is India’s largest employment sector. Without its development, neither unemployment nor inflation can be controlled.
In a single sentence if one is to sum up what the UPA government has given India during the last three years and eight months, then we can say that the people of the country have got only two things – “Unequal Society” and “Sense of Insecurity”.
Requirement for a National Policy for Infrastructural Projects
After the exit of the NDA government at the centre, the current UPA government has either halted numerous developmental projects or neglected them only for political reasons. For example, the pace of the core infrastructure milestone programmes like the National Highway Development Programme has immensely slowed down. By now, work on the Golden Quadrilateral Programme linking the four metropolitan cities should have been completed. I mention all this because at the time of the launch of these programmes, I was the Shipping & Surface Transport Minister. Beneficial programmes for the country such as the Golden Quadrilateral, North-South & East-West Corridor and the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana should not be affected with a change in government.
The NDA government had sanctioned six hospitals on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi to ensure the availability of high standards medical facilities in all regions of the country. This programme has gone into cold storage.
The Agriculture Income Insurance Scheme that was started to provide farmers with an assured income on the basis of their land, has been stopped. Even the Kisan Credit Card Scheme has gone into cold storage. Even those farmers who have the credit cards, are no longer getting credit.
One can clearly foresee a major problem of water availability in India, in times to come. To deal with this potential water problem, the NDA government had initiated a programme for efficiently utilizing rain water and also the massive inter-linking of rivers programme, something the UPA government has not even applied any thought to after coming to power.
All these schemes were not meant for the benefit of any particular segment but instead are beneficial for the people of the entire country. Their unexpected closure or slowdown will prove to be extremely problematic for India, which is emerging as a global power.
I believe as in the case of foreign policy and economic policy during the last 15 years, just as a change in the direction of the basic policy of the country is not considered correct with change in governments, similarly if India wants to become a developed country and a global superpower, then fundamental infrastructure projects and policies should remain unaffected with change in governments.
Minority Appeasement
Minority appeasement is foremost among the most disturbing tasks that the UPA government has undertaken over the last three and half years. After being rapped by the Supreme Court for attempting to introduce reservation on religious basis in government jobs and educational institutions, the central government tried to allocate a separate communal quota in bank loans and funds earmarked for development. The Prime Minister’s statement that the muslim community should have first right over national resources was truly shocking. The government was keen to introduce communal budgeting in the meeting of the National Development Council which was called to discuss the forthcoming five year plan. However, a day prior to the meeting of the National Development Council, I issued a statement opposing this and requested all BJP Chief Ministers in the meeting to oppose any such attempt in every possible manner. In the meeting, the BJP Chief Ministers raised this issue. I would also like to assure the entire country, that despite being in opposition, the Bharatiya Janata Party will go to any limit to thwart every such move. The BJP believes that every section of society must be developed. Any attempt to communally color development is condemnable.
According to a report of the Government of India, the allocated funds earmarked for development of the minority community have been increased from Rs 400 crores to 1400 crores. On the other hand, the allocated funds for the development of schedule castes and other backward sections have been reduced by 2%. This is injustice with the backward and reserved segments. If there is any requirement to ensure that benefits of the government programmes need to reach any particular segment, then actually this segment is of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The government should do away with the reduction of allocated funds earmarked for the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and if required a nodal agency should be created to monitor that the funds appropriately reach the needy persons in these sections.
Today many misconceptions are associated with the term minority. Various court judgements are also echoing questions such as who is a minority, on what basis and in which region, and this takes different connotations depending on the prevailing situation and geographical area in different parts of the country. On account of such reasons, there is a greater possibility of politically misusing this. I request the government to legally define the term minority and also appropriately determine in what spheres it would be applicable.
Terrorism
Terrorism is acquiring stability in India. Both naxalite violence and jehadi terrorism have increased since this Congress led and Left supported government has come to power at the centre. Naxalite terrorism has become particularly problematic in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Since this government assuming office, jehadi terrorism has literally spread its feet all over the country. Over the last three years, there have been terrorist attacks on virtually all prominent cities which are considered to be the country’s political, economic, intellectual, cultural and nationalist centres. Now even religious centres and places of worship are being targeted in a ruthless manner.
We are also worried about how terrorism, over the last year or two, has been spreading in Uttar Pradesh, the largest state of the country. The terrorist attack on Sri Ramjanambhoomi two and a half years ago, then the attack on the Sankat Mochan Temple in Kashi, the blasts in the courts of Lucknow, Varanasi and Faizabad two months ago, as also the blast in the camp of the Central Reserve Police in Rampur, all indicate that terrorism is increasing its foothold in the inner parts and Hindi heartland of the country and specifically in Uttar Pradesh. The terrorist attacks that have taken place in Uttar Pradesh over the last two months are important from the point of view that for the first time, terrorists have tried to terrorize the judiciary. This is because the lawyers of Uttar Pradesh took a decision not to fight the cases of terrorists. In my opinion, if the central government had not kept pending for so long the decision of the Supreme Court to hang Mohammed Afzal, the main accused in the Parliament attack conspiracy, then terrorists would not have dared to even think about terrorizing the courts. I would like to ask the central government that at this point of time, where exactly is Afzal’s clemency appeal lying between the Home Ministry and Rashtrapati Bhawan? This is because former president Dr Abdul Kalam has said that when he had referred the matter to the Home Ministry, then during his tenure, the Home Ministry did not return the file to him. What message does the government want to give to the terrorists?
Secondly, for the first time an incident outside Kashmir and involving an attack on the camp of a security force has taken place. This situation in Uttar Pradesh has begun only after the tenure of the BJP governments ended there. For us, this is a matter of national worry because given the long ad open border with Nepal, if the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh weakens, then it can open a new gate of insecurity for entire north India.
I would like to ask all those human rights activists who speak about human rights at the time when tough measures are used against terrorists, why are they silent when innocent civilians and brave soldiers of the security forces are killed in horrific incidents of terrorist attacks? The BJP expresses its sympathy for all those citizens who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks and is grateful to all those soldiers of the security forces who have laid down their lives as well as expresses its deep respect to their families.
I believe that from every aspect the time has finally come for the central government to correct its past mistakes, and for effectively controlling terrorism once again enact POTA. If they have a problem with POTA merely because it was enacted during the tenure of the BJP government, then let them by any other name introduce an anti-terror law in Parliament. Today India is the only big country in the world which is combating terrorism but does not have any anti-terror law. In the absence of an anti-terror law, asking security forces to fight terrorists is an unequal battle, a destructive battle in which the self-confidence of the terrorists increases and the self-confidence of the security forces reduces. We will never let this happen. On behalf of the BJP I would like to reassure the people of the entire country that if the central government introduces an anti-terror law in Parliament, then we will support it, and if after the elections we form the government at the centre, then we will restore POTA for the security of the country’s masses.
Unstable Indian Subcontinent
Pakistan is progressing towards instability, given the conditions that have existed there for a long time. Internal dissatisfaction, revolt in Waziristan, news reports about differences within the army, the autonomy of the ISI, the developing extremism against the presence of American troops, and among all these the application and withdrawal of emergency, all indicate towards a dangerous and disturbing internal situation within Pakistan. In the midst of all this, the assassination of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Smt Benazir Bhutto has only added fuel to the fire. Pakistan appears to be moving in the direction of serious problems. In the past also, Pakistan has never enjoyed an image of being a responsible nation, and the creation of new complications only increases the possibilities of further irresponsible actions which in turn can become a serious problem for India. I am not stating all this merely on the basis of evaluation. Recently a report published in an international magazine (America’s Newsweek) stated that Pakistan has become a place of rest for terrorists. As Afghanistan, even Pakistan offers a lot to al Qaeda’s chief Osama bin Ladin. The report further stated that al Qaeda has spread its net across Pakistan and Taliban fighters are able to freely move across the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to “The Economist” magazine, Pakistan has today become the most dangerous place in the world.
While the decades old American policy towards Pakistan has proved to be incorrect, at the same time their policy of seeking to control politics through the army has also not shown any positive results. It is difficult to believe that all the economic assistance that Pakistan has been receiving is only to control terrorism. One cannot accept that F-16 fighter jets with nuclear attachments are only meant for combating terrorism. This is definitely a matter of concern for India.
The growing belligerence of the Maoists in Nepal coupled with increasing anti-India propaganda is now reaching dangerous levels. Recently, Maoists
from Nepal tried to cross the border in Uttarakhand which was foiled through the peaceful demonstrations by the youth workers of the BJP and other allied organizations. However, this indicates towards the possibility of a new type of future problem.
The Madheshi problem in Nepal is a matter of concern for us. Given the growing influence of the Maoist forces in Nepal, it appears unnatural that a democratic framework can be established through them. Inherently, Maoism does not believe in democracy. Therefore, under the influence of Maoism, the talk about democracy appears paradoxical. The impact of this is clearly visible. The Maoists by exerting pressure have, through an interim Parliament, brought about a fundamental change in the structure of Nepal. Whereas if a fundamental change in the structure is necessary, then this should be done by a parliament that has been elected by the people. For stability of Nepal, it is imperative that a democratically elected government which can administer the country in accordance with the wishes of the people is established. The Government of India should also apply its mind in this direction.
The manner in which the anger of the people against military rule is taking to the streets, reflects the diminishing control and support for the military rulers inside Myanmar. Buddhist monks took to the streets in large numbers to protest against the government there. We condemn the deplorable manner in which the government there acted against the Buddhist monks. The representative of any religion should not be mistreated.
In Sri Lanka, the ceasefire against the LTTE has ended and once again the LTTE has become aggressive and active. Bomb blasts are taking place in Colombo almost on a daily basis. On account of the increasing impact of terrorism, the Government of India will have to keep a close watch to ensure that an occasion does not arise for another country to establish its influence in Sri Lanka. On several occasions a demand has emanated from within Sri Lanka that the Indian government should get involved in the peace talks there. However, the Government of India does not appear to be making any move in this direction. In my opinion, the solution for Sri Lanka’s Tamil problem is possible only through dialogue. The Government of India should try to ensure that the war comes to an end in Sri Lanka and the peace process once again begins.
Like Pakistan, Bangladesh is also becoming a new hub for anti-India activities. The ULFA militants of Assam take refuge in Bangladesh. Many insurgent groups of the north east organize themselves from the across the borders in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Only recently Bangladesh did not permit the gas pipeline coming from Myanmar to India to pass through its territory. Recently, certain facts have surfaced indicating that over the past few years China has been the largest supplier of arms to Bangladesh. However, the Indian Government continues to be a mute spectator.
The manner in which China has established a post in Myanmar to monitor the activities of the Indian Navy and set up their deep naval base at Gwadar in Pakistan, are also becoming matters of concern for us. One notices a sharp edge in the recent language being used by China. If one takes into account how active China is in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan and also combines this with the influence of the Maoists in Nepal, it appears that China is attempting to encircle India. The honourable Prime Minister should have raised this issue in his recent visit to China, but what to speak about effective protest, one did not see even a desire to protest. On the contrary, the Left which is supporting the government, accuses India of becoming a part of the design to encircle China. These accusations are not only ridiculous but also reflect the commitment of some political parties to countries across the border and casts doubts about their nationalistic commitment. The recent Chinese intrusions into Arunachal Pradesh and by declining to issue Visas to officers from Arunachal, in a sense amounts to China trying to create a legal claim over Arunachal before the government. Only recently, the Foreign Minister has publicly acknowledged that Chinese intrusions on the borders do happen from time to time. In this background, in the absence of seeking any clarifications, it is beyond my understanding how can the Prime Minister justify his China visit.
Therefore, across the entire Indian sub continent, democratic traditions are being impacted in all our neighbouring countries. Situations that promote dictatorship, terrorism and internal strife are getting created. In addition to instability, the Indian cub-continent is becoming a region of anti-India activities. However, given it’s ostrich like approach, the Indian Government is probably not being able to see all of this, or despite seeing all this, does not want to see reality. As a result, this current government is not being able to draft any meaningful policy for the entire region. In my opinion, in addition to foreign policy, the time has now come for the government to formulate a Comprehensive and Integrated Vision for the entire region so that stability, peace and democracy are further strengthened. Our relationship with the Indian sub-continent is important not only from the aspect of security but also from the aspect of economic development and increase of trade. However, Government of India does not have a policy even for this. That is why the borders of the country have become easy targets for infiltration by militants.
Jammu & Kashmir
Despite the existence of Congress coalition governments in both the centre and Jammu & Kashmir, one is not being able to see any sort of improvement there. Instead of trying to bring Jammu & Kashmir into the national mainstream, the state government constantly keeps floating trial balloons that enhance separatist feelings. Sometimes they talk about the pre-1953 situation or make a completely ludicrous demand such as asking for a separate currency for the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Prior to 1953, when Kashmir had a separate parliament, prime minister and flag, at that time also they did not have a separate currency. This shows that the Congress is going even one step beyond that point in history.
In the midst of all this, the government is not paying any attention towards the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits who are leading a life of misery. There is no special provision for the Kashmiri Pandits in the government package announced for Jammu & Kashmir. We demand that the government should immediately announce a special package for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. In my opinion, to bring Kashmir into the national mainstream and also to weaken separatist forces, the time has now come for all political parties, in the national interest, to once again consider removal of Article 370 and implementation of Union Civil Code.
Continuing Neglect of the North East Region
The north east region of the country is not only unique geographically, but also has a unique economic, social and cultural situation. Unfortunately, the Congress has never properly understood the feelings of this region, and under the UPA government, the entire north east region continues to suffer from serious neglect. This beautiful part of our country has been virtually bypassed in terms of development under decades of Congress misrule. Over a period of time, the ever increasing influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, started creating grave implications on both their identity and limited avenues of economic sustenance. Unfortunately, instead of adopting a remedial long term approach to permanently solve the problem, successive Congress governments both in centre as well as in the north eastern states, treated these illegal immigrants as captive vote banks for narrow political gains and in the long run directly became responsible for socially and politically destabilizing virtually all parts of the north east region. This short sighted approach, particularly of the Congress party, led to the emergence of various insurgent movements that sought to protect their unique identity as well as regional interests. Today, many areas bordering Bangladesh have been demographically altered by the illegal immigrants and reducing the indigenous population to a minority, in the process thereby creating social tensions coupled with serious security implications. This is in turn is proving to be highly detrimental to the long term national interests.
The BJP led NDA government sought to permanently reverse this trend and substantially increased focus on development to ensure that economic prosperity percolated to all parts of the north east region, and they could conclusively join the national mainstream. However, under the UPA government, there is an evident slowdown in this process and once again violent incidents are on the rise. The north eastern states have encountered numerous problems on account of the infiltration of Bangladeshis. It appears the social structure of the region is being altered through a well thought out plan. Assam under the Congress is the most glaring example of this trend. The continuing massacre of Hindi speaking workers in Assam is a nefarious design to spark a feeling of separatism and also segregate the north east from rest of India. The BJP strongly condemns this. The involved militants are operating from the soil of Bangladesh.
Recently in Nagaland, the central government, in an unconstitutional manner, dismissed the government of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, of which the BJP was also a part. I would like to remind everyone that during the tenure of the Vajpayee government, a special package was gifted to Nagaland, whereas the government of today has gifted it Presidents’ rule. I am confident that in the forthcoming assembly election on the 5th of March, the Congress will once again be defeated and the BJP alongwith its alliance partners will emerge victorious.
Tripura goes to the polls on 23rd February and Meghalaya on 3rd March. The Left Front has been ruling Tripura for a long time. Despite this, the poor condition of the state is a clear indicator that change of government is essential. In Meghalaya and Tripura too, in accordance with the aspirations of the people, new governments will be formed and the people will be freed of the misgovernance of the Congress and Left Front.
To increase our political strength in the north eastern states, we need to toil hard in sync with the unique situation there. For this, we must also endeavor to jointly work with other partners who subscribe to similar political beliefs. The BJP is committed towards bringing these states into the national mainstream in accordance with their potential and traditions.
Insult to Hindu Religion and Culture
Numerous and continuous assaults on the various symbols and core beliefs of Hindu religion and culture have been taking place since this government has come to power. The insulting and discarding attitude of this government towards Hindutva is well known. And now, some Congress party leaders have started using phrases such as Hindu terrorism. I would like to state that it is impossible to even imagine how can the Hindutva, which has from the vedic times given the message of Vasudev Kutumbakam (the entire world is one family) to the entire world, and from Lord Buddha to Mahatama Gandhi hoisted the flag of Ahimsa (non-violence) across the world, become a terrorist.
The height of this government’s attack on Hindutva became evident when in an affidavit on Ram Setu that was submitted to the court, it dismissed the very existence of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram. Even during the period of direct foreign rule, the British and the Mughal government even under Aurangzeb, could not dare to say what this democratically elected government of independent India has done. Despite three months passing by, the government is yet to file a new affidavit. Maybe the government is thinking of some other idea to further insult the Hindus.
Recently, the well known Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen was assaulted in Hyderabad. In a way she has been ousted from Kolkatta. Even beyond this, a Union Minister while expressing his views about extending the duration of her visa, said that the government should do so. However, he went to the extent of saying that since in her book she had hurt the sentiments of the muslim community, therefore she should apologize to them. I would like to ask this government, when an artist paints the nude images of Hindu Goddesses, then no question was raised for an apology and instead this was termed as freedom of expression. I would like to ask if this government is so sensitive about hurting the religious sentiments of one community by any author, then on the other hand why are they not seeking an apologize to the entire community that has faith in Lord Ram from their ally and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu when he used derogatory words for Lord Ram? To begin with, the government itself should apologize to all the believers of Lord Ram for denouncing his existence in the affidavit submitted to the court on the Ram Setu issue. This is because, denying the very existence of Lord Ram is not a personal opinion of an individual, any one leader, a writer or an artist. Hindu society is benevolent enough to ignore such issues. But the government’s affidavit is the constitutional expression of its opinion in the Supreme Court. Therefore, if the constitutional expression of the government in the Supreme Court denounces the faith of the entire Hindu society, then it is totally unforgivable.
By extending the date for submitting a new affidavit, the doubts about the government’s intentions have further deepened. I would like to ask the government that why are they so hesitant in submitting a new affidavit? How ironical it is that the government of another country, Sri Lanka, is acknowledging the entire Ramayan as a historical reality and has formally announced this in India and expresses respect for the religious sentiments of Hindu society. Whereas, our own government is insulting the believers of Lord Ram all over the world, by denying his very existence.
I would like to warn the central government that in the new affidavit they should express regret for hurting the sentiments of the Hindus in the previous affidavit and should pay attention to ensure that in the new affidavit there is nothing that directly or indirectly casts a shadow on the faith in Indian beliefs.
The BJP always tries to, in every possible manner, stop anything that could hurt the religious sentiments of any sect or community. When we were in power, at that time, the then Human Resource Development Minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi had removed the objectionable references about the Sikh Gurus, Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Govind Singh, as well as the Tirthankars of the Jain religion from the NCERT textbooks. However, this government’s intention always appears doubtful. That is why, we demand from this government they should should make public the report of the Setu Samundrum Project that has been submitted to it.
The Ram Setu is not a mere structure in the sea that can be debated on the issue of being manmade or natural. Rather, it is a symbol of Indian identity and the first word of the ancient thought of Aasetu Himachal (describing India’s expanse from Setu to the Himalayas) which highlights India’s national unity and geographical expanse. This is the same mindset that considers the nation to be a mere piece of land and then carries on debating whether the inhabitants of this country originated from here or came from abroad. Thus, the pledge for the protection of Ram Setu, is great pledge for the national identity, geographical unity and the cultural continuity of India. Every nationalist Indian’s duty is to fulfill this pledge. Therefore, I declare that the Bharatiya Janata Party will give its complete moral support to the movement by the Sri Rameshwaram Ram Setu Raksha Manch for the protection of Ram Setu and we are also committed to actively support this.
Given the enormous faith that I have in Indian culture, I firmly believe that the principles of Dharma is not confined to any belief, sect, or way of worship but beyond that they are the absolute, omnipresent and eternal principles of nature. I would like to remind all those who hurt the faith of Dharma about the principle of Dharmo Rakshati Rakshita which is applicable to everyone. This phrase means that if we will not protect Dharma, then our own protection is also not possible.
The New Experiments for the Organization
The BJP is a party with a distinct ideology and unique organizational structure. Our organizational structure is quite different from other political parties. On account of this, the BJP’s character is also seen as being distinct to other political parties. After assuming the responsibility as the President of the party, I considered about undertaking two novel experiments within the BJP’s unique organizational structure. Then, after having detailed discussions within the organization, last year we arrived at two important decisions, which in the years to come, will subsequently give a new shape to the BJP’s organizational structure.
Women’s Reservation
The manner in which our social structure is changing and acquiring a new look, the real development of society is not possible without the appropriate involvement of women. Be it society or the country, Dharma or morality, they all originate from Shakti. All political parties do make tall claims about this, but in reality, do not take any steps that can ensure the natural involvement of women in the political sphere. The UPA government during its tenure has not yet presented even a draft of the Women’s Reservation Bill. This clearly indicates the insensitivity of the Congress, Left and other so called secular parties towards the issue of women empowerment,
To give a practical shape to the women reservation issue, at the BJP National Executive Meeting in May 2007 in Delhi, I constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Smt Sushma Swaraj to prepare a draft about how to give 33% reservation to women within the organization. This committee submitted its report at the Bhopal National Executive Meeting. The endorsement of the report is expected in this National Council. After undertaking the required constitutional amendment in this regard, the BJP will become the first political party in the country to accord one third reservation to women within its organizational structure. Undoubtedly, this step will prove to be an epoch not only for the BJP but the entire nation, and its impact will be felt by the people in the years to come.
BJP At Every Booth: Constitution of Booth Committees
In terms of principles, the BJP is an ideology based party and in terms of organization, the BJP is a cadre based party of the common masses. We consider ourselves to be a cadre and ideology based party. Keeping in mind the expansion of the party upto the lowest unit of society, and also keeping in view the continual electoral process within the country, we have decided to strengthen the party organization upto the booth level. The booth is the primary unit of the electoral process and during elections, the victory or defeat of the party is impacted by the booth level management. For this, it is imperative that the party’s structure should be there at the booth level. Till date, about 65% of the booth committees have been constituted. Recently, prior to the elections in the two states of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, the booth committees had been constituted there. In Gujarat we also had a meeting of one lakh booth level workers. Even in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, this experiment was undertaken. I hope that most of the states would have completed the formation of the booth committees and those who are in the process will complete it at the earliest. Given the manner in which the Lok Sabha elections are approaching, this task assumes greater importance. Therefore, all the State Presidents should take up this task on a war footing so that it can be completed within the stipulated time.
The Strength of the Organizational and Goal for Winning the Forthcoming Elections
As I mentioned earlier, the BJP has a unique ideology and a distinct organizational structure. The inbuilt foundation of our distinctiveness lies in the nature and emotion of our worker.
The Lok Sabha elections are approaching. They can also take place prior to their scheduled time. This year, there will be the elections of many state assemblies. On 23rd February Tripura, 3rd March Meghalaya and 5th March the Nagaland elections will be held. The Karnataka assembly election can also take place by May. In the second half of this year, elections are scheduled in four important states – Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Given the nature of the developments in Goa and Jharkhand, elections can also take place there at any time. It will not be an exaggeration if we say that this is a time for continuous electoral battles. For the first time in the last 20 years, we are encountering so many assembly elections alongwith the Lok Sabha election. What does a political party want for the elections? A clear ideology, a mature leadership, a strong organization and an enthusiastic worker. If any political party possesses all of these, it is only the Bharatiya Janata Party. From an ideological point of view, only our ideology of cultural nationalism is capable of providing answers for all the threats that loom over the nation. From the point of view of leadership, no other party has such a capable, mature and spotless leadership like respected Atalji and Advaniji. From the point of view of workers, we are indeed blessed with such true, honest and committed workers which is nothing less than a divine gift.
Today we are having all the required factors for wining the elections, be it ideology, leadership, organization or the committed worker. The vast expanse of our workers that I can see in front of me, almost appears as if a bird is about to take to the skies, with its destination clearly visible to it. I am fully confident that we will achieve our destination.
Another thing that we should keep in mind is that when the party marches towards victory, then in enthusiasm or sometimes due to competition, some minor problems can erupt.
On several occasions mutual difference of opinion may surface. To resolve this, we require self restraint.
The organization may at times witness divergent directions. To overcome this, we require coordination.
Our influence among the people may at times appear to be weakening. To overcome this, we require firm struggle.
Today is the era of communication. In this age of media, it is important to appropriately use the various channels of communication. However, our basic attention should be focused on the making a live contact with the masses at the grassroots. Only then our actual influence on politics will be truly visible. And this influence will finally help us reach our destination.
Apart from the workers and sympathizers of the BJP, I want to appeal to all the voters of the country that in the forthcoming elections, they must definitely cast their votes. A negligent and lethargic attitude about casting one’s vote, despite having the capacity and facility to do so, in principle not only weakens the strength of democracy but in practice also paves the way for unhealthy elements into the polity which in turn is detrimental to the health of democracy. Voters should also bear in mind that they not only form the government by casting their vote but also indirectly pave the way for someone to form the government by not exercising their franchise. And such a government cannot truly reflect the will of the people. Therefore, I once again appeal to the people of the country, that they all must vote in the forthcoming elections to establish a government in the country and their respective states, which reflects the true will and aspirations of the masses.
http://bjp.org/Press/jan_2008/jan_2808_p.htm
