BJP needs to define its ideology: Govindacharya

The BJP’s attempts to justify Jaswant Singh’s expulsion on grounds of ideology have convinced few, if any, within or outside the party.

On Monday, former BJP leader and one of its key ideologues, KN Govindacharya, asked the party to define its ideology. He said the expulsion was a kneejerk reaction born out of an internal power struggle and the decision was taken without much discussion. “It seems one or two dominant leaders said he should be expelled. Those who may not have agreed with this feared that if they differ, it would be seen as dissent. So all of them agreed,” he said.

He alleged that there was no dialogue in the party. Govindacharya said it was still not clear whether it was Jinnah or Patel that was the main issue for the BJP. “The initial statement from the party president said it was with regard to comments on Jinnah. Then, party leaders felt this would direct the fire elsewhere (towards Advani) and the party spokesperson said it was over Jaswant Singh’s observations on Sardar Patel. The BJP should clarify,” said Govindacharya.

The ideologue said a ban on writing has no democratic basis and condemned Singh’s expulsion as an indecent, graceless, “summarily and shabbily” conducted. “In no way was it a mature decision by a mature political party,” he added.

“The destiny of a worker should not be decided over a cup of tea. It is true that no worker is indispensable, but, at the same time, every worker is important,” Govindacharya observed.

He also questioned the purpose of the chintan baithak. “Rajnathji said it decided that BJP would stick to its ideology. I cannot understand whether this is reform or reiteration? Had the party given up its ideology? Where was the deviation? He has not clarified. The BJP needs to codify its ideology or “decode” this,” Govindacharya said.

He listed some instances, asking if they were in keeping with BJP ideology, particularly mentioning the growth in meat export during NDA rule, the huge increase in liquor vends in Rajasthan under Vasundhara Raje, and the numerous projects that are destroying the Ganga.

“Advani justifies all this saying ideology is irrelevant for governance; Rajnath lays stress on ideology. Who is correct?” Govindacharya said.