Friday, May 29, 2009

BJP must choose between ideology and drift

BJP must choose between ideology and drift

from Agent Provocateur by Kanchan Gupta

The BJP must decide its ideological direction/orientation, reframe ideology within the matrix of today’s India, and stand by it. Or it must boldly stand up and say, “Ours is an ideology neutral party. We shall sway with the wave.”

The consequences of the former course of action would be three-fold:
. Those allergic to ideological rigour will make an exit. This could debilitate the party in the short and medium term, but strengthen it in the long term.

. The BJP’s integrity quotient will increase.

. The drift which began in 1998 will be arrested.

The consequences of abandoning ideology would also be three-fold:
. Those who lack morals and scruples shall take over the party.

. The BJP will, in due course, become a pale shadow of its past and jostle for space with the RJD and SP.

. The drift will gather speed; integrity quotient (at an all time low) will plummet.