Proud to be associated with Hindutva: BJP

New Delhi, Jun 21 (PTI) Bharatiya Janata Party on
Sunday said it was proud to be associated with 'Hindutva' and
opposed to "theocracy or any form of bigotry" which is alien
to Indian ethos.

The political resolution adopted at the party's
two-day national executive meeting said 'Hindutva' is a
profound concept which is the "real inspiration for a
resurgent India with which the BJP is proud to be associated".

"We need to draw inspiration from our profound
civilisational, cultural and spiritual heritage, address the
issues of the present with transparent commitment and good
governance and lay the foundation of a very strong and
resurgent future," the resolution said.

Noting that the party was "proud of its legacy", it
said, "Theocracy or any form of bigotry is alien to our ethos.
Hinduism or, 'Hindutva' is not to be understood or, construed
narrowly confined only to religious practices or expressed in
extreme forms."

"The BJP is a party with a distinct nationalist
ideology and its whole approach in politics has been governed
primarily by the lofty idea that India becomes a powerful,
prosperous and secure nation," it said, adding giving equal
treatment to all regardless of their personal faith is
integral to 'Hindutva'.

Apart from 'Hindutva', the party said the
extraordinary record of governance sets BJP apart from
Congress and other political parties.

On BJP's performance in Lok Sabha elections, the
resolution said the results have not been as per the party's
expectations, but it accepts the verdict with humility.

However, it said in many states the party's results
were "indeed commendable" while in some they were
satisfactory.

"Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya
Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh gave us assurance that
the people therein trusted the BJP in a convincing manner," it
said.

The party also acknowledged that there have been
"shortcomings" which the leadership has to "acknowledge,
identify and rectify" with "a very open mind".

It also reiterated that the BJP will "earnestly and
sincerely" perform the role of a constructive and effective
main opposition party.

The resolution also noted that the BJP did not
subscribe to the view that regional parties have no place in
national politics or were an obstacle to growth as Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh had observed.

However, the party said the country has significantly
moved towards a bipolar polity.

The resolution said the Opposition party expected the
new government to deliver and address price rise, economic and
agricultural slow-down, unemployment and national security.

"Wherever, the Government would be seen as protecting
the interest of the nation and advancing the interest of
common people, the BJP would extend full and constructive
support, wherever, it is found to be remiss, the party would
caution the Government and wherever it is found to be
deviating and indifferent, the BJP would criticise and oppose.

Let the Government do its duty and the BJP will do its
own," the party said.

The party also demanded that the Jharkhand Assembly be
dissolved and election be held at the earliest.

The BJP also asked the government to take steps to
curb price rise. "Though, inflation has come in the negative
yet food inflation remains very high. The suffering of the
common man must be stopped," the resolution said.

The party also said the government should ensure that
the interest of farmers and farm produce be properly
safeguarded in the World Trade Negotiations.

The BJP condemned the continuing attack on Indian
students in Australia and asked the government to take
"stringent diplomatic measures" in this regard and ensure the
safety of Indians in Australia.

"There are fresh reports of Chinese incursions on the
border areas near Ladakh. The BJP demands that the Government
must take the nation into confidence about the real
situation," it added. PTI SJY
SRU