BJP discusses usage of Hindutva as core issue

Shimla, Aug 20 (PTI) In a dilemma over usage of Hindutva
as the core issue, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s top
leadership Tuesday discussed the importance of ideology for
the party on the second day of their three-day 'Chintan
Baithak' brainstorming introspective deliberations here.

Against the backdrop of the party's poor performance in
the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) polls, the
BJP leaders discussed at a 'Chintan Baithak' as to what extent
its ideology, particularly with regard to Hindutva, should be
practised to boost its electoral prospects.

The party has been lately in a dilemma over the issue,
with some factions favouring a hardline while some others a
softer and "inclusive" Hindutva to expand its vote bank.

A section in the BJP feels that dilution of hardline
Hindutva had led to confusion in the party cadres and cost BJP
dearly in the recent Lok Sabha polls.

This view, however, is not shared by moderate sections,
which want to win over more allies and reach out to voters who
are reluctant to go with BJP because of Hindutva issue.

At its National Executive held in Delhi in June, the BJP
had insisted that "Hinduism or Hindutva is not to be
understood or construed narrowly, confined only to religious
practices or expressed in extreme forms."

It contended that Hindutva was "inclusive representing
the finest imprints of our cultural and civilisational ideas.
This profound concept is the real inspiration for a resurgent
India with which the BJP is proud to be associated."

Some sections of the BJP, including senior leader L K
Advani, have lately been advocating that the party cadres
follow a tolerant version of Hindutva while maintaining its
ties with Rashtriya Seva Sangh (RSS).

A section, including M M Joshi, have been opposing
dilution of hardline Hindutva as the 'core issue'.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in a recent interview emphasised
on the need for BJP to stay with its core ideology.

BJP yesterday sent out a message of assertion on the
issue of ideology as it summarily expelled its senior leader
Jaswant Singh for praising Pakistan founder M A Jinnah and
criticising Sardar Patel in his book, "Jinnah: India,
Partition, Independence".

On the first day of the Baithak yesterday, 25 top leaders
of the party deliberated upon the poll results and the causes
of the poor showing. The meeting held threadbare discussions
on aspects like selection of candidates, campaign strategy and
issues raised during electioneering. PTI