BJP may return to Hindutva agenda

In a clear attempt to sharpen its Hindutva weapon, the BJP in Uttar Pradesh is now planning to focus on the diminishing Hindu population.

The latest issue of the BJP mouthpiece Kamal Jyoti, currently under print, raises the population "imbalance" issue with renewed fervour.

The issue will be officially released at the party's state executive, scheduled to be held in Moradabad next week.

According to sources, the special issue of Kamal Jyoti carries articles that highlight the dangers of a growing minority population and the decline in the Hindu population and bases its arguments on recent census figures.

The magazine details the "dangers" of the "developing situation" and also the threat that Hindus will face in the future from the minority population.

"Our purpose is to give rise to a heated debate in society on this issue and awaken Hindu sentiments.

"The more the so-called secular forces react on this issue, the more beneficial it will be for the party which is now determined on its original Hindu agenda.

"Moreover, apart from political considerations, the emerging imbalances in population are a matter of serious concern.

"India has survived as a multi-racial and multi-religious country only because the majority comprised Hindus who are known for their immense tolerance.

"If this complexion is changed, there is bound to be a major social upheaval in the coming years," said a senior party leader.

The Kamal Jyoti issue however skirts the uniform civil code issue and party sources insist that this has been done only to avoid ruffling feathers among the National Democratic Alliance allies.

"As far as BJP is concerned, we are still in favour of a uniform civil code but we do not want to raise a storm over the issue right now. To begin with, we are dealing with population imbalances and the uniform civil code will come at a later stage," the leader added.

The issue, apparently, is of special significance in Uttar Pradesh at this time when, according to BJP leaders, the pro-Muslim forces are in power.

"In UP, it will be to our advantage to raise this issue at this time when the Samajwadi-led coalition is going all out to consolidate its base among Muslims and the Congress is also making efforts to woo minorities.

"Hindu awakening in such a situation will work to BJP's advantage and boost the morale of our cadres who have been demoralised since the party's stunning defeat in assembly and Lok Sabha elections here," the leader said.

It is significant to note that last week former chief minister and party in charge of UP affairs, Kalyan Singh, had publicly declared that the party was all set to return to its Hindutva and the temple agenda that would henceforth form the crux of the party campaign.

The authority with which Kalyan Singh made this declaration has sent a clear message among the cadres that the BJP is finally ready to return to its original agenda.

The controversy over attack by the RSS on BJP reaffirms the fact that the party may not be able to pursue the moderate line for long and may have to toe the Hindu line for political revival.