The Hindu : Opinion / Interviews : "BJP is not the life-breath of the Sangh"

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Tuesday, Aug 02, 2005

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"BJP is not the life-breath of the Sangh"

Jyotirmaya Sharma

M.G. Vaidyawas the first spokesperson of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Though he no longer holds a formal position in the Sangh, he is widely believed to be part of the RSS high command. In an exclusive interview, he spoke about L.K. Advani's remarks in Pakistan and its impact on the Sangh-BJP relationship. Excerpts:

M.G. Vaidya: "In spite of so much power, we do not issue orders at all." — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Why does the RSS want L.K. Advani to quit?

We did not say Advani should go. Let that be very clear. This is a feeling created by the media. Our sahkaryavahak (general secretary) conveyed the general sentiments expressed in the Surat meeting of the RSS pracharaks (senior functionaries) to both Advani and Togadia in person, as well as in the presence of others. The Surat meeting had very senior pracharaks who had devoted their entire life to the Sangh and they were sorry and disappointed about what Advani said in Pakistan.

What did Mr. Advani say that has earned him the Sangh's wrath?

Have you read the full text of what he wrote at Jinnah's mausoleum? He said: `I honour this great man who single-handedly created Pakistan.' We can't honour a person who created Pakistan and who bifurcated our holy motherland. We also believe that this partition of India is not final. If Germany can be unified, if Vietnam can be united, if the two Koreas can try unifying, why not India? We also believe that though we had no plan to demolish the Babri structure, we did not feel sorry when it was demolished. If someone says that the demolition was the saddest day in his life, then we do not share his perception. This is what the Surat meeting said and this is what was conveyed to Advani.

But Mr. Advani continues to lead the BJP and hasn't expressed regret over his remarks?

We have nothing to say about that. We have conveyed our concern and our perception that what he said in Pakistan is not shared by us. Now, whether he continues and for how long is for the BJP and Advani to decide.

Surely, the relationship between the BJP and the RSS is more than merely expressing disagreements?

What is the medium of this relationship?

Shared ideology?

No. The link between the RSS and the BJP is through the swayamsevaks who work in the BJP. Our relationship with the BJP is not a constitutional one. Our swayamsevaks work there. We have sent some and some others have gone on their own. They are our medium of communicating with the BJP and putting forth our views.

Then the solution is simple. Why not ask the swayamsevaks in the BJP to withdraw in protest?

The method of the RSS is different. There is no organisation of the model of the RSS. In spite of so much power and influence, we do not issue orders at all. We haven't told Advaniji to resign. He has to think about it. The party must decide whether he stays or goes.

You exert invisible pressure. Don't you?

If you call this pressure, then we will have to alter the dictionary meaning of `pressure.' We only convey our opinion and feelings but do not ask for resignations. What Advani should be in the BJP, for what duration and in what capacity is a question for the BJP. What have we got to do with it?

Is the disenchantment with the BJP due to Mr. Vajpayee and Mr. Advani ignoring the Sangh during their six years in power?

The Sangh passed the Kashmir resolution but the Government rejected it. I was there and was asked why they had done so. All I said was that the proverbial children had grown up. On the question of disinvestment, we made our disagreement with the Government clear. These remarks must have come in the papers. They must have read it as well, but did not listen. What do we do?

They could do the same now. What would you do?

Nothing. What can we do? We haven't thought about it either. When a few of us sit together, then we might think about what is to be done. My personal views are well known. I have written newspaper articles arguing that once Advani resigned in Pakistan, he ought not to have withdrawn his resignation. I wonder why he resigned in Pakistan? Why not after returning from there? He could have resigned after coming back and consulting his associates. This puzzles me. I believe that once he tendered his resignation, he should not have withdrawn it. But this is my view.

You claim not to order or command the BJP, and yet there is a relationship between the Sangh and the party?

The BJP is not the life-breath of the Sangh. Our life does not depend on the BJP.

What if the BJP says the same?

They can say so. Now you are talking about the health of the BJP. Though my name is Vaidya, I do not have such a firm grip on the pulse of the BJP.

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