HVK Archives: A Hindu's advice to BJP
A Hindu's advice to BJP - The Statesman
Rajinder Puri
()
15 June 1996
Title : A Hindu's advice to BJP
Author : Rajinder Puri
Publication : The Statesman
Date : June 15, 1996
BJP leaders might be surprised to learn that though I
read no scripture, observe no ritual and visit no temple,
I am a Hindu. I believe in a Higher Power which operates
by the Law of Karma, I guess that makes a Hindu. I
suspect there are millions of Hindus like me who don't
wear their creeds on their sleeves. =
I write because the UF Government will refer the Babri
Masjid-Ram janambhoomi dispute to the Supreme Court for
a
final and binding decision. The Government also
announced its resolve to stringently implement the
Protection of Places of Worship Act. =
Since the BJP is opposed to these moves, the Mandir-
Masjid controversy is expected to revive. =
Must it?
Both Mr Vajpayee and Mr Advani have said that the
demolition of the Babri Masjid was not planned. Both
have said that it was unfortunate. Then what prevents the
BJP from expressing regret, if not an apology, for what
happened that day?
What did happen that day?
VHP karsevaks, inflamed by speeches from the dais where
Mr Advani presided, went berserk and demolished the
Masjid, set fire to homes, and killed 23 innocent
Muslims. All this was done in the name of Ram.
The question that troubles me is: Are BJP leaders Hindus
or pseudo-Hindus?
If they are Hindus they should be deeply repentant over
their act of sacrilege, even though it may have been
accidental. They should he deeply worried by their
karma.
Instead they showed no regret. They talked of Mathura and
Kashi.
And see what happened. After demolishing the Masjid, the
BJP vote in the subsequent U.P. State elections
increased. But the number of seats they won decreased
dramatically.
In the general election BJP emerged as the single largest
party. The country's best orator and possibly the most
popular leader became Prime Minister.. Yet the BJP
Government could not survive its thirteenth day.
As Hindus, BJP leaders should reflect. Is their karma
catching up with them? Will they ever succeed unless they
make amends for their act of sacrilege on Ram
janambhoomi?
On the other side, thirteen parties got together and
formulated a common programme which in the
circumstances
was not bad.
Who is leading these thirteen parties? Nobody knows.
Events are leading them. And events are directed by
God....
Now BJP leaders can do one of two things.
They can start protesting against the Government's
decision on Ram janambhoomi, challenge it in Parliament
and in the courts, and take to the streets.
Or they can directly tell the Muslims: "Look, for Hindus
Ram janambhoomi is a hallowed spot. We wanted to build a
temple there. But by our folly and by the tragic events
of December 6,1992, we have forfeited our moral right to
stake our claim. We offer an unconditional apology for
what happened. If you let us build the Temple-there, we
will be eternally grateful. If not, we will not contest
you in court."
The Muslims might respond. They might not. But as Hindus,
the BJP leaders must do their moral duty. They must put
this non-issue behind them. They will feel better.
Then, as a united nation India could show the world what
it is capable of.. Let's not build our house on sand,
We need to have a solid stand!
Let everybody lend a hand,
Then see what happens to our land!
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