HVK Archives: Upper castes throw spanner in BJP works
Upper castes throw spanner in BJP works - The Pioneer
Ajay Singh
()
9 May 1997
Title : Upper castes throw spanner in BJP works
Author : Ajay Singh
Publication : The Pioneer
Date : May 9, 1997
Aggressive Upper Castes are upsetting the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) applecart
in Bihar where the party is desperately trying to co-opt various caste groups
emerge onto the political centre-stage.
The party leadership is trying to lure away a significant section of the Most
Backward classes (MBCs) to the Hindutva fold following their disenchantment with
Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav.
Senior BJP leaders admit that there is a determined attempt to take advantage of
the prevailing confusion among these small caste groups which always comprised a
formidable support base of Mr Yadav.
"All these caste groups are in a state of disarray and confusion as Mr Laloo
Yadav's prosecution seems inevitable," said a senior BJP leader.
The BJP leadership considers the prevailing scenario the right opportunity to
channelise popular sentiments in its favour. But the party's major handicap is its
image of being a pro-upper caste party. The party's dilemma in dealing with the
situation was reflected in the Bihar bandh where the dominant upper caste
displayed quite an aggressive face.
At the same time, the party is facing a formidable rival in the Samata Party,
which is making an all-out attempt to wean away MBCs and non-Yadav backward castes
which may drift away from the Janata Dal in the event of Mr Laloo Yadav's fall
from grace.
The Samata Party, an alliance partner of BJP, is trying to keep in check leaders
like Anand Mohan to discourage the aggressiveness of upper castes.
In BJP circles, the, move to install Nitish Kumar as the Samata Party's Bihar
president is also being viewed with a certain amount of suspicion.
BJP sources said Mr Kumar, a Kurmi by caste, is being projected by the Samata
Party as a matured and sober politician who fits into the "social justice"
concept.
At a recent meeting of Bihar members with senior leaders in New Delhi, there was a
candid discussion on the issue.
Senior party leaders felt that it would be more worthwhile to blunt the upper
castes' aggressiveness than launching a campaign for the ouster of Mr Yadav.
The BJP leaders are expected to chart a comprehensive strategy at the party's
state executive meeting to held from Sunday.
"We have already given a clear message to the party's upper caste cadre to
maintain a low profile," said a senior party leader.
Apparently, the BJP is consciously avoiding the use of any propaganda material
aimed at ridiculing Mr Yadav on caste lines.
"'We are cautious enough not to antagonise the Yadavas, who constitute over 12
percent of the, state's population," said one of the party's general secretaries.
Back
Top
|
