Author:
Publication: Organiser
Date: February 1, 2004
Introduction: The saints have prepared
a Hindu Agenda that will be used to educate Hindus about their political
interests. We shall fight for the Hindu cause with the Hindu Agenda, which
includes the Ram temple, fraudulent conversions, cow-protection, rehabilitation
of Kashmiri Hindus, repeal of Article 370, stopping infiltration of Bangladeshi
Muslims
International General Secretary
of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Dr Pravin Togadia has claimed that the
VHP would not canvass for any political party in the coming general elections.
"Our job is to educate people as to where the interest of Hindus lies and
that we shall do in this election also", he said making it clear that those
political parties that neglect Hindu interest would be punished by the
Hindu society. In an exclusive interview to Organiser representative Pramod
Kumar, the renowned cancer surgeon said, "I am interested in "H" (Hindu
politics), nothing less nothing more." Excerpts:
Q.: How do you feel about the outcome
of the recent Assembly elections in five States?
A.: Congress has been rejected
in all the States except Delhi. It is basically the combined effect of
the NDA's performance, Hindu awakening due to the Ram temple movement and
the non-performance of the Congress party whenever it was in power. I do
not agree that it is totally the victory of the popular demand for development
alone. If it were so, why did not the BJP win in Delhi, which is so near
to the Central Government? Only the ruling party can claim that development
brought victory in elections. It was a State election where Congress was
the ruling party. Congress could have claimed that its victory is due to
whatever development it achieved. Whether or not to accept its claim has
to be decided by the people. The opposition party can only promise development.
What was rejected was the rule of the Congress in the three States. There
were complex issues in the election. I feel today's politics does not want
to bother with ideology. Even if ideology has anything to do with victory,
first of all the party has to deliver. Today it has become a fashion to
forget ideology and talk of other issues that have little to do with ideology.
It is the general trend.
Q.: What do you think about the
sudden change in the mindset of Pakistan as evidenced during the recent
SAARC summit?
A.: On the eve of the SAARC meeting
there was a suicide attack at the Jammu railway station in which two BSF
jawans, proceeding on leave, were killed. The day SAARC meeting was to
start, there was a fidayeen attack in Jammu. We are concerned with the
security of our own people against terrorism and we feel that Pakistan
is responsible for terrorism in India. We are concerned with the end result.
I wish Pakistan stops all terrorist activities in our country. Otherwise
we should act against Pakistan. For the last half century, Pakistan has
never responded in a civilised neighbourly manner. We expected peace in
Tashkent, in Shimla, in Lahore and in Agra, but in vain. I wonder whether
Pakistan can be trusted.
Q.: During the five-year regime
of the NDA no solution of the Ram temple could be found. What do you say?
A.: They have not tried hard. Had
they tried and failed, we could have appreciated their endeavour. But the
Government never undertook a sincere effort. This is what pains us. One
can fail only when one tries. The temple has become almost an untouchable
issue. It hurts every Hindu.
Q.: Would the VHP cadre support
the BJP in the coming elections?
A.: In the past too we did not
support any political party. Our role is to educate the people as to where
the Hindu interest lies and that we are doing now also. Educating the people
might benefit some political parties if they take care of the Hindu interest.
And some political parties will be punished, if they ignore Hindu interest.
After all, the Hindu society will decide for itself. Our job is to educate
the people and that we shall continue to do.
Q.: How will you educate the people?
A.: The saints have prepared a
Hindu Agenda that will be used to educate Hindus about their political
interests. We shall fight for the Hindu cause with the Hindu Agenda, which
includes the Ram temple, fraudulent conversions, cow-protection, rehabilitation
of Kashmiri Hindus, repeal of Article 370, stopping infiltration of Bangladeshi
Muslims, etc. To decide our further course of action the Board of Trustees,
the highest decision-making body of the VHP, met in Hyderabad from 15-17
January.
Q.: The Congress and the Left parties
are forming a separate alliance. What impact will it have on the elections?
A.: It depends what issues they
raise. I am interested in "H" (Hindu politics), nothing less, nothing more.
I shall welcome and support any development that champions the cause of
the "H" factor in politics.
