There is an dictum that “Success has a hundred fathers but failure is an orphan”.This aphorism is very apt in context of the chaos that has engulfed BJP.The genesis of all its problems seems to be the electoral debacle it faced in the Loksabha elections 2009.If the party would have won, the very leaders who are now brusquely denouncing the party’s policies, would have been showering hosannas on Advani for his statesmanship. Every one would have been happy with plum portfolios. But the drubbing it got at the hustings proved to be very costly.Now the party should have been analyzing the causes of its defeat, but it is so busy in its internal squablings that there are hardly any signs of introspection or contemplation for future action.It has been so disarrayed by its internecine feuds that it has completely forgotten or dare I say “Abdicated” its role as the principal opposition party of the largest democracy in the world.The opposition to the Sharm el-Sheik imbroglio was also quite lukewarm.
This turmoil in BJP is a matter for great concern. The role of a strong ,constructive opposition is very pivotal in a functioning democracy.Lack of a strong opposition spurs the incumbent party to become complacent and thus heedless to peoples needs.It may in long term also make the incumbent party presumptuous and tyrannical enough to force its policies on the nation. Indira Gandhi was able to impose Emergency easily because at that time our country lacked a strong and coherent opposition.
So BJP should understand how crucial is its role for growth and progress of our nation.It should rise up to the unprecedented challenge it faces. Internal disagreements if any should be resolved peacefully and quietly, and not in full media glare. With all its senior leaders retiring , it has to pass on the mantle to younger generation leaders who inturn should be groomed to take on the the challenge audaciously. Furthermore, it has to strengthen itself at the grass root level by reaching out to the masses, understanding their problems, and publicizing the lacunas in the governments policies. It should also unambiguously clarify its stand on all vexed issues like Hindutwa and others.And all this has to be carried out in a planned , coordinated and systematic manner.
