Democracy but not BJP

By Zohra Javed, TwoCircles.net

Suddenly everyone from Khushwant Singh to Vir Sanghvi, while claiming to be "no friends of the BJP" want it back in the political ring, fighting fit. Reason? India is a democracy and we need a strong opposition in a democratic set-up. The third front was a bubble that has burst long ago. Communists on their own had already proved that they really don't matter anyway.

So it is now a political party bathed in the blood of innocents that must come forward to play "the meaningful opposition" in our so called secular democratic system.

Yes it is very true that a robust democracy must have a robust opposition. But do we need a party like the BJP? Advani is now being made out a symbol of integrity and emotional honesty perhaps conveniently forgetting his bloody Rath Yatra, his unconditional support to Modi after the carnage in Gujarat, his now-out-in-the-open lie on Kandhar, his alleged praise for Jinnah and much more.

Nothing succeeds like success and nothing is more devastating than a humiliating defeat. The Lok Sabha election results have suffocated the dreams of many who now sit in the opposition benches. Let us not forget that when Congress was doing badly, many of its so called loyalists had left "the sinking ship" to join SP and BSP. Here the difference is that BJP is on a suicidal spree, kicking out stalwarts and loyal party members. The party must have its reasons for that. After all it is not a political novice. And indeed after an unsuccessful dribble with minority appeasement of sorts it has reverted to its parent the RSS.

It is therefore very surprising to note the likes of Khushwant Singh and Vir Sanghvi wanting BJP to become a "strong democratic opposition" in Parliament. This is the time when a Third Front, the rise of which has been thwarted as many times as it raised its head, can be yet again be encouraged to return. Media can play a constructive role in bringing about this much needed change so as to keep the arrogance and misuse of power by the two major parties, the BJP and the Congress in check. But that initiative is sadly missing.

While reminding the political fraternity of their responsibilities and the importance of a healthy opposition in a democracy, and tying to "reform" the BJP, the consortium of esteemed journalists in the country have perhaps forgotten their own duties.

This cannot be just an oversight.

Also I wish to know if in the opinion of the respected Sanghvis and their likes the minorities have rested in peace far too long?