The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Temporary truce

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 14, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Temporary truce

With the revocation of Madan Lal Khurana's expulsion, the crisis in the Bharatiya Janata Party has blown over for the time being. But the damage the Khurana episode has caused to the party's image is irreparable. The Advani-Vajpayee rift has come to the fore. The conduct of the party in the Lok Sabha has already lowered its image as a responsible Opposition. If the party wants to continue as a cohesive, credible entity, it should set its house in order. It should address the problems of the people and stop giving the impression that the top leadership is at loggerheads.

N.K. Vijayan,
Kizhakkambalam, Kerala

* * *

Though the erstwhile strongman of Delhi has regretted his statements against party president L.K. Advani — obviously as a condition for the revocation of his expulsion — incalculable damage has been done to the BJP's image. Such frequent showdowns between senior leaders are something the BJP can ill afford. They should exercise greater restraint in their statements.

H.P. Murali,
Bangalore

* * *

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's intervention has ended the four-day stalemate over the Khurana issue. Mr. Advani deserves praise for revoking the expulsion. The decision has averted a split in the BJP. But it looks like the issue could smoulder for many days.

S. Mahaboob Basha,
Adoni, A.P.

* * *

The latest development in the BJP reinforces its image as a party with a difference. First it was Mr. Advani's resignation as leader of the party, which he subsequently withdrew on the RSS' terms. Then came the expulsion of Uma Bharti and Mr. Khurana only to be revoked under pressure. I do not remember any party president or leader of a national party being made to eat humble pie so often. My heart goes out to the loh purush who has been thoroughly humiliated by his partymen.

E.K. Dass,
Palakkad, Kerala

* * *

Looks like the BJP always follows the script in matters of expulsion. As for the power struggle between the big two, it seems to be advantage Vajpayee at the moment. He has demonstrated that he still has the authority to call the shots in the party by virtue of his stature, and the fact that Mr. Advani needs his support.

J. Akshay,
Secunderabad

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