POLITICS & SPORTS
After an engrossing trip down south along with Kamla, my wife and Pratibha, my daughter to visit the only one of the four Dhams which I have not visited, namely, Rameshwaram, I spent a relaxed Friday watching on television the two Wimbledon semi-finals.
Both the matches, Tomas Berdych (Czech) vs. Novak Dyokovic (Serb) and Rafael Nadal (Spain) vs. Andy Murray (U.K.), were absorbing games, and well contested.
What I particularly liked was the Spaniard’s very warm comments about his British adversary in his post-match remarks. He lauded Murray not only as a player but also as a person. The warmth was evident even when after the game was over, the two formally hugged each other over the net.
This brought to mind a remark one often hears in our country about sports and politics.
In India, it is said, in sports there is too much politics, whereas unfortunately in politics there is very little sportsmanship.
I recall the last week of the Budget Session which ended on May 7. I was in my room in Parliament House when I got a call from Sushmaji. She said to me: “Basudev Acharya and Gurudas Das Gupta, the two Lok Sabha leaders of the CPI(M) and CPI are here, and wish that you also join us for a brief discussionâ€.
The moment I reached Sushmaji’s office, Gurudas Das Gupta’s opening remark was: “Advaniji, today we have for the first time entered ‘forbidden territory’! I smiled and said: “For us, there has never been any taboo. You have always been welcome to this ‘forbidden’ territory. It has been your own self-imposed embargo.â€
In my long parliamentary career, the left’s open alliance with the Congress has been a recent development. For long they have been part of the anti-Congress opposition and so have coordinated their activities with other opposition parties including the Jana Sangh/ BJP. It is true though that their hostility towards the BJP has often taken the shape of some kind of political untouchability. They would never come to our party office.
Even while discussing probable agreed opposition candidates for the post of Rashtrapati, the venue would be some opposition party office other than that of the BJP!
Coordination dialogue exclusively with us would be conducted either in the House, or in the lobby.
A time came when in 1989, Shri V.P. Singh could become Prime Minister only when the BJP as well as the Left Front decided to support his government from outside. During parliament sessions, every week, leaders of all supporting parties used to assemble for dinner at the Prime Minister’s residence and deliberate broadly about governmental and parliamentary issues.
During that period also an interesting incident occurred. A message came from Chief Minister Jyoti Basu to me: “Can Atalji and you have dinner with me at Vasant Vihar, New Delhi? Let’s discuss how the functioning of the V.P. Singh Government can be improved.â€
While we agreed to the proposal and the dinner held at the guest house of a gentleman known to both sides, I did convey to the Marxists: “Would it not be more appropriate if the Dinner is held either at Atalji’s place, or mine, or then the Chief Minister may host a dinner for us at Calcutta ?†It was conveyed to us from the C.M.’s side that his party would not like it !
I have often cited an episode from the Jana Sangh’s Kozhikode (Calicut) session of 1967 presided over by the party’s principal ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. Deendayalji was criticized for allowing the Jana Sangh to become part of an SVD Government in Bihar in which the CPI also was a partner.
I can never forget how Deendayal ji responded to that criticism. He said: “I regard it as an irony that while in social matters, practising untouchability is supposed to be evil, in political matters, not practising untouchability towards some supposedly ‘pariah’ sections is deemed unpardonable. My counsel to the Jana Sangh is: Don’t compromise with your principles, or values; but do not subscribe to any kind of untouchability : neither social nor politicalâ€.
L.K. Advani
New Delhi
July 04, 2010
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July 4th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Very true. This blind opposition and the untouchability practised by the left and other so called secular parties is beyond reasoning and understanding. It also prevents objective thinking, rational thoughts, principles and co- operation. This has set a bad precedent in the polity and left the polity and politics divided. This is exclusivism rather than inclusivism.
In a democracy one has to carry together all forms of diverse opinions, even those not subscribed to by one, mainly because democracy offers such freedom of diverse opinions and expression. To practise such exclusivist practices not only bodes bad for democracy but also fosters hostility. Today they say I dont talk to you, tommorow they might say you have no right to live on this earth !
July 4th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
I would also add a few more instances of political co-operation and maturity.
Yourself and Atal ji have open heartedly and vehemently supported the new economic policies initiated by PVN govt in 1991, both in India and abroad. I remember reading your statements emanating from Washington wherein you stressed on the continuity of policies and assured your continuous political support. The PVN govt was a minority govt at that time and your assurances had gone a long way, helping in the US and whole world in believing that the reforms were here to stay and to encourage them to invest in India.
Such sportsmanship and co-operation which sadly is lacking in today’s politics should ideally return. Hope more people will follow the footsteps of Basudeb Acharya and make entry into the “forbidden territory” without any pre-conceived notions.
July 5th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Respected Advaniji,
I thank you for your intervention and your successful persuasion of Justice Santhosh Hegde to continue as LOK AYUKTA of KARNATAKA.
My respect to you as a STATESMAN politician has only increased after your intervention and also it clearly shows that your guidance is still required in BJP to remain as ‘PARTY WITH DIFFERENCE”.For a BJP supporter like me its nothing less than a “DIVINE INTERVENTION”!
The LOK AYUKTA has clearly told that if the commitments are not fulfilled he will only complain to you and consider this as your failure!Hope the CM will fullfil the promise towards empowering the LOKAYUKTA and also will keep his commitments to you !
thank you once again
REGARDS
PUNEETH KUMAR
BENGALURU
+91 9901555330
July 5th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Respected L.K. Advani ji.
We are sending you a copy of an open letter that we have sent to the President of the congress party and its leaders.
NDA, LEFT BANDH TODAY AGAINST OIL, FOOD PRICE & POVERTY
——————————————————————————–
Respected Congress president & leaders of the party,
NDA, Left called for Bandh against rise of oil prices, food prices & poverty.
When prices of daily-use products rise, it leads to rise in poverty.
In our country lower income & middle income group people are most effected by rising prices of daily use items, food & petroleum products. In fact poverty rises as and when these prices rise.
We common people of India request you to control prices and control the line of poverty.
In our country those who belong to upper strata - industries, business, politics & other high income groups, are not much affected by rising prices of fuel & food and so for them, it does not matter. But for poor people of our country who are living under open sky it affects most.
Control rising prices - control poverty
There is no need for an explaination of poverty by an Economist. It’s obvious. Please compare with one example…… our brave army gives there life for country…and what a shahid’s family members get …. One lakh rupees ! While a 20-20 world cup winner cricketers get … 3 crore rupees each !!! Too to much value for entertainment and too little for the life of our soldiers.
Scams/ Ghotalas abound in India. The lions - corrupt govt machinery - and cows - common men - both have a shared spot of drinking water, now how cows will survive ?
So what the government should do ? It should make stong national security system, give benefits to those who give-up their lives for the country and those who are committed for nation’s welfare. Control rising prices, make things affordable poor people of rural and urban India. Give interest free loan to unemployed youth for self-employment & small businesses. Give rojgar gaurantee to educated youth and arrange unemployed fund. Give devlopment equally in urban & rural area. Give fundamental facilities like free education, free treatment, food & residence to them who are below poverty line.
The whole country today is against rising prices and stands with NDA, Left in their struggle for the poor. As Advani ji says its historical day for the Indians. The whole nation - all opposition parties are united in their effort to protect the common men.
We need your support also and want you to convey this message to your goverment to control rising price without any further delay. If it does, it will mean a control on poverty of the nation.
Jai Hind.
We Indians
Dr. Dharmveer, B.S. Rathor, Basant Vaisnav,
Vinod, Manish, Surya, Prakash & all
July 5th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Respected Sir,
Its so refreshing and motivating to read such positive and constructive thoughts coming from you always. Opposition unity at this juncture is most important for the benefit of the Indian Masses.
Last week, when Jaswant Singh ji was re-inducted into the party - You gave another example of your large heartedness and forgiveness. As i always wish - All these qualities of your should be emulated by the second and third generation leaders of our party.
You must take regular sessions of all the senior leaders, that’ll help the party and country a lot in long term.
May God Bless you with the best of health and energy and bless us countrymen of your visionary and honest leadership for many many more years to come.
With Best Regards, Rajat
July 5th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Dear Advani ji,
I have a lot of respect for you and your vision for a developed India. However the Bharat Bandh called yesterday was meaningless. It was clear that on calling a bandh UPA would not roll back increased fuel prices. We lost 10,000 cr in one day. This is very sad for a developing country like India. The other parties of India may look for their political benefits but BJP should not. We should remain on the basics that country is more important and not individuals or political benefits. I am very young and do not know much about politics. But I know India and I feel everyone should.
I wish only good days in your life!
Thank you,
Asok
July 6th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
When we will see BJP and CPIM symbols in the same poster for contesting elections in the interest of the nation ?
S Mitra
Kolkata
July 6th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
@asok..even BJP and Advaniji did not expect bandh will force this govt to rollback the fuel prices as it has become too arrogant to do that.
Regadng bandh being meaningless, I would like to differ with you. Although no one likes it but it has to be used as a last resort. If BJP had not used other means (parliament debates/ Memo 2 PM/ TV debates/ Resolutions), I would also have condemned them. But when nothing workng, you need to take some drastic steps to make people in the govt listen to you. Also, why so much fuss over 1 day bandh when the issues that are affectng millions, are not being given due importance by elite and biased media. Surely, govt might not concede it but they will be forced to take decisions which will not fuel inflation further. E.g., PM will not dare go for diesel price deregulation which he had announced recently.
July 7th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Respected Sir,
In our country, muslim vote bank is a reality and the truth is that any political party which wants substantial success in the Indian political set up can never ignore this reality. The problem with the BJP is that it has unfortunately acquired some kind of hard Hindutva or anti Muslim image and this makes other political parties extremely wary of forging any kind of alliance or association with it.
I think that instead of searching for suitable alliance, BJP should focus on bringing awareness among the people about the issues which are crippling the nation, bad Govt. policies and the consequences of vote bank politics. It should patiently play the role of responsible opposition by firmly adhering to it’s principles and ideologies till the voters of this country realize that BJP is better option than Congress.
July 7th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Need your guidance always.
SRV
July 7th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Dear Sir, I would like to share a discussion I had with my friends over Bandh. A friend showed concern and my reply to him was that I did not agree that it was a long term solution.
But this bandh was planned 10 days ago only, things could have done in more integrated ways…worst hit from this bandh was Mumbai even though it is under congress rule. This was due to the fear of shiv sainiks going on rampage. I do not think that people totally agreed with these methods and it actually scares a normal person. More so, it portrays a negative image of the opposition…
Now since Congress is in power they are making decisions, diluting issues, using media and so on… and in some way benefiting their own people and alliances in ministries… may be we can’t stop them from doing these things for next 2-3 years, but certainly, we can influence people in such a way that they never ever come back to power again…. this thought only can scare Congress from taking such decisions… and things will evolve in a more balanced manner..
Also, another point that came up was that the large political parties stay away from people and only go to them just before the election that too with mass-programmes like rally etc…
In our country people are not much connected with political leaders. Besides, people try to stay from political parties. They treat them just in the same way they behave with police, judiciary etc in India… Also, the party workers do not integrate with people well… so some ground work is required….some connection has to be established. Otherwise, people will keep on sourcing their knowledge through the biased, partisan media. Lastly, strategies and agitations like Bandh alienate people. They get afraid and shy away from integrating with the political party or its ideology. It is imperative that political parties and especially the opposition should work towards integrating people and instilling a confidence in them by establishing a bond with them through the grass-root workers.
Amit Chauhan
July 8th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Respected Advani ji,
I have always admired BJP Party leaders but I feel otherwise after seeing Sri Gadkari as the president. With due respect to him, I think he lacks the stature of a national leader, the one who can rally public behind him. May be, he will attain that eventually. Besides, he lacks an impressive personality which is the prerequisite to get people’s attention. The first impression to attract public attention is lost. I may be wrong but I also think that he is not articulate enough to impress the general public. I have nothing against him but I say so as a well wisher of BJP. If he is not able to influence me, a dedicated worker, how will he influence others ?
Then there are other issues. I feel being loud mouth in public speaking is taking a toll and giving bad name to your party. In my view, one should not talk ill about the other parties .This creates unnecessary frictions and leaves a bad taste. It also belittles you in public eyes. The leaders should talk about what goals they have for the country and its people? They should their home work well.
Sir, one more suggestion.You may like it or you may not. I think you should start a healthy, friendly relationship with other parties, other than Congress. The reason is I see the policy of Congress to follow the DIVIDE AND RULE.
In my vision, I feel the time has come to UNITE FOR A GOOD CAUSE.This is the only way for all the other parties to come back in power to prove their worth once again. As the public is really confused as they don’t have much choice in store while voting. Once you all unite and show your power and strength of togetherness.Atleast people will see some ray of hope somewhere in the darkness.
Last not the least one, I would like to propose that India be recognized a Hindu State. And what is stopping India to declare itself as a Hindu State ? All other countries are proud to be recognized as Muslims, Christians, Jewish etc. They all feel so proud of their identity in the world. We Indians, in the name of secularism, are losing and compromising in all aspects in life. Hindus need to rise and shine and demand their majority to be recognized by one and all.
We are not against progress of any religion. We would love to take everyone together as they belong to us. We all are one and should share the same rights, only demand is to recognize the country as Hindu State.
July 8th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Sir,
I would like to share my views on your blog in context of your post. When two leaders of different political parties want to meet each other on some either national or the local issues they should gather open heartedly without any fear that their party may lose their vote bank. If any one of them behaves like this it means that party is not strong enough to stand with its own ideology. In my opinion Indian voter is not as foolish as he is considered. Voters are not the property of any party though a group of voters may be influenced with the ideology or gimmicks of any party.
What Deen dayal ji said is right : Don’t compromise with your principles, or values; but do not subscribe to any kind of untouchability: neither social nor politicalâ€.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Respected sir,
You always say something which I think is same as a common man thinks….then why don’t we BJPians or shall I say nationalist Indians win elections ? I want BJP to come again to power anyhow in India.
In my state Rajasthan…..Mr. Ashok Gehlot is interested in giving only rs. 100 for 100 days to persons who are not willng to work, no developement……he’s not at all interested in industries, agriculture… he just wants votes by giving them money for free…….please do something to stop this…
July 9th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Advaniji - Sir its my humble request to tell each one one of us something about the thoughful and passionate politician Sri Jayaprakash Narayan. Many don’t know about him and would be interested to know the revoultion that he brought in during the 70’s. Hope to see a post on this.
July 11th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Sir,
No one knows or realises your value. We get saddened by this, but then not every johari gets a chance to review a koh-i-noor in his lifetime. Those who value you, people like me, shall keep on doing this irrespective of everything. Rest everything is fate. But sir choose your men carefully for its yours not their credibility at stake.
Thanks & regards,
Sat Sri Akal.