BJP strategy in Parliament: Aggression is the best form of defense

Therefore, to blame Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP or the NDA is nothing but the opposition’s “intolerance” of the BJP as the ruling party. Also, the party will accuse the Congress of orchestrating most of the protests.

BJP’s strategists have decided to go on to the offensive with ammunition provided by Subramanian Swamy’s allegations against Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on his `British’ nationality and the recent controversial statements by Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Salman Khurshid in Pakistan against the BJP government and PM Modi.

The strategy will be explained to BJP MPs at a parliamentary party meeting this evening.

Some BJP leaders, however, admit that the party has been put on the defensive mainly because of the controversial statements made by a number of leaders. These remarks could embarrass the party in Parliament too.

If this is the final strategy, the winter session maybe a washout just like the last two sessions– despite the PM’s call for Parliament to function.

Aggression may help give the party the upper hand in television discussions and in parliamentary debates but it will be at the cost of legislative business and the BJP’s reform agenda for which legislation like GST is crucial and requires the cooperation of the Opposition. The spectacular victory in Bihar has emboldened the Opposition and regional parties are unlikely to be soft on a BJP and PM who no longer seem “invincible”.

A section in the BJP feels that it’s time that the party has to drop its approach to the issues raised by the artists, writers or scientists As the ruling party, it has to run the business of the House. The Prime Minister also has to deliver on his promises for which the functioning of Parliament is essential. Some BJP leaders feel that instead of questioning the patriotism of those criticising the atmosphere of `intolerance’, party leaders and the government should reach out to them and address their concerns.