Divine delirium

It is not the government’s case that the BJP and the VHP and Bajrang Dal do not share the same worldview or objectives. The difference between them is only on tactics.

Atal BehariVajpayee’s sincerity is plain when he describes the destruction of the masjid as a mishap. He is known to have been at odds with his party’s mobilisation strategy in 1992 and deeply shaken by the consequences. His assurances are not questioned but his ability to act on them is doubtful unless pre-emptive steps are taken to avoid being presented with a fait accompli by the VHP and Bajrang Dal.

It is very evident they are raring to go and have their own internal compulsions to keep Hindutva enterprises going. Thwarted in the absurd and damaging project to turn Pokharan into a religious shrine, they are bound to redouble their efforts on the temple. Having been at the centre of the Ramjanmabhoomi movement, the BJP should understand how an unstoppable momentum develops. Unfortunately, “mishaps” do occur and are repeated.

It is not being unduly sceptical to ask whether, in all circumstances, Kalyan Singh’s word will be as good as Vajpayee’s. Or how long Ashok Singhal will be willing to give precedence to theBJP’s agenda over his own.

It makes practical sense to nip mischief in the bud rather than to wait for matters to spin out of control as the Narasimha Rao government did, closing its eyes to kar seva at Ayodhya and then finding the mobs had taken charge.

It is ingenuous to argue nothing can be done about off-site construction of the temple or the propaganda accompanying it. True, the government cannot intervene here but the BJP surely can use its proven clout in the sangh parivar to call a halt to provocative activity. With BJP governments in UP and Rajasthan, the Centre is in a strong position to curb trouble-makers.

What is required is a firm, unequivocal message to the VHP, Bajrang Dal and others of the clan. They seem confident of achieving their plans having seen how the BJP buckles under pressure and how the law and order machinery collapses when mobs go beserk. By bringing the culprits of 1992 to speedy justice the government will prove that vandalism carries a heavy price. The government shouldnot sit on its hands and let events overtake it.