‘Elections can hardly be called a revival of Hindutva agenda’

When everybody demanded the resignation of Narendra Modi on alleged moral grounds, what can be more moral than the Chief Minister offering to go back to the people and seeking their mandate where he should continue or not? Those who are opposing elections in Gujarat must realise that elections are a constitutional imperative, not a matter of political expediency.

Elections can hardly be called a revival of the Hindutva agenda.

As an NRI, I am very concerned about the beating India’s image has taken in the West over Gujarat. Ashu

RIOTS and violence do adversely affect our national image. However, facts with regard to the State Government’s role have to be understood. A state where police arrested over 40,000 people for preventive and punitive charges; filed chargesheets against the accused within time, carried on a massive relief and rehabilitation exercise; where police repeatedly took harsh steps such as firing, tear gas shelling to tackle rioters can hardly be termed as being inactive.

The insurgency in J&K has compelled many Kashmiri Pandits to leave the state and lead a miserable life in camps. What are your plans to resettle them? Rajiv

THE BJP has been advocating the resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley. To enable this to happen, it is necessary that conditions for their return be created. The condition precedent is elimination of insurgency and cross border terrorism.

The RSS has demanded trifurcation of J&K while other parties demand autonomy. How will you deal with this problem? Name not given

IT appears that some people are genuinely concerned with the sense of discrimination being felt in Jammu and Ladakh. However, trifurcation of J&K is not the solution. In any case, trifurcation is only possible after both the constitutions of J&K and India are amended. This is currently not only improbable but virtually impossible. The Government is prepared to discuss devolution of powers both with regard to the States and with regard to regions within the States with all interested groups.

Is overruling the Supreme Court directives on politicians’ eligibility to contest elections is in the interest of the public? Name not given

THE Government is seriously concerned with both the issues of criminals and corruption in politics. So is my party. We are in favour of disclosing present criminal cases along with the nomination papers. We are also in favour of returned candidates disclosing their assets. However, there are several issues which arise out of the court judgment and the Election Commission’s orders. The power to legislate is with Parliament. Other constitutional authorities, however highly regarded, cannot exercise that power. The unguided powers given to the Returning Officers to reject nomination papers on grounds other than those mentioned in the Representation of Peoples Act is unacceptable.

Are you happy leaving the Law Ministry and becoming an administrator? Barar

I ENJOYED working in all the four ministries that I handled—Information & Broadcasting, Disinvestment, Shipping and Law, Justice & Company Affairs. This is my first real experience at organisational activity and I am looking forward to it.