Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee today said that Hindutva is neither a religion nor a way of worship but encompasses all sections of society.
‘‘Hindutva is not a religion but a philosophy which encompasses all irrespective of caste or creed. And it is timeless,’’ Vajpayee said at the BJP headquarters here on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Jan Sangh ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay. Contrary to the usual anti-Muslim rhetoric of the Sangh Parivar, the Prime Minister said that all humanity is one and no section of society or the country can be ignored.
Vajpayee also said that it was time the candidates bore their expenses instead of depending on industrialists. He asked, ‘‘Why should we depend on industrialists to contribute for elections? ’’
Dy PM L.K. Advani, who was also present at the function, underlined the need for India and Pakistan to come together voluntarily to form a confederation as was envisaged by Upadhayay. He said, ‘‘When he spoke of Akhand Bharat, he wanted both parts of the country to voluntarily come together as a confederation. As the two are sovereign states, they should do so with the consent of the people.’’
