Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Notes on recently concluded BJP conclave

Attempt to portray Mulayam as friend

The shrew politician that Atal Bihari Vajpayee is was proved once again when he left the people guessing whether Mulayam had a soft-corner towards BJP or at least towards Vajpayee. While delivering his speech at party’s national council meet, Vajpayee said: “I must extend my gratitude towards Mulayam for his hospitality.”
This was not the first time when a statement by Vajpayee has amply indicated the proximity of the two leaders. During the campaigning of the last Lok Sabha poll, Vajpayee while addressing a public meeting in the state capital had appealed to the Muslims to vote for Samajwadi party. He had then said: “What has Congress done for you all. If you are not with us then vote for Mulayam Singh, who had once even sacrificed his government for your cause.”
Critics are eyeing this recent statement by Vajpayee as another arsenal from Vajpayee’s shrewd and calculative mind. It is in the interest of the BJP that the Muslim community comes to conclude that Mulayam and Vajpayee have a tacit understanding with each other. Since the major fight for UP’s throne is set to take place between SP and BJP, attempt to portray Mulayam as friend would lead to division of vote, a large percentage of which would then shift to BSP, Congress and other parties. Lucknow mayoral elections have shown how the divided support to Congress and SP eventually led to gains for the BJP. Time will tell whether the Muslims fall prey to this calculated move.

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