What L K Advani Means To Indian Polity
By
/ November 9, 2017 
What’s good for one group can be bad for another; this is how we can summarize politics in one sentence. The lately held Catalan Independence Referendum or the Brexit event or how we remember the 100 years of Bolshevik Revolution of Russia or the 160 years of undivided India’s first uprising against the colonial rule havesomething in common – people on both sides have their own set of arguments in favour of a particular setup; those who voted out of the EU in the Brexit poll considered their view as the rightful one, so were the supporters of Lenin in the Russian revolution against the Tsarist autocracy in 1917.
We remember the actions of politicians and political groups based on our own understanding and liking. One who has thrived under China’s one-party communist setup will hail the Communist Party of China while the detractors (proponents of democracy) wouldn’t. Same is the case with Indian political landscape where a good leader for someone is an autocrat, a dictator, a tyrant for the other. Rarely do we discuss the impact one has had on the country’s politics based on rationales and with a non-partisan view.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of today is a powerful entity. The leaders of this party are serving as Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and in other crucial roles all across the country. The Congress has now been termed as ‘the grand old party’, which in the eyes of many political thinkers needs a thorough reformation to stay relevant. But was this the story a few decades back? Have we forgotten how Jan Sangh was only an alliance partner in the Janata Party government that dethroned the then dominant Indian National Congress in 1977, and that it wasn’t until the late 90s that the rechristened Jan Sangh as BJP could give India stable government?
Neither wasthen a wave like it is today for a single face, nor were there such high anti-incumbency sentiments. These are all the combined effects of the penetration of news and social media in the lives of the common people of today. How could then BJP emerge as the sole reliable opposition group to the Congress monopoly on the national level?
It is a well-documented fact that with Atal Bihari Vajpayee as president, whose approach to religion is regarded as ‘moderate’, BJP couldn’t gain the support it needed to challenge the clout of Congress and other regional parties. Had it not been the smart political campaign led by L K Advani in the 1980s, the BJP even today couldnot have emerged assuch a formidable political force. Many analysts and historians may have categorized hismethod as hardline Hindutva and undermined the contributions of Mr. Advani, but to him that piece of land in Ayodhya belonged to the Hindu God and asserting this in a peaceful manner through his Rathyatras was no unlawful act.
Here is the rationale the pseudo-seculars may need. The Uttar Pradesh government failed to add the iconic Taj Mahal to its tourism book for 2017 and the uproar that followed generated headlines. Would you then classify these faultfinders as hardline Islamists?The teachings of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) may have shaped his views on faith, but linking this association with what many term as ‘hardline Hindutva’ is deplorable, something that isn’t backed by rationales but by a veiled attempt to portray any non-Congress entity as an enemy of India’s secular and tolerant fabric.
Even the defeat of the BJP in 2009 cannot be directly attributed to its then Prime Ministerial candidate. The organization wasn’t as strong as it is today and the widespread denunciation of Congress and other regional parties that exists today wasn’t of same weight at that time. The media wanted sensational stories ahead of the 2014 general elections; hence the rise of Narendra Modi was termed as forced sidelining of Mr. Advani. Any political party needs to win the votes at the end of the day and if that had to come with a face that could connect well with the youth and discontented voters, the choice of Modi in 2014 was justifiable.
As he turns 90, L K Advani needs more of appreciation than sensationalism of what he could not achieve. As a matter of fact, occupying the office of Prime Minister of India isn’t as big an achievement as is establishing a political party against seemingly unassailable behemoth of those times, the Congress. It is an acceptable fact that had BJP chosen him to serve as the 14th President of the Republic of India, it would have been a much appreciated act. Sadly, the prevailing circumstances could not allow the same; however, confining L K Advani’s stature to only these offices would be similar to asserting that the World War II and not Gandhiji’s prolonged struggle brought India independence from British rule.
As a non-partisan countryman, it is time to accept what Mr. Advani, a true statesman, gave to the Indian polity – a party that stands taller than any other today, a party that is redefining good governance and could rid us from dynasty politics. It’s time we collectively hail him.
That’s luck. Manmohan Singh didn’t ever dream of being PM and he served as one for 10 years. And Mr Advani, even when capable, could not become for the foolishness of voters in 2009.
What President, what Prime Minister? Advani is stronger than these two and has given the country much more without being in this offices. He should be felicitated for his achievements.
The defeat in 2009 elections was the last straw that brought down Advani from being the top BJP leader to being the margdarshak. Today’s politicians have no respect for their elders.
Advani is the seniormost leader of BJP and I would regard him above Atal Ji because had it not been his hard work and rapport-building with the mass, BJP could never have reached at the top.
No its not Modi or someone else who has sidelined L K Advani. It was only the need of time because this is how politics is. No one has to be blamed for it.
In America, people cannot have same president after 8 years in office so they could not have Obama again. Similarly, Indian politicians also retire from mainstream and Advani did that gracefully.
What does anyone expect? A PM of 90 years of age? No. He is a statesman and we all respect him for his contributions to party, country and Hinduism. He remains a legend wherever he is.
This is undoubtedly the most clean and clear form of writing that have seen so far. Congrats to attain this level.
Rathyatras of Advani resonated with the public and his charismatic appeal and persona won the electorate. BJP is a product of Advani and todays leaders must accept this.
Even we don’t regard him as a hardliner. Yes he wasn’t a pseudo-secular and a charmer like other leaders of his time. And this was the reason why he couldn’t become Prime Minister.
No one can undermine the political achievements and contributions of Vajpayee Ji to Indian politics. Believe it or not, Advani Ji was his mentor and guide and Atal Ji was incomplete without him.
I look forward to reading your next informative work soon. Thank You.
I wonder how come you get to know that this is the exact information that I have been looking for. Thanks a ton man.
Pretty. This has been an incredibly wonderful article. Many thanks for supplying this information
Thank you for the introduction to the new website. I will be re-visiting it many times, but on a fast run-through it looks really great.
Very good information. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident
So wonderful to discover someone with some unique thoughts on this issue.
Very soon this web page will be famous among all blogging and site-building users, due to it is pleasant articles
Your article has truly peaked my interest.
I like the way you put thoughts forward
Hello, its my first time to commenting any post. But I could not stop myself from commenting on reading through such a sensible piece of writing.
It is always exciting to read through articles from other authors and use a little something from other sites.
Great article. Keep writing such kind of information on your site. Im really impressed by your blog.
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the most useful blogs online. I am going to highly recommend this blog.
Great delivery. Sound arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.
An enlightening work.
Hi there to every one, since I am really eager of reading this weblogs post to be updated daily. It contains fastidious stuff.
Very good post. I absolutely love this site. Stick with it.
I definitely enjoyed every bit of it.
Thanks for the marvelous posting. I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you are a great author. I will always bookmark your blog and will come back very soon. I want to encourage that you continue your great work,have a nice day.
Way cool. Some extremely valid points. I appreciate you penning this post and the rest of the website is really good.
I do not even know how I ended up here, however I assumed this publish was great. I do not recognize who you are however certainly you are going to a well-known blogger in the event you are not already. Cheers.
I applaud the publications of yours.
Hello th?r?. I could have sworn I have been to your blog befo?e but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it i? ne? to me. Regardless, I am certainly ha?py I ?tumbled upon it an? I will be book-marking it and checking back r?gularly.
I really love your website.. Excellent colors & theme.
I just want to mention I am all new to weblog and truly savored this blog site. Likely I want to bookmark your blog . You actually have terrific articles. With thanks for sharing with us your web site.
Very descriptive article. I enjoyed it a lot. Waiting to see next article soon.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday. It is always interesting to read through content from other authors and practice something from their web sites.
I have learn several just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you set to create such a fantastic informative web site.
What I have seen so far is brilliant and everyone involved should be congratulated. I can see me spending the rest of the evening perusing the site. Just when I thought I would like an early night.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting.
This was an exceptionally nice post
Quality posts is the important to be a focus for the people to visit the web page, that is what this web site is providing.
So good to find somebody with some unique thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thanks for starting this up.
This site definitely has all of the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and did not know who to ask.
I totally appreciate your insights. Keep rising.
The site looks absolutely fantastic. Well done to all involved. Very professional & the navigation is great too. Cheers.
I recently had a good fortune of reading your article it is really well written with updated information. I will be returning here often now.
Quality articles or reviews is the key to attract the users to go to see the web site, that is what this web page is providing.
Pretty. This has been a really wonderful article. Thanks for supplying these details
Article looks great and really inspires me to come back to your website regularly.
I just had to drop you a line to let you know that John and I think that the website is BRILLIANT……………………… Well done.
Hi there. This post could not be written any better. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for informing about this particular subject. Very informative and helpful
I could not refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written.
Your article has been an inspiration to me. It has given me hope. Keep up the good work.
Nice Post
it is very straightforward to find out any topic on net as compared to books, as I found this article at this web site.
You have made some decent points there.
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts. Carry on the great work.
Keep the good articles coming.
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written.
I have read so many posts about the blogger lovers however this paragraph is in fact a fastidious paragraph, keep it up.
Such well drafted articles are not easily found on web. Cudos.
A masterpiece.
Rarely do I come across a blog that is both educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
Kudos for putting up such an amazing work.
Oh my goodness. Amazing article dude. Thank you so much
I gotta favorite this internet site it seems very useful very helpful
You are so awesome. I do not believe I have read through a single thing like this before
Keep up the good work.
I need to to thank you for this wonderful read.. I certainly loved every little bit of it. I have got you book-marked to look at new stuff you post…
You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject that is been discussed for years. Wonderful stuff, just excellent.
I honestly appreciate people like you. Take care..
Your article is an impression of your high thinking and great perspective
Hi,That nice post Thanks
Just a quick note to appreciate you for your outstanding work on post.
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody. This post posted at this web page is really pleasant.
Let me encourage your attention to details which puts you at the top amongst all the bloggers.
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe that this amazing site needs much more attention. I will probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the advice.
Congratulations Dr Gupta in the setting up of your attractive, informative and very professional website. Well done.
My family always say that I am killing my time here at net, however I know I am getting know-how all the time by reading such good articles.
Really.. thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality.
Just finished reading your article and wanted to congratulate you on your compelling abilities. Good luck for the future work.
it is actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this.
I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous site.
I was able to find good advice from your blog articles.
Multiflavour … Nice thought, thanks.
Hi there. I simply would like to give you a big thumbs up for your great information you have got right here on this post. I will be returning to your website for more soon.
Thank you for each of your work on this site. Ellie take interest in managing investigations and it’s really easy to understand why. My partner and i hear all concerning the compelling mode you produce very helpful tactics via the web blog and as well invigorate response from other individuals on this area while our favorite child has always been understanding a lot. Have fun with the rest of the year. You are always doing a really good job.