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The Advani Chat

Nationalism is India's dynamo for progress, says Advani

Kumar Ketkar, editor, Maharashtra Times:
Don't you think Mr. Advani that your emphasis on Hindutva during the Loksabha elections actually alienated a lot many people who prefer their other identities like being Tamil, Telugu, Dravidian or being Yadav or Jat. And would this not be a permanent handicap for the party whose unique selling proposition is being Hindu Nationalist first?

L K ADVANI:
We hold that if nationalism was India's principal weapon in it's strggle for Independence from foreign yoke. Nationalism is Independent India's dynamo for progress and growth. All these controversies, questions hinging around Hindutva really relate to our understanding of what is the content of Indian nationalism. I may recall that we never used the word Hindutva throughout the Jan Sangh period. Even the basic policy document released in 1980 by the BJP does not use the word Hindutva. We have never sought to draw a distinction between Indianess and Bharatiyata and Hindutva. For us all these words are synonymous, and denote Indian nationalism. Unfortunately, some of our opponents have in the name of secularism sought to interpret Indian nationalism as simply a geographical or political concept having no cultural content whatsoever. Some of these even question our view that India is one country, that Indians are one people.

Mahesh Vijapurkar from The Hindu:
Islam prohibits idolatory. Even if the idols had been removed, the "mosque" in Ayodhya could have been "na-pak". Do you think that the Muslims had a use for the structure at all? Did you consult the Islamic clergy on this?

L K ADVANI:
Maheshji, if opinoin makers in the Muslim community were to look back at all that has happened during the past few years at Ayodhya and recognising the strong sentiments of millions of their Hindu compatriots with regard to this birth place of Rama and withdrawing any claim to the site let a temple be constructed at the spot, it would lead to a sea change in the entire climate. It would be a magnificient unparalleled gesture which would contribute to social and communal harmony as nothing else has recently done.

Ramana Murty, New York:
Namaskar Advaniji : What are BJP's plans for technology? A party which regrets that even after 50 years of Independence despite our immense technological and scientific potential India continues to lag behind and which aspires to secure for India a place in the front ranks of the international community by the time we enter the 21st Century cannot but be concerned about ensuring that science and technology are able to play their due role in the transformation that we seek.

Srikanth Konda, Atlanta, Georgia (Sat Jul 13 21:28:12 1996 IST)
Almost all of your adversaries agree that you are not one of the hawala recepients. How long will it take to clear your name? Why are the courts moving slow on your case? On the other side, how long do you think it will take to sell P V N Rao to jail?

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 21:30:56 1996 IST)
Continuing about BJP's plans on technology. Mr. Murthy, the BJP believes that science is nor merely for harnessing nature for material wealth, but is intended also to liberate and enrich the mind and enlarge the human spirit. The BJP's manifesto spells out 12 specific steps the party would like to be taken in the sphere of science and technology. Let me quote the manifesto.

shameem akthar, the telegraph (Sat Jul 13 21:34:04 1996 IST)
why did the bjp mess up on the portfolio allotment of a senior leader like sikander bakht and also forfeit a chance to show the muslims that the party is not pseudo secular like the congress?

kumar ketkar, editor maharashtra times`(Sat Jul 13 21:34:51 1996 IST)
when do you think this government will face its first crisis of survival? And how long this government will be able to pull on? As a follow up of that, do you think that you will have a walkover in the elections if they come before March 1997? Or you think you will have to change your campaign strategy to build a broader base?

Adelphi, London (Sat Jul 13 21:35:27 1996 IST)
What is the BJP doing to emerge as a true national party?

ags (Sat Jul 13 21:35:40 1996 IST)
LK dude, whats the reason for you promoting Atal Behari Vajpayee? We all know you would be the prime candidate for leadership of BJP.

MINI PANT ZACHARIAH , The Asian Age (Sat Jul 13 21:36:13 1996 IST)
Despite your pre lok sabha claims, the bjp has not found a foothold in the southern states. What was the reason? and how does the BJP plan to overcome this?

ags (Sat Jul 13 21:37:26 1996 IST)
LK dude, whats the reason for you promoting Atal Behari Vajpayee? We all know you would be the prime candidate for leadership of BJP

kumar ketkar, editor maharashtra times (Sat Jul 13 21:37:33 1996 IST)
If indeed, the Hindutva is synonymous with the Bharatiyatva or being Indian then why not just say Bharatiya, Why insist on Hindutva which actlayy hurts and alienates people having different faiths or even agnostics?

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 21:37:50 1996 IST)
To: Mr. Shrikant Konda, Atlanta. Cases in Indian courts move at a snail's pace. When a charge sheet was filed against me, my immediate reaction was firstly to send in my resignation from the Lok Sabha to the Speaker of the House, secondly to announce that I would not be going back to Parliament, that I would not be constesting any election until I was absolved of the charge, and thirdly, to demand that an expeditious day-to-day trial be held in this case.

kk (Sat Jul 13 21:37:57 1996 IST)
Sir: Your comments about INDIA's internal security. How would you deal with it differently ?

mahesh vijapurkar, the hindu, mumbai (Sat Jul 13 21:38:09 1996 IST)
mr. advani, i have another question. is it possible that strategically, in your efforts to form a government, you failed to seek the supof smaller parties early enough? perhaps as the results began to roll in BJP could have spoken of a coalition, not a BJP government and sought support in advance of karunanidhi, moopanar/chidambaram and naidu? do you agree, in retrospect that this was a costly error for a party which is known for not overlooking any option?

ags (Sat Jul 13 21:39:37 1996 IST)
mini pant, I believe BJP should have a single reason to go full India. If they continue with Hindutva, they will only fall. Why only Hindutva Shri LK Advani?

Michael Boothroyd, Cincinatti (Sat Jul 13 21:41:07 1996 IST)
When do you think the BJP will actually take charge of govertnance in India. How will you change the way India is governed? What plans do you have for the poor?

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 21:41:58 1996 IST)
Unfortunately, the CBI, the main prosecuting agency has been dragging its feet in the matter. For more than two months they failed to file relevant papers. It is six months now that the charge sheet has been filed. Arguments are still on as to whether the charges should be framed or not by the court. I can only hope that a decision on this preliminary phase would come soon.

mini pant zachariah (Sat Jul 13 21:42:20 1996 IST)
to ags mini pant is very original hahahaaaa. i should know having lived a long life.

srm (Sat Jul 13 21:43:00 1996 IST)
Do you think it would be a good idea for you to learn a South Indian language, such as Telugu, Tamil, Kannada or Malayalam to foster North-South unity? What a lovely gesture it would be! We ask South Indians to learn Hindi but should we not take the trouble to dive into their oceans? I think the Kamban Ramayan and Tirukkural are among the best texts anywhere, but few Indians (let alone non-Indians) outside of Tamil Nadu have heard of it. What a shame! I say this as a pucca North Indian.

Sambasiva Murthy, San Jose (Sat Jul 13 21:43:03 1996 IST)
How real is the Islamic threat to India? Do you think Islamic fundamentalism poses a challenge to India's future?

ags (Sat Jul 13 21:44:11 1996 IST)
MP Zachariah... no insult meant. I get Asian Age and read your reports with relish. The first time I read your name.. I had a little laugh. Now it's in the system!

Mini Pant Zachariah , The Asian Age (Sat Jul 13 21:44:28 1996 IST)
In Maharashtra,strained relations between the BJP and Sena are further tested with the two fighting a newspaper war. How long will the BJP play second fiddle to the Sena?

Madhu (Sat Jul 13 21:44:47 1996 IST)
Advaiji, Why are some BJP leaders apologetic aboout the Babri-majid demolition?

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 21:46:00 1996 IST):
To: Adelphi, London Insofar as our outlook and policies are concerned, the BJP is truly a national party. But if your question, Mr Adelphi, is aimed at knowing about our geographical spread, I can only say that the pace at which the party has been growing in the past few years makes us confident that very soon the BJP would be able to secure representation from all parts of the country.

ags (Sat Jul 13 21:46:47 1996 IST):
Shree Advani.. are you trying to develop imbalances in the current government through your party's intelligence , so that they collapse and you can go for an all out victory in the mid term poll, if it succeeds? Congress is falling apart anyways, and you would remain the largest party :) Peace anyways... A lotus grows only in mud, you know :)

Lekha Rattanani, Outlook, Mumbai (Sat Jul 13 21:48:25 1996 IST):
Are you planning any long term solution to the problems in your Gujarat unit. The dissidents led by Shankersinh Vaghela feel that your decisions have been totally one-sided.

Madhu (Sat Jul 13 21:48:21 1996 IST):
Advaiji, Why are some BJP leaders apologetic aboout the Babri-majid demolition?

mahesh vijapurkar, the hindu, mumbai (Sat Jul 13 21:49:13 1996 IST):
mr. advani. thanks for the response but you did not touch on the main point raised. because of the idols making it "na-pak" would muslims return to it to offer namaaz? there is i believe no purificatory process in islam. once na-pak, always na-pak. pl comment on this.

mallikarjun (Sat Jul 13 21:49:27 1996 IST):
Advaniji ,Can you elaborate on the dual citizenship

ags (Sat Jul 13 21:49:49 1996 IST):
Shree Advani... WHY DO YOU have MP's with criminal record? Are they gonna do good the people they have been elected for? I I say.... sensible people atleast....

mini pant zachariah (Sat Jul 13 21:50:41 1996 IST):
ags thanks. on the net only for a while for Ask Advani. fun. what r u a great secret?

ags (Sat Jul 13 21:49:49 1996 IST):
Shree Advani... WHY DO YOU have MP's with criminal record? Are they gonna do good the people they have been elected for? I I say.... sensible people atleast....

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 21:51:12 1996 IST):
To: Michael, USA In 1996 we have crossed the hump by outbeating the Congress and all other parties and becoming the largest party in the Indian Parliament. I am optimistic that the next general election, whenever it comes, would offer us an opportunity to secure a clear majority and be able to form a government. By pursuing a sterile, command economy strategy for over four decades, the Congress Party has missed a unique opportunity. In these 49 years of independence, the country could have tackled its basic needs.

ags (Sat Jul 13 21:53:52 1996 IST):
MP Zachariah.. I'm only a student.. please don't grill ME!!

kk (Sat Jul 13 21:53:53 1996 IST):
Sir: One more time..Your comments about INDIA's internal security. Thank you..

meena (Sat Jul 13 21:55:06 1996 IST):
Why did BJP elect to come to the power when everyone knew they didn't stand a chance.. Was that the lust of power ?? It has greatly tarnished BJP's image in my mind..!!

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 21:55:18 1996 IST):
It's good that the Congress itself decided in 1991 to take a U-turn. We had been pleading for liberalisation since the days the BJP functioned as Jan Sangh. Now we propose to dismantle the license-permit-quota raj effectively and rapidly when we come to power. In the field of economy we favour minimum government, but in contrast to the situation in advanced western countries, in India government has to play a very active role insofar as the social field is concerned. Education, health and social justice

mahesh vijapurkar, the hindu, mumbai (Sat Jul 13 21:56:11 1996 IST):
mr. advani, i have another question. is it possible that strategically, in your efforts to form a government, you failed to seek the supof smaller parties early enough? perhaps as the results began to roll in BJP could have spoken of a coalition, not a BJP government and sought support in advance of karunanidhi, moopanar/chidambaram and naidu? do you agree, in retrospect that this was a costly error for a party which is known for not overlooking any option?

Ramana (Sat Jul 13 21:56:49 1996 IST):
Advaniji, for the last fifty years, the ruling elite kept informing us, the common folk, how great socialism is all about, now that has proved to be a total disaster,they have now latched onto the globalisation bandwagon and are making the case how great it is, pray explain to me why should we believe these same people who led us into disaster ?

Bharathi (Sat Jul 13 21:57:48 1996 IST):
Mr. Advani, atleast 20% of the Tamil Nadu people always voted for some national parties like congress. But now they sense a hallowness in congress. During the 13 days of BJP government you gained lots of sympathy with this group. If you can reassure the Tamil Nadu people about two language formula Tamil and English - you can gain lots of support. I think the BJP has the spirit of Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi. Can you adopt the two language formula as one of the policies of BJP? Do you have any plans.

gs (Sat Jul 13 22:00:46 1996 IST):
Shri Advaniji. What do you think of your failure in Kashmir? I mean Congress won & you stood a chance!

ss (Sat Jul 13 22:01:15 1996 IST):
Hello Advaniji, What about a rathyatra in Cyberspace???

Bharathi (Sat Jul 13 22:02:15 1996 IST):
Mr. Advani, do you have any pland to invite Mr. Rajinikanth to join BJP? It will be great move. Mr. Rajinikanth is a clean and decent human being with huge mass following. His statements generally about politics reflects his ideas are similar to BJPs.

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 22:03:45 1996 IST):
To: Bharathi Bharatiji, it was in 1967 that that the Jan Sangh held its first plenary conference at Calicut in the South. It was here that under the presidentship of Shri Deendayal Upadhyaya the party committed itself to bilinguisim -- namely, the use of both Hindi and English in the central government. Since then we have steadfastly stuck to this approach.

kk (Sat Jul 13 22:04:07 1996 IST):
Sir: Why the silence about issues like INDIA's internal security?

mallikarjun (Sat Jul 13 22:04:57 1996 IST):
Advaniji, I am surprised to see the India outline maps here(USA).The maps here are showing only a part of kashmir. Why don't you raise this issue in parliament or uno.

Mahesh (Sat Jul 13 22:05:16 1996 IST):
Namaste Advaniji, I feel the internal bickerings in the Gujarat unit of BJP has done damage to the Sangh parivar's claim of being a disciplined nationalist outfit? As a Svayamsevak I feel disturbed by this. What do you have to say? Dhanyawad, Mahesh Vannavada

Dinesh (Sat Jul 13 22:05:45 1996 IST):
Advaniji, what do you think of the BJP's homepage, Kamal Darshan, in the Cyberspace?

Nilesh (Sat Jul 13 22:06:18 1996 IST):
Shri Advaniji, I have never been a BJP supporter. But over tyhe last few months, I have begun to change my views. Not because I have begun to like the BJP, but because I feel in the state that the Indian politics is today, it might not be a bad idea to give BJP a chance. I hope that when the BJP comes to power, which I am sure it will, you stick by your policies and do not end up as other political parties who compromise after coming to power.

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 22:06:53 1996 IST):
In the 1996 elections, for the first time a national party, namely the BJP, has succeeded in securing a place in the state assembly, contesting against both the AIADMK and the DMK fronts. It is gratifying, indeed, for the supporters of the BJP to feel that in the Tamil Nadu assembly today both the BJP and the AIADMK are equal in strength -- both having one seat each -- while the Congress party has drawn a blank!

gs (Sat Jul 13 22:07:18 1996 IST):
Advaniji... I'm kinda running out of questions & also time! and no answer :( Main rooth gaya!

ags (Sat Jul 13 22:09:06 1996 IST):
Mr. Imran Khan gave you an invitation to go to Pakistan & raise funds for his cancer hospital. WOuld you go AdvaniJi?

kk (Sat Jul 13 22:11:14 1996 IST):
Sir: I am still waiting for your comments about INDIA's internal security. It is an important issue among foreign investors.

mini pant zachariah (Sat Jul 13 22:11:35 1996 IST):
ags this is on behalf of mr advani : yes, if it will get the bjp more seats.

gs (Sat Jul 13 22:11:46 1996 IST):
Advaniji, I had a bit of support for BJP on the day Deve Ghoda replaced Atal Behari Vajpayee. Do you think you gained from that sympathy wave?

M (Sat Jul 13 22:12:50 1996 IST):
Mr.Advani, When do you expectthe next elections to be? Why did BJP fail in south

mallikarjun (Sat Jul 13 22:14:03 1996 IST):
Advaniji, you have more base Andhra than tamil nadu than what is the reason of getting any seats in andhra.

Mahesh (Sat Jul 13 22:15:02 1996 IST):
Advaniji, Inspite of the fact that the BJP has more displined, educated members than any other party, I feel that criminal and lumpen elements have entered BJP also? Is BJP has plans to attract educated youth with storng character into politics?

Dhanyawad.

Bharathi (Sat Jul 13 22:14:11 1996 IST):
Mr. Advaniji, thanks for responding. I am really worried that the UF government is going to make a mess in Kashmir by giving so called "total autonamy" - whatever it means. When already a Hindu from Madras can not buy a property in Kashmir, but he/she can do so in any other part of the world - it's more than autonamy. We request you to do block this unfortunate effort by mobilizing public opinion.

ags (Sat Jul 13 22:14:20 1996 IST):
Miniji, You have the right qualifications to become a politician :-)

Mahesh (Sat Jul 13 22:15:02 1996 IST):
Advaniji, Inspite of the fact that the BJP has more displined, educated members than any other party, I feel that criminal and lumpen elements have entered BJP also? Is BJP has plans to attract educated youth with storng character into politics? Dhanyawad.

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 22:15:54 1996 IST):
to: ags Dear AGS, you are not the only person who felt sorry that Vajpayeeji's tenure had come to a close so abruptly. In fact, opinion poll surveys conducted in India by renowned pollsters indicated that there was a massive swing in public support registered in favour of the BJP immediately after the BJP government's tenure came to an end.

ags (Sat Jul 13 22:16:57 1996 IST):
Advaniji, do you think Kashmir should go? I'm not a reporter, so I don't need detailed answers. I just need an answer in yes or no.

atul shah (Sat Jul 13 22:17:24 1996 IST):
advaniji, namashkaar. your press conferences r always a delight even in the rediff office in Mumbai right now. look forward to more on in person on Monday in Mumbai..

ags (Sat Jul 13 22:19:13 1996 IST):
Advaniji.. you finally answered one of my questions. Now I don't mind even if hell freezes over :)

Ramana (Sat Jul 13 22:19:23 1996 IST):
AGS, no offence, it is bedtime for you. Here have some cookies and milk. :-)

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 22:19:52 1996 IST):
Dear Friends, One of the Internet subscribers has suggested that I too become a member of the community. It's my first experience today chatting to people around the globe on the Net. It's been an extremely enlightning and educative experience when I was told by the Rediffusion editors that the programme would last for one hour, I thought it would be extremely boring for me as well as for the communicators on the other side. (more...)

ags (Sat Jul 13 22:21:29 1996 IST):
Advaniji... You supported Nina Pillai from a constituency in Kerala. Why so? Things like those won't get you the support you want in South India.....

M (Sat Jul 13 22:21:43 1996 IST):
MR.Advani, Is RSS the philosophy guru of the BJP! What steps are you going to take to get more of the muslim vote! Here in the US the wires compare BJP with the NAZI party? Comments

ags (Sat Jul 13 22:22:32 1996 IST):
Advaniji... I think I said it!!

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 22:22:53 1996 IST):
I was assured, however, that I would not be bored and I would enjoy it. And now having gone through the experience, I am afraid that if I were really to subscribe to the Internet, I would become so addicted to it that I may be found remiss in attending to my other obligations, more particularly as President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which responsibility, you will all appreciate, demands real good attention from me without any distractions. (more...)

kk (Sat Jul 13 22:22:57 1996 IST):
Sir: I am not going away.. You comments about INDIA's internal security.. Please...

krishna (Sat Jul 13 22:23:42 1996 IST):
advaniji, i want to know why BJP hasn't made any inroads into the southern bastion. does it mean that the people in those states have a totally different attitude as to who should rule this country or is it because BJP hasn't paid much attention? maybe it is high time BJP relised that those three states where its presence is almost null have a tremendous influence.

SHRI. L. K. ADVANI. (Sat Jul 13 22:25:03 1996 IST):
However, the suggestion given is well taken and I would strongly commend that the party headquarters in New Delhi go on the Internet. Once again wishing all Internet subscribers around the world happy surfing!

meena (Sat Jul 13 22:25:28 1996 IST):
Hello Advaniji: I have just asked you one question. Can you please answer to it.. I am waiting for it..

kk (Sat Jul 13 22:28:51 1996 IST):
I guess INDIA's internal security is not as important as organizing people for WHATEVER cause! Pity INDIA and its citizens..

Mahesh (Sat Jul 13 22:30:08 1996 IST):
Advaniji, Is the chat over? Sad because you didn't get time to answer none of my questions? Dhanyawad.

ags (Sat Jul 13 22:30:13 1996 IST):
Advaniji... now that you love the Internet... campaign for VSNL to reduce it's prices... :-)

L K Advani with Rediff On The NeT staffer Subhashree Krishnaswamy. Photographs: Atul Chowdhary.