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The Rediff Interview/Jana Krishnamuthy

'Economic development will root out militancy in J&K'

There was a time before the National Democratic Alliance government assumed power at the Centre that Bharatiya Janata Party leaders saw red at Opposition moves to corner them on various issues. The construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya was an issue when saffron party leaders were at their most aggressive.

BJP senior vice-president K Jana Krishnamurthy was one such leader. He pulled no punches in asserting that nobody could prevent construction of the temple.

However, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership of the NDA government comprising 22 constituents had a sobering effect on the BJP leaders' stridency. Erstwhile socialists in the NDA, like the Janata Dal-United and Samata Party, and others like Trinamul Congress insisted that secularism had to be on the government's agenda of governance. Whether BJP leaders liked this is beside the point. What is relevant is that the BJP's no-holds-barred attack on communal issues ceased and Ayodhya was relegated to the cold storage.

The Opposition attributed this to compulsions of coalition politics. BJP leaders like Krishnamurthy ignored the jibes, indicating they were willing to swallow criticism to ensure that the NDA government continued.

Krishnamurthy spoke to Tara Shankar Sahay about developments in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP presidential election, Ayodhya and terrorism.

Excerpts:

Why did Vajpayee and Union Home Minister L K Advani give different statements regarding the J&K assembly's autonomy resolution?

There was no difference. J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah's mother passed away when the National Conference working committee was discussing various issues, including the Union Cabinet's rejecting the autonomy demand. Vajpayee offered his condolences to Abdullah. These two leaders said that the Centre was willing to give more powers, including economic powers, to J&K. Abdullah has been invited to Delhi for talks.

As far as restoration of the pre-1953 status of the state is concerned, the central government has already said 'no'. So, should there be any controversy about this?

According to the BJP, how can the Kashmir problem be solved?

Economic development of the state will largely root out militancy and terrorism. Economic hardships are the main reason for Kashmiri youth being misguided and development will wean them away for the wrong path.

Could the solution be so simplistic since cross-border terrorism in Kashmir also has pan-Islamic ingredients, which militants, including foreigners, swear by?

That's true, but you cannot deny that if Kashmiri youth get employment and enjoy a peaceful life they will have no reasons to succumb to hostile forces from across the border. That is why the prime minister has invited the chief minister for discussions.

If Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had been a little more firm on Kashmir, would the problem have lingered for so long?

We are not in the business of apportioning blame. That is history. Now you have to deal with realities, however harsh they may appear. The NDA government is doing just that.

How do you explain frequent assertions by BJP leaders that the Kashmir problem can be solved by scrapping Article 370?

Maybe, this was the case, but after the NDA government came in, all coalition partners go by the national agenda of governance, which does not envisage the scrapping of any Article in our Constitution.

Are you in the race for BJP presidentship?

Our party goes by the unanimous decision taken by the leadership and there is no room for questioning it. This is relevant to all matters in the BJP, including election of party president.

But you can't deny persistent news reports which indicates hectic lobbying by various leaders for the top post.

Nobody can question the party leadership's decisions, be it on the party president's post or any other matter. Such an election should be without rancour. All bow to the leadership's decisions.

Is BJP president Kushabhau Thakre not in the best of health?

Thakreji had an operation recently, but he is recovering fast. There is nothing wrong with him.

Isn't the BJP concerned about reports that plans are being made for a shilanyas (foundation stone-laying ceremony) at the disputed site at Ayodhya for the construction of a Ram temple?

The BJP has already reiterated that it will abide by the court decision on the temple issue. If the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other organisations are doing it, then that's it.

But the BJP and VHP are members of the Sangh Parivar.

So what?

Wouldn't the reports aggravate the communal situation in the country?

Eighty five per cent of the country comprises Hindus. You are pre-judging matters. How do you know with certainty that the court will not give a verdict in the Ram Mandir's favour? Anyway, our party will abide by the court decision.

How successful has the Vajpayee government been and what are its failings?

Every government has its share of problems. But the way it has handled them in itself is praiseworthy. We are not afraid to face facts as they are without hiding them from the people and whittling them down. The country's economy is in good shape, its security is in safe hands and the people are united under Vajpayee's leadership. Even in foreign affairs, the world community has acknowledged India's contribution under the NDA government. Whether it is the field of information technology or fighting terrorism, India is at the forefront. What else can one ask for?

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