UP polls: Spotlight back on Hindutva

With elections in Uttar Pradesh round the corner, the ghost of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement is well on its way to being resurrected at the BJP's National Council meeting.

Party President Rajnath Singh's speech is likely to devote one full chapter to the issue. Singh sees the issue as central to his political survival.

Top aides of the BJP president say Singh's speech will dwell on emotional aspects of the issue. "It will be portrayed as a national cause, not a political issue," an aide said.

The party has been paying the issue lip-service over the last few years. However, the RSS' increasing hold on the party and the fact that the party needs to polarise voteback has brought it back in focus.

The good showing in the recent mayoral polls is being attributed to good organisational back-up and backlash to the series of Hindu-Muslim riots that have taken place during the Mulayam Singh regime.

At a meeting to finalise strategy for the elections at the National Executive today, the revival of Hindutva plank was a given, sources said.

The Ramjanmabhoomi issue coupled with a campaign on various acts by the Mulayam government against the Hindus is going to be the cornerstone of the party's campaign, sources say.

Prior to the event, the BJP released a CD showing the SP-led government encouraging cow slaughter, with graphic scenes depicting the act, and the headless body of one of its councillors alleged to have been killed by the SP goons. The voiceover exhorted Hindus not to sit idly when members of a certain community "kidnap and rape our women."

Clearly this is stirring stuff, to be disseminated in every district, with hope it will raise Hindu ire.

BJP General Secretary Vinay Katiyar set the tone for unveiling the strategy. "The Mandir issue is important and should be raised," he said.