 "Modi proves fruitful for BJP to form next govt: M G Vaidya")
Veteran Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader M G Vaidya says the call by the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid to support the Congress will help polarise Hindu votes in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In an interview with Sanjay Jog, Vaidya discusses the cult of Narendra Modi and the BJP’s prospects. Edited excerpts:
The Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, Syed Bukhari, has announced his support to the Congress. How do you see this development?
Bukhari’s call to Muslims to support the Congress will lead to a consolidation of Hindu votes. This will prove beneficial to the BJP.
The Congress stand has helped all RSS outfits to come together for a change. The RSS never tells anyone to vote for a particular party or person. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has given a call for 100 per cent voting. He has asked people to exercise their franchise to change the system for the better. All RSS outfits are working quite hard to see that Bhagwat’s call turns into reality.
Is the time ripe for the RSS to enter active politics?
The RSS does not fit into available models of political parties or social institutions. The RSS was not founded as an organised group, or an organised tribe, within society. Swayamsevaks are allowed to work in different fields. The RSS cannot be equated with any political party, but it is available for guidance and deliberation. The question of its getting into active politics does not arise.
Narendra Modi’s choice as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate was at the behest of the RSS. Does the personality cult surrounding Modi not go against RSS culture?
Electioneering is a special occasion when an icon is needed to attract voters. Narendrabhai has provided that icon. This has proved fruitful.
Even Atal Behari Vajpayeeji was named the prospective prime minister months before polls.
As far as Modi is concerned, he was confined to Gujarat. Choosing him as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate was designed to bring him to the centre stage. Modi’s projection should not be construed as a personality cult.
Eminent personalities from various fields, including former army chief VK Singh and leading editor MJ Akbar have joined the BJP. You must give credit for this to Narendrabhai.
Is the BJP forming the next government?
In view of the widespread support Narendrabhai is receiving and the anguish against the Congress, I believe the BJP will assume power at the Centre. I hope the BJP on its own crosses the 200 (seat) mark.
The Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, Syed Bukhari, has announced his support to the Congress. How do you see this development?
Bukhari’s call to Muslims to support the Congress will lead to a consolidation of Hindu votes. This will prove beneficial to the BJP.
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The Congress has announced that it is fighting the polls against the RSS and not against the BJP. What is your take?
The Congress stand has helped all RSS outfits to come together for a change. The RSS never tells anyone to vote for a particular party or person. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has given a call for 100 per cent voting. He has asked people to exercise their franchise to change the system for the better. All RSS outfits are working quite hard to see that Bhagwat’s call turns into reality.
Is the time ripe for the RSS to enter active politics?
The RSS does not fit into available models of political parties or social institutions. The RSS was not founded as an organised group, or an organised tribe, within society. Swayamsevaks are allowed to work in different fields. The RSS cannot be equated with any political party, but it is available for guidance and deliberation. The question of its getting into active politics does not arise.
Narendra Modi’s choice as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate was at the behest of the RSS. Does the personality cult surrounding Modi not go against RSS culture?
Electioneering is a special occasion when an icon is needed to attract voters. Narendrabhai has provided that icon. This has proved fruitful.
Even Atal Behari Vajpayeeji was named the prospective prime minister months before polls.
As far as Modi is concerned, he was confined to Gujarat. Choosing him as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate was designed to bring him to the centre stage. Modi’s projection should not be construed as a personality cult.
Eminent personalities from various fields, including former army chief VK Singh and leading editor MJ Akbar have joined the BJP. You must give credit for this to Narendrabhai.
Is the BJP forming the next government?
In view of the widespread support Narendrabhai is receiving and the anguish against the Congress, I believe the BJP will assume power at the Centre. I hope the BJP on its own crosses the 200 (seat) mark.