BJP at a loss

The contradictions within the BJP over reservation of seats for Other Backward Castes (OBCs) in central educational institutions has made the party maintain silence on the issue.

According to top leaders, the fact that BJP President Rajnath Singh and leader of Opposition LK Advani are on rath yatras has meant that the issue has not been discussed in the party.

"We are caught between our upper caste votebank and the fact that any party which wishes to win elections in this country has to support reservations," said a senior BJP leader.

"We are taking a long-term view and will decide when it needs to be discussed," said a senior leader. Even Advani has said the party will give its view "when any concrete proposal is brought before us."

As for the ripples the move will create in caste-sensitive Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is trying to take a long-term view. According to calculations by those close to Rajnath Singh, the status quo is likely to continue.

"Just as south India was unaffected by Mandal because of an earlier mobilisation of backward classes, it is now 15 years since Mandal. Thus, the Congress is unlikely to gain any advantage," said an aide of Rajnath Singh.

Instead, it seems that the BJP is eyeing 50 urban constituencies to make a comeback in Uttar Pradesh.

"The fact that Mayawati is being touted as a chief minister in waiting means Mulayam Singh Yadav will focus on her as his principal adversary. This time, the BJP will concentrate on getting at least 50 seats, enough to be important to anyone who wants to form a government," the aide added.