Rashtriya Sahara, in an editorial, ‘Alarm bells for the Congress’ (May 26) writes that the people of Karnataka have taught a lesson to those secular parties who trade their principles for their “personal interest and power”. Hyderabad-based Rahnuma-e-Deccan, in its editorial (May 28), describes the BJP victory in Karnataka as “a moment for concern” for secular forces. “The truth is that the terrorist attack on Akshardham had strengthened the base of BJP in Karnataka and now the Jaipur explosions have made the party important to such an extent”. BJP is moving ahead “because of the division in secular votes”. Delhi-based Hindustan Express (May 27) holds the BSP responsible for BJP victories in at least 34 reserved constituencies. Jamaat-e-Islami’s organ, Daawat (June 1) writes that even though the JD(S) was mainly responsible for the defeat of the Congress, the latter is busy exploring possibilities of aligning with that party in future elections. Hamara Samaj, published from Delhi, writes (May 26) that “the Congress would have to move taking into confidence Samajwadi Party and all constituents of the Left and its central leadership would have to crush the mouth of the python of rising prices.”

Gurjjar agitation

Rashtriya Sahara, in an editorial (May 30), castigates the violent nature of the Gurjjar agitation. The paper says the way the movement is taking a violent turn, diverting from its objective, cannot be called “a legitimate use of democratic rights.” It has also condemned the reported threat of violence against the Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje by the state vice president of the Gurjjar Mahasabha.

... contd.