Opinion ‘Majboor’ Mamata

A news report in Organiser outlined two major reasons for her u-turn. First,the article pointed out Mamata’s worry that the TMC’s support for rival candidate P.A. Sangma,who was backed by the BJP,would alienate her base by sending a “wrong signal to state’s Muslims”. Second,the article suggests that the possibility of some TMC legislators breaking ranks with her to support the Bengali candidate for president,Mukherjee,also weighed on her mind.

The article contends that “by taking a U-turn on (the) presidential election,Mamata stoops to conquer” another day. It also claims that the TMC’s rival in the state,the CPM,tried “instigating,if not provoking” the BJP against Banerjee,but expresses satisfaction that “till now CPM could not gain anything through this policy”.

While the article has refrained from being critical of the TMC chief,another article highlighted the high incidence of atrocities against women in West Bengal,which,it says Banerjee “inherited” from 34 years of communist rule in the state. It also sympathises with her,claiming that her task was difficult as the CPM “planted” its men in the administration in enough numbers to “sabotage” her good intentions.

Archaeological issues

While the BJP has refrained from commenting on the construction of a mosque undertaken by locals in Old Delhi,on what they claim is the location of the Akbarabadi Masjid demolished by the British during the 1857 uprising,the Sangh Parivar has expressed concern over the construction activities,halted by the authorities for now.

Both RSS journals have prominently displayed reports of the incidents in Old Delhi. While the Panchjanya’s report asserts that the development is an attempt to convert Delhi into an “Islamic state”,the Organiser has an editorial suggesting that the attempts by local Muslims,led by Delhi MLA Shoaib Iqbal,to construct the mosque was an example of “how to bring the state to knees”.

The Organiser editorial contests the claim that Akbarabadi Masjid was located there,citing a lack of confirmation from the ASI. The editorial laments that “Ram Lalla has been living in (a) ‘temporary home’ under the shadow of (the) gun” with “no sight of the promised temple” in Ayodhya.

“The point is,Hindus should learn a few lessons from our Muslim brothers on how to safeguard our interests. Let us increase our pitch and reclaim our right,” concludes the article. The editorial does not exhort the BJP to take up this issue at a political level.

Rahul to lead

An editorial in Panchjanya has criticised Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on taking on a greater role in the party and government. The editorial says that a coterie of leaders surrounding 10 Janpath has been preparing to project Gandhi in a “lead role”. It also seeks an answer to who the number two in the Congress and the government is,given Sharad Pawar’s resentment at not being the granted number two position after Pranab Mukherjee’s exit.

The editorial claims that Gandhi has been de facto number two in the party,irrespective of his official position,and that Congress’ fortunes in Bihar,UP and Punjab did not improve despite his active role in framing party strategy in the assembly elections for these states. It says that the Congress has avoided any “evaluation” of its performance in these states out of fear that it would “dent” the “image of the prince”. It contends that the demand from Congress leaders for Gandhi to play a more active role in government is “ the height of dynastic politics and an unfortunate chapter in Indian politics”.

Compiled by Ravish Tiwari