• The BJP has, since its inception, been dependent on borrowed cadres of the Sangh Parivar. If the CPM politburo is apparently omnipotent, even over elected CPM chief ministers, it’s because of its exclusive grip and control over an indoctrinated cadre. It’s surprising that this simple truth seems to have eluded the BJP top brass. Now that the party has shot itself in the foot and the entire parivar is embarrassed, a politburo-style takeover of the party by Sangh cadres may be imminent despite protestations to the contrary by all.

— R. Narayanan

Ghaziabad

It’s the times

• This refers to Shekhar Gupta’s ‘The making of the Flaw Purush’,. The current crisis in the BJP is not organisational but ideological. Narrow nationalism, mingled with religious extremism, paid off electorally for a while. In government, the BJP showed a milder avatar and pushed development. But since its 2004 defeat, it’s been unable to cope with national politics changing around it. Those attacking L.K. Advani now are not really mass leaders. They have let the party down, just as his advisors have. Yet, Advani is also a victim of the BJP’s sense of the times being out of joint.

— Amaninder P. Sharma

Patiala

Return to the tribe

• With Vajpayee ill and infirm, and Advani rendered speechless under serious attack, the BJP is without a credible leader during its worst existential crisis. No thought emerged from its Chintan Baithak, and the RSS seemed to regain firm control of the party once more. After this infighting, it will not be possible for the party to allow much inner democracy. It’s unfortunate because Advani and the newly elevated leaders were expected to begin a course correction. It now looks more like a return to the bosom of the tribe.

... contd.