Secular liberals like myself often puzzle over the contradictions in the BJP’s approach to issues. Why should Indira Gandhi be reviled as the architect of the Emergency when the BJP seems completely in love with Sanjay Gandhi and his legacy? Why is an invasion of Bangladeshis a threat to India while it is okay for millions of Nepalis to come and work in our country?
The same is true of the Left. Why is liberalisation such a bad thing when two successive chief ministers in West Bengal have introduced economic reforms that closely parallel what Manmohan Singh is trying to do? Is there one law for Delhi and another for Calcutta?
The issue is not one of belief. I respect the Left for its tenacity in clinging to the ghost of Karl Marx. And the BJP has every right to believe in Hindutva.
The issue is one of consistency. At the heart of every ideology are certain principles. These principles must determine how parties react in every situation. But all too often, our parties make it up as they go along, abandoning these principles, caring nothing for consistency and following policies that are entirely contradictory.
But why single out political parties? This is as true of individuals and commentators. And, more to the point, it applies as much to secular liberals and to the contradictory way in which we approach issues.
Read Full Article »