BJP TODAY

June 1--15, 2003 - Vol. 12, No. 11

BJP and Nagaland

Election MatterX: This has reference to the article on the above subject in BJP TD May 1-15, P.12, by the optimistic and enthusiastic State President Mananiya Shree Mozamo Ngulliejee.

From this account of "stunning success", one should realistically find out (1) the true extent of success and (2) what lessons learnt from this should lead to similar success in other states.

1. Extent of success: 7 seats out of 60 in Nagaland is some success if you are building up from a previous 0 seat.The great efforts of Satishji and Pyarelalji have been rewarded to a small extent. The share of votes for the BJP on the seats won by them is only 18%. Even if this win is far from resounding it is nonetheless creditworthy.

Before becoming complacent, one should recall the annihilation of Congress through complacency and overconfidence.The monopoly gift of power to the Congress by its imperial master did not last longer than 40 years despite its wishful thinking and false claim that it fought for freedom although in reality it obstructed this fight by revolutionaries of all states, all the way.

1A. This pilot success in election teaches us a few lessons, some of which I collect from the above mentioned article, as follows:

(a) Prepoll alliance is useful.

(b) Multiple alliance candidates can split ruling party votes; it can also split alliance votes.

(c) Post election alliance to include more substantial parties can overwhelm the ruling party

2.Chosing or creating factors favourable to the BJP:

(a) Establishment of peace and atmosphere of free and fair election should win electoral support (applicable to West Bengal, as well).

(b) Talking to dissidents (e.g. talking to CPM cadres that if they preserve democracy, they should find a place as partners to peaceful progress, even if their party leaders are defeated; or discuss with seperatist/unionists in Kashmir.)

(c) Highlighting corruption in the ruling govt./party, to provoke a desire for change of govt.

(d) Campaign, personally by Union Ministers, MPs, Party leaders, can make a big impact on the voters.

If we combine these factors to the Principles laid down in the Manifesto `03/`04,(BJP TD, April 1-15, 2003, P.7) then you will have a winning formula for other states, as well.

Basudev Ghose
Liverpool UK