Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Headlines Today

BJP released its manifesto today. Here are some headlines in the leading newspapers describing the manifesto which caught my attention. They don't seem to make sense to me. Do they to you?

1. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/BJP-manifesto-may-stick-to-Hindutva-issues-but-leave-room-for-negotiations/articleshow/33350323.cms?

BJP's manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections is expected to reiterate its commitment to Hindutva issues relating to the demand for a Ram temple at Ayodhya, uniform civil code and Article 370 as articulated in its 2009 manifesto.

How is a Uniform Civil Code a "Hindutva" issue? Article 44 of the Constitution directs the States to formulate such a code.


Again, how is Art 370 a Hindutva issue? Art 370 which gives special constitutional rights to Jammu and Kashmir impacts the federal structure of India and national security, not in a good way. 




2. http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/election-2014/bjp-s-modi-festo-headlines-economy-downplays-ram-mandir-505385?pfrom=home-lateststories


The promise to work towards a Ram temple at a disputed mosque site in Ayodhya is mentioned only on page 41, that too with a rider that it would be "within the constitutional framework.


BJP manifesto says "BJP reiterates its stand to explore all possibilities within the framework of the constitution

to facilitate the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.". 

How is "exploring all possibilities..." downplaying the Ram Mandir issue?



The manifesto was seen to reflect the loosening grip of the BJP's old guard backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the party's ideological mentor, which believes that the BJP should not neglect its core constituency


If Ram Mandir, Uniform Civil Code and Art 370 were indeed "Hindutva" issues which find place in the manifesto, how was the manifesto seen to reflect the loosening grip of BJP's old guard and RSS?

Its amazing how RSS has "planted" its swayamsevak as the PM candidate when its grip over the BJP was getting loose?

By the way, the report does not mention by whom this manifesto was seen in such light.


3. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/BJP-puts-no-first-use-nuclear-policy-in-doubt/articleshow/33404303.cms

The article gives an impression that India will discard the "no first use" principle if BJP comes to power. However, the manifesto makes no such promise.

Yes, a clarification regarding the revision of nuclear doctrine of India as promised by BJP is required, but without coloring the vision.

Now compare the earlier link with this link to see the difference in reporting.
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/xno41g9Q3UYykzPhv3guXP/BJP-election-manifesto-says-will-revise-Indias-nuclear-doct.html



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