Slence is not always golden Saturday, September 12, 2009

Politicans are expected to lead by their views. This was very true of the BJP. Atal Behari Vajpayee, L K Advani, expounded the views of the party on all appropriate occassions. Then, the second generation leaders came in speaking for the party, fairly clearly. A discordant note started after the BJP came in power, with ministers / party officials suddenly developing airs. In 2004, during the election campaign, Mr Venkaiah Naidu was the party president. His favorite theme was 280 and 360. He said, I have set a target of 280 seats for the BJP and two thirds majority for the NDA. Who was he to set targets? It is for the people to decide. Sonia Gandhi carried a much humbler campaign, and, won.

The period 2004-2009 went away with the leadership in a daze. They abandoned their supporters while josting for supremacy inside the party.

Now, the chance has come for the BJP to connect with its supporters. Unfortunately, after weeks of sordid drama, the leadership has suddenly decided that silence is the best way to lead. When the entire party apparatus suddenly shuts up, it is another way of abandoning your supporters.

So, speak out. Talk about the issues facing the country, talk about the issues facing the party, comfort your supporters, lead the country.