Move To Play Down Row Over Mahajans Remark On Gandhi

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Pramod Mahajans statement questioning the epithet Father of the Nation given to Mahatma Gandhi is an articulation of the partys considered view even though it has not taken a formal stand on the issue.

Some senior BJP leaders, however, object to the timing of Mahajans utterance, which was almost coincident with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackerays statement raising questions over Mahatma Gandhis character.

There is no point in raising unnecessary controversy on Gandhi, a senior BJP leader said.

None of the party leaders were ready to be quoted, pleading that their statements would lead to unnecessary controversy at a time when the party was trying to set its house in order.

Party spokesman Yashwant Sinha yesterday said that the party has not taken any view on the status of Gandhi as the Father of the Nation.

There was no provocation for Mahajan to raise the issue, especially when he knows that such a statement would be interpreted as anti-Gandhi and not enhance the reputation of Gandhi, he held.

Earlier too, such statements by BJP leaders have raised controversy, he pointed out.

The BJP does not accept the view that India as a nation was born on August 7, 1947, as the concept of nationhood in the country is as old as the Vedic period, a BJP general secretary pointed out.

In such a situation, the party cannot accept Gandhi as the Father of the Nation, he said, adding that at best, one can say that India as a modern state was born in 1947.

About the role of Gandhi in the countrys independence, he said that the party has respect for Gandhi as his contribution cannot be denigrated. However, this does not qualify Gandhi to be called the Father of the Nation, he said.

At best, Gandhi can be called the Son of the Nation. Even Lord Ram, Krishna or even Gautam Buddha, who have proved to be the sources of inspiration for the countrys culture and tradition, are not called father of the nation, the BJP leader pointed out.