Bjp Stance

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

This refers to A manifesto for the BJP (January 24) by Ashok V Desai. The type of advice given in the article can only be implemented if there is an understanding of the BJPs viewpoint on the issues concerned. It is improper to do so on the basis of reading what the opponents of the BJP say. Take Mr Desais viewpoint on the uniform civil code. In an interview, L K Advani, (The Illustrated Weekly, March 6, 1993) said: When the BJP talks of a uniform civil code, it does not contemplate imposing the Hindu law on the country. Our party manifesto has very clearly stated that the BJP would ask the Law Commission to examine the Hindu law, the Muslim law, the Christian law and the Parsi law and cull out the modern, progressive, equitable ingredients of these laws and, on that basis, draw up a common civil code. If some of the laws relating to the Hindus today have to go on that account, they have to go. For example, the Hindu Undivided Family Act may have to go. Whatever has to be done, has to be done for all.

 

Mr Advani had repeated this several times in the last two months, and the issue of inferior property rights of Hindu women, which Mr Desai is concerned about, was well handled by Mr Advani nearly five years ago.

As far the mosques on the sites where temples were deliberately destroyed are concerned, the BJP has said time and again that Kashi and Mathura are not on their agenda. However, there is a larger issue. How long are Hindus expected to tolerate monuments of their slavery? Three sites, or the more than 3,000 sites that have been destroyed, are asked to be returned. Should it not be done peacefully?