HVK Archives: Nuclear tests were not for political mileage
Nuclear tests were not for political mileage - The Times of India
Kushabhao Thakre
()
May 15, 1998
Title: Nuclear tests were not for political mileage
Author: Kushabhao Thakre
Publication: The Times of India
Date: May 15, 1998
He is a quintessential pracharak. The man who joined the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1938, has neither occupied an
official position nor contested elections. For this bachelor the
party has long been the home. Despite his soft, simple exterior,
Kushabhao Thakre has always been considered the real power behind
those who wield power. A hardcore organisation man, he is keen to
draw a line between Official power and the party. In an interview
with Bhaskar Ray, the new BJP president talks at length about his
plans and priorities. Excerpts:
Q: Every political party has one set of priorities when it is in
the Opposition and another when it is in power. What changes do
you visualise in the BJP's attitude, self-image and mindset?
A: It is true that certain avenues are closed to the ruling
party. For example the party in power cannot resort to frequent
agitations and demonstrations though this is one way of being in
direct contact with the masses. The ruling party can accomplish
those things by bringing the problems of the people to the notice
of the government.
An impression has gained ground that the BJP has shelved some of
the issues which were once dose to its heart.
Look, we knew even before the elections that on our own we would
not be able to form the government. So we had to enter into an
alliance with some other parties. When you are in a coalition you
cannot impose all your issues on the allies, there has to be a
compromise. On many issues there were differences. We could
accommodate only some of our issues in the common minimum
programme of the alliance. We could not help it. It was not
entirely to our liking, but we had to agree to it because the
other alternative was to either allow the Congress to come to
power or go for fresh elections.
Don you think that the hardcore BJP supporters might feel let
down by this compromise?
Our supporters have enough political maturity to understand the
situation. That is why they vote for us again and again. And we
are thankful to the Opposition leaders who keep reminding the
people of our other issues.
What was the urgency for the nuclear tests? Will it help the BJP
politically?
It was part of our election manifesto, it was on the 'national
agenda' as well. It is not a question of gaining political
mileage but that of national security. The government has
demonstrated that it does what it feels concerned about. And
definitely people have strongly approved of it.
For a long time the BJP has swung between two personalities -
Atal Behari Vajpayee and L K Advani. Now that you have taken up
the reins of the party, the third pole seems to have emerged.
First, I am not the third pole, I have always been there in the
party and my election was smooth, without hitches. Mr Vajpayee
and Mr Advani are two great personalities and it is interesting
to notice that despite their charisma, they have never encouraged
a personality cult in the party. In the BJP, decision-making has
always been done by the collective leadership. Though they have
got major responsibilities in the government, they are still
available for consultations; so there is no problem.
What is your First priority as party president? I have to appoint
a new team. of office-bearers. Some of my colleagues have joined
the government. I have to find their replacements. I have to
appoint 26 office-bearers; 12 of whom have become ministers. It
is an opportunity for others. You will see new faces.
When you pick up the new team, what will be the yardstick for
selection - a partyman's seniority, his commitment, his ability
to deliver, or his efficiency?
The party is facing a new situation. I want people who can work
and deliver in the changed situation. I don't have to please
anybody, I need a functional team; people who can do justice to
their positions and accomplish the task assigned to them. Yes,
efficiency, organisational ability and the social background -
all this is important.
You have always said that the party should maintain distance from
the government.
I believe that once a party starts depending on the government it
loses its raison desire, life is sapped out of the organisation.
For a ruling party certain things become easily available. If it
starts availing them, goes for the soft options, its links with
the masses get severed.
I will give you an example, suppose we need Rs 50,000 for a party
programme. We can collect the money in small donations from five
thousand people. But a few businessmen can offer big donations.
If we go in for the second option, collecting the money becomes
easy but it snaps our ties, our contacts with so many people who
are our well-wishers. I am against it.
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