Press : BJP National President, Shri Rajnath Singh in Chennai

UPA's Diplomacy In Complete Disarray

The UPA Government's track record on diplomatic and strategic front is not only lacklustre but also incoherent and inconsistent.For the past eight years or so the UPA Government's bilateral ties with almost all its neighbouring countries have been constrained due to its lack of will power and sense of application.

On the one hand we have Pakistan pursuing its anti-India policies and on the other hand there is China encircling India from all directions. Pakistan is working in tandem with China against India's strategic interests. Recently it gave management control of Gwadar port to China giving it a strong foothold just close to the Arabian Sea. Even Sri Lanka,traditionally a ‘friendly’ neighbour, has warmed up to the idea of striking strategic partnership with China by giving it access to a port calledHambantota.

Sri Lanka shares an interesting history of bilateral relations with India. The UPA Government made several compromises on the ethnic Tamil issue and even helped Sri Lanka in blocking international pressure for its alleged war crime. Sri Lanka had set up an expert group called the LLRC (Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission) to investigate alleged excesses and recommend action. The LLRC gave its report nearly two years ago but no action has been taken till this date.

With the 13^th Amendment in its Constitution the Sri Lankan Government had promised to devolve power to the Tamil provinces. The UPA Government had pinned its hope on the 13th amendment which promised inclusive politics and the increase in rehabilitation efforts. Now the Sri Lankan Government has ruled out any such commitment.It is big diplomatic failure of the UPA government. The BJP demands the Prime Minister to raise the issue of relief, rehabilitation and empowerment of Tamils living in Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels.

The UPA Government also needs to raise the issue of security to the fishermen of Tamil Nadu, who earn their livelihood by fishing in Palk Strait area. These fishermen have been repeatedly harassed and even got killed by the Sri Lankan navy for the past many years. The UPA government needs to actively engage Sri Lankan government to ensure safety and security of our fishermen.

Issue of Cauvery Water Disputes

The Supreme Court of India has set the February 20 deadline to notify the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. Water is a deeply sensitive and political issue in the country. The UPA Government must tread cautiously on this issue as the decision will have severe impact on inter-state relations. Before notifying the final award the Prime Minister should invite the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to sit together and find a consensus.

It has been more than 6 years since the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal passed its order on February 05, 2007. The resolution of this problem demands top priority from the incumbent government at the Centre,

Growing ‘Cultural Intolerance’ In India

The recent controversies surrounding certain cultural issues are a cause for concern to the BJP. By disallowing possibilities of creating space for diverse and newer ideas we run a risk of turning India into a very intolerant society

Since films, music, books and other creative modes of public discourse function as vehicles for promoting alternative ideas they should be given ample space to flourish. Those who are opposed to these ideas have every right to raise their voice in dissent but there is no scope for hooliganism, blackmail and violence.

Freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution of India is not absolute as it emanates from a sense of responsibility. Community identities are important and their sensibilities should not be deliberately hurt. Unfortunately many fringe groups are taking advantage under this pretext and stifling any healthy debate on art and culture in this country.

There should be an informed public debate over this growing intolerance towards cultural issues. India has been a tolerant society for centuries when it comes to art, culture and music. It is time to reaffirm this progressive yet traditional idea of India.

(O.P. KOHLI)
Headquarter Incharege