I wish to state categorically that what Sudarshanji had said about Christians and Muslims in India are the views of the RSS. They do not represent the views of the BJP. The RSS Chief is entitled to his views and it is up to the different sections of our diverse society to react to these views, as they deem right ...

... The RSS is a patriotic organization and we hold it in high esteem. But this does not mean that we agree with it on every issue. The BJP follows its own agenda, which is significantly different from that of the RSS.

Both our precept and performance have shown that the BJP's commitment to principles of secularism is complete, unconditional and irreversible. For us, all Indians are equal irrespective of their caste and creed. All have equal rights and responsibilities towards the nation. Similarly, the Government is duty-bound to follow the principle "Justice for All and Appeasement of None". (Source: The BJP Today, 16-30 November, 2000)

BJP's 'Pro-Muslim Record' - Shahabuddin to The BJP Today, 16 October, 2000

Mr. T.R. Gopalan's response to my letter borders on irrelevance. None of the 'acts' of the BJP-led government cited by him are new or relate to the post-Nagpur period. So they cannot serve to fortify Shri Laxman's credibility.

Of the items cited, these related to Article 44 and Article 370 are a gift of coalition politics.

The number of Haj pilgrims within India is well within the maximum (0.1% of the Muslim population) suggested by the Government of Saudi Arabia. There is no rationale for a 'quota' where every citizen is free to travel abroad and draw a foreign exchange for the purpose. As for subsidy. I have always opposed it. It is not a Muslim demand but a political compulsion of the Government of the day. And it is no innovation; it has been there since early 70's.

Articles 29 and 30 cannot be removed because the NDA does not command 2/3 majority in the Rajya Sabha.

The same may be said of the project to declare India as Hindu State. Only then the Shankaracharya can be invited to inaugurate the Parliament! Every legislator is permitted to take the oath in the name of the deity he believes in. Our Law Courts also permit oath on the Holy Book the witness believes in.

The Minorities Commission is a statutory body. The Act could no doubt be repealed but short of disbanding it, it has been effectively emasculated. Also the Act covers State Minority Commissions and some State may not agree. However, we are grateful for small mercies. No one asks BJP to crawl or even to prostrate itself. But one only like words to be supported by deeds, before we are asked to believe in them.

As for what can be done for the Muslim Indians, provided you are prepared to publish it, I shall send you a copy of the Charter of Muslim Aspirations, which was presented jointed by 5 nationally eminent Muslim organizations to all secular parties on the even of the General Election, 1999. I hope the BJP leadership can pick up at least a few items and press the BJP-led Government to realize them.

Neena Vyas On BJP's Double-Track Strategy

The "decision" by ... the new BJP president. Bangaru Laxman, not to include K.N. Govindacharya as a general secretary of the party in his new team is being seen as a move which will achieve two goals in one stroke. It is calculated to sideline one more person in the party known to be close to the Union Home Minister, L.K. Advani, as well as tame the anti- Government voices emanating from the RSS.

Those who have been watching the party for some years point out that in the years when Advani was completely in control of the party, he too had successfully sidelined some key Vajpayee supporters leading to a situation where Vajpayee himself complained publicly that he was not being consulted on key issues ..

Although many party leaders reiterate that the Vajpayee-Advani pair has stayed together in thick and thin and no one can drive a wedge between them, there is a certain pattern that has emerged over the last few years and has become clearer even as Mr. Vajpayee has become stronger in his position as Prime Minister ...

... The new BJP president is his nominee, and he is calling the shots in the party ..

.. What many insiders feel is that this episode could be a precursor to other battles which could also involve the Sangh Parivar, possibly through the Vishwa Hindu Parishad which is getting ready to test the Government on the Ram temple issue. This is also seen as an RSS strategy to bring Hindutva back into political focus.

Also, the move on the temple could coordinate nicely with the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections due next year. This could become a flashpoint and a source of tension between party hardliners and the Sangh on one side, and the moderate and ... elements supporting Vajpayce's,  policies on the other. It could also become a source of tension within the coalition partners of the National Democratic Alliance.

Some in the party see the BJP reverting back to its Hindutva ideology with full vigour; and when that happens, using the temple issue once again to break away from coalition politics ... (Source: The Hindu, ' September, 2000)