The BJP Manifesto has once again clearly demonstrated its real communal agenda for the nation. Construction of the temple at the same Ayodhya site, abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, promulgation of Uniform Civil Code, the reassertion that Hindutva continues to be its ideological commitment and forth, indicate that all the talk of moderation in which BJP leaders indulged to lure certain allies and individuals to its parlour was all a mask, a pretence. A few of them are on record opposing these which are of vital importance for the future of the nation. it remains to be seen how they can reconcile themselves to alliance with the BJP which has forthrightly stated its outlook. Obviously, their alliance will be nothing but an opportunist gang-up for somehow making a bid for grabbing power. BJP has returned its old agenda of Hindutva. It is an admission that it has failed to woe the voters in its changed Avtar.

The Manifesto also talks of appointing a commission to review the Constitution. This is pregnant with dangerous implications. Our Constitution has, undergone several amendments with the passage of time and the needs of progress. However, its basic core has remained unaffected. Is it the intention of the BJP to review the  parliamentary system itself, which is appropriate to the multi-lingual, multi-religious, multi-cultural character of our country, and properly reflects its pluralist character? The cat is out of the bag when Shri Advani states that, "had there been a presidential system Mr. Vajpayee would have romped home with a majority". Apart from indicating the BJP's apprehension along with its allies that it does not hope to get a majority in the present or future election under the present parliamentary system, it shows the BJP's desire to replace it by a presidential system, which is by no means, àppropriate for our country. Besides, when such a commission is set up, the question of reviewing even the secular democratic character of the country and replacing it by the concept of a Hindu Rashtra so dear to the RSS can be raised. Thus, the BJP's intention of playing with our Constitution in the name of reviewing it, has serious implications.

The Manifesto itself projects Mr. Vajpayee as the candidate for prime ministership, crediting him with attributes like 'ability, integrity and charisma'. Are we to believe that in this country there is only one such person with these attributes? In whose name is the BJP soliciting votes? In the name of its Manifesto and performance, or in the name of an individual? There is an attempt here to hoodwink the people, to mix up issues, 'to orchestrate an exercise in ideological confusion, and to get votes under false pretence. The watchful voters should look through all this, and rebuff the BJP"                                      (Source: The New Age, 8-14 February, 1998)