Post-Uri, the prospects of Modi and party hinge on walking the talk on freedom from terror.
The BJP had christened the venue at Kozhikode ‘Swapna Nagari’ and hired the services of celebrated chef Pazhayidam Mohanan Namboothiri to cater to the 3,000odd delegates expected to attend the national council and the national executive meeting. The concluding day was to be dedicated to celebrations and a 100course ‘Onam style’ meal. But the terrorists’ attack on the army camp in Uri cast an inevitable shadow on the conclave.
While the situation in Kashmir and poll prospects in Uttar Pradesh were both to be discussed, much of the conclave was inevitably consumed in discussing India’s response to provocations from across the western border. While the meeting expectedly endorsed the government’s hardline policy towards Pakistan and the prime minister’s vow to the nation that the perpetrators (he meant the masterminds) would not go unpunished, several delegates expectedly raised some uncomfortable questions.
Days before the meeting, senior national executive member Yashwant Sinha told Outlook that the Kashmir situation and relations with Pakistan were unavoidable issues for discussion in the meeting. “On behalf of the government,” he said, “one of the ministers will have to brief members of the national council and the national executive about the government’s view.”
This story is from the October 03, 2016 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 03, 2016 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Muslim Question
In the time of polarisation politics and othering, how to respond to the banality of hate?
Voters' Cold Wave
Heat wave, voter apathy and cyclic migration are blamed for the poor voter turnout in Bihar. Political parties are clueless about what impact will it have on election results
Occupy Ivy League
Students protesting in American universities are asking the US government to rethink its policy towards Israel
Left Side Story
Personal attacks, lower voter turnout and the BJP’s determined campaigning: how has Kerala voted this time?
Across the Pir Panjals
The newly carved-out constituency of Anantnag-Rajouri is set to witness a very close contest
Gashes in the Red Sand
Residents of the tribal district of Gadchiroli resist development models that destroy the environment
When Taps and Hope Run Dry
Peaking water scarcity and pervasive groundwater contamination have increased migration from many districts of Rajasthan.
Pilgrim's Politics
Two-time MP from Varanasi, Narendra Modi, is sculpting the eternal city in his image
Under The Model Town
Muslim ghettos in Ahmedabad are dilapidated and neglected
The Master Strategist
The Assam chief minister enjoys popularity both as an administrator and a politician despite his relentless anti-Muslim rhetoric