Where Are We Heading?

‘There is a lot of politics in sport, but lack of sportsman spirit in politics…’

- Vinay Madhav

It was in early 90’s; India was finding a new political entity that could be alternative to Congress, which was the formidable force in Indian politics. Though some regional parties had captured powered in some states, there were hardly any challengers in the National level for Congress.

‘there is a lot of politics in sport, but lack of sportsman spirit in politics…’At this juncture, BJP emerged as a potential alternative through Ram Janam Bhoomi issue, after it’s the then President LK Advani took out a Ram Rath Yatra. A series of rallies were held across the country, which powered BJP surge as an alternative to Congress. One such rally was held at National College Grounds, Bangalore, where former cricketer Mohindar Amarnath joined BJP. Welcoming the 1983 World Cup hero, Advani had quipped: `There is a lot of politics in sports, but lack of sportsman spirit in politics.’

It looked like Advani was explaining the situations in other states of the country. The political violence was less known to Southern states. One used to hear about political violence in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and occasionally in neighboring Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Even the election campaigns were based on issues pertaining people and promises over development.

In 1999, SM Krishna took over the leadership of Karnataka Congress and went around with his Panchajanya Yatra. The Yatra was as smooth as a flowing river and Krishna steered Congress to victory, defeating the then-incumbent Janata Dal. There were no high-decibel speeches. The main issue was about farmers and promise of new economic policies in the state.