CNN-IBN debated the issue on Face the Nation with a panel comprising Congress leader and Haryana minister Randeep Surjewala; Editor Manushi Madhu Kishwar; BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh and President of the Professionals Party of India, RV Krishnan.
Siddharth Nath Singh was clearly in the line of fire and was asked if the party underestimated the sensibilities of the voters. Did it really think the voters would read adverts and go out and vote against the Congress – and in the favour of BJP? Many say the party scared the electorate and therefore was not voted in.
Siddharth defended the party and said terror was a national issue and that the BJP raised it only because of it was required to be raised. "We felt it was the right time and therefore we did it. There’s nothing wrong with it as terror is and will remain a national issue. How to handle terror is part of good governance," he said.
Tired of terror?
Madhu Kishwar put the public mood in perspective and said the days of "anti-campaigning” are over. "People want to know what parties stand for, what’s their vision and track record rather than pointing fingers," she said.
In fact, Kishwar even said the people did not care if a party was pro or anti globalisation and for or against Pakistan. She said it was all ideological fluff. "Just show us if you are pro-citizen," she said.
Siddharth and Kishwar got into a heated argument at this statement. While Kishwar alleged the BJP hadn’t itself done much to curb terror and, therefore, shouldn’t be complaining, Siddharth said the issue was an issue pertaining to national governance.
While many say BJP’s allegations are tantamount to a pot calling the kettle black, it’s also beyond doubt that the Congress has shown little leadership in tackling with the problem.
In fact Kishwar alleged the Congress too tried to capitalised on Gujarat riots and that there were allegations of several party workers being involved in the riots along with BJP cadres. "You saw Congress and BJP cadres were seen together on streets. And that’s why Congress can’t stand in Gujarat and look at the people in the eye," she said.
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