First, is using the 'train running on time' analogy. He talks about the similar sentiments being expressed during the time of the Emergency in India. Now, the Emergency was put in place by the Congress party, which was then headed by the mother-in-law of the present chief. Since the Congress party is accepted by all spectrums (except, of course, the saffron variety) to be the upholder of secularism in India, the analogy fails.
Secondly, Oberoi talks about the 5.6% growth rate in 80s and 6.2% in the 90s. We call know that in the first thirty years of our independence, the growth rate was 3%, which was called the Hindu rate of growth. The saffronites can turn this on the head and say that when the Ayodhya issue came on the center stage, the growth rate surged.
There are many grounds on which the VHP can be termed to be fascist. However, one should be thoroug in one's argument, and not give an opportunity to them to divert the issues into an irrelevant field.
Sachin
Tea with Mussolini Business Standard (India) July 17, 2003
Hindu nationalism and European fascism have a lot in common says Vivek Oberoi
Have you seen Tea with Mussolini? It's quite a charming film - especially if you are the sort who loves art and Italy.
The film is set in Italy at the time when the fascists were in power. At least one protagonist - an English lady - is happy with the turn of events.
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