I have been following comments, mostly against the BJP and the RSS, on this
llist. I have no objection against anyone holding such views. In fact, in
the essence of a vibrating democracy, such views have to come out in the
open and the issues discussed properly. However, I did raise objections to
at least two members - one of whom had asked a member on this list how much
money was paid to him by Parrikar. There has also been a tremendous amount
of name calling against members who tried, in their own way, to bring a
balance to the debate.
While there has been many negative comments against the BJP, the
negativeness of the Congress seems to be muted on this list. It is, of
course, true that a person choses to vote not just on the basis of the
negatives, but also what he percieves to be the positives. Also, chosing the
least of all evils is a legitimate option that a person can exercise.
In this context, it is necessary to analyse the voting pattern in the just
concluded elections in Goa. On an overall basis, Congress secured 33% of the
votes while the BJP secured 31%. Since both the parties did not contest all
the seats, it would probably necessary to see the votes recieved only in the
seats contested. On this basis, the Congress secured 40% of the votes in the
seats that they contested, while the BJP got 37%.
I would not be wrong, based on the comments made on this list, as well as
the overt and covert actions of the Catholic Church in Goa (based on the
reports posted on this list), the BJP would have recieved a very small
percentage of the Christian votes. If one were to factor it in, then one
would come to a conclusion that the BJP received around 42% of the Hindu
votes. I would hazard a guess that the Congress probably received around 30%
of the Hindu votes.
I am very uncomfortable about doing a communal analysis of this type. But
the labelling of the BJP as communal, etc., has to deal with the important
point about such a large percentage of the Hindus voting for the BJP.
I hope I have not ruffled any feathers. I am putting forward my views in a
dispassionate manner, and I hope I get responses in the same manner.
Sachin Phadte.
