NEW DELHI: With an eye on Bihar Assembly polls, the BJP is all set to reclaim the political space occupied by those belonging to the anti-corruption crusader Jai Prakash Narayan.
To this end, the BJP would conduct a seminar on June 25 to mark the anniversary of infamous Emergency, where JP’s, as Jai Prakash Narayan is fondly called, role would be discussed.
To be organised by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, a BJP affiliated think tank, the sessions would be engaged by BJP chief Amit Shah and Prasar Bharati chairman A Surya.
With Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Yadav, who built their careers on anti-Congressism, joining hands with the grand old party, the saffron party now wants to claim that space. “We are the rightful owners of that anti-Congress space,” a senior BJP leader said.
Ironically, the seminar comes in the backdrop of party veteran L K Advani’s comments that Emergency could happen again in the country. The BJP, however, suggested that Advani’s comments were meant for the Congress and other parties, which do not have any ideology. “Advaniji was right in his observation. Only the BJP and, to some extent, the Left believe in ideology. The BJP values ideology, while others don’t. He was hinting at those whose sole ideology was to come to power,” BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said.
The public broadcaster Doordarshan would also telecast programmes on Emergency.
The national broadcaster has decided to air special programmes, including a comprehensive documentary, between June 23 and June 27 on DD News, highlighting the crackdown on freedom of expression and liberty.
“The effort is to show people the consequences of derailment of democracy and to reinforce our commitment to democratic values,” a source said.