There is an interesting contradiction that I sometimes hear from sympathisers of the RSS-BJP combine. On the one hand, they claim very strongly that their perspective is the �authoritative� and the only �correct� one. On the other, they back-track at times on this claim with the statement that nobody really knows what �Hinduism� is with vague appeals to the contrasting examples of Islam and Christianity.
In other words, these two claims are mutually contradictory. Either there is a clearly identifiable entity called Hinduism or not : indeed, the RSS claim stands or falls with the reality of the existence of this entity. If there is indeed such an entity the RSS has to give convincing reasons why its version is the �authorative� one. What, for example, does the RSS have to reply to the South Indian Dalit who claims that the Rama-movement is simply the glorification of North Indian chauvinism? (And I cannot emphasise enough that the Hindu �greats� such as Vivekananda would have serious problems with the RSS�s �authoritative� version of Hinduism. This is crucial because the RSS itself keeps on chanting the name of Vivekananda.) But on the other hand, if there is no such entity called Hinduism the RSS�s case is as good as over : why should anyone fight and die for a non-existent reality?
Secondly, regarding Dr Bhupen Hazarika�s joining the BJP much of the current controversy is being conducted on whimsical grounds. Firstly, the claim that the mere fact that Dr Hazarika is a singer/musician/artist is sufficient reason that he cannot take an active part in politics is based on the assumption that there is a clear demarcating line between the �political� and the �non-political�. In matter of fact, no such line exists and human existence is lived in a state of constant osmosis between these two realities. Shall we claim that Rabindranath Tagore and Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla should not have written �patriotic� songs merely because they were poets? Secondly, the claim that he is not an �original� musician has no bearing at all on his political decision(s). Does the mere fact that I am not a good painter disqualify me from trying my hand at composing music?
All of this is, of course, irrespective of whether or not one supports Dr Hazarika�s joining the BJP. My point simply is this : the crucial question is not why Dr Hazarika has joined the BJP but why Dr Hazarika has joined the BJP.
Ankur
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