Advani and Jinnah, the most unlikely bedfellows?

Not so! According to the news outlets Advani seems to hold an admiration for Mohammad Ali Jinnah for his contribution to the founding of a secular country like Pakistan. In the west this would amount to Pat Roberston acknowledging that Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini is a great man who must be respected for leading and saving Iran from the godless infidels. Goes to show how religious jingoism is prevalent in all religions and not just Islam. One of the most irritating and annoying aspects of any religious zealot in the media spotlight is the sense of self-righteousness that they bring. Somehow they have realized that their acts are godly and what they do has been consigned to them by god. Let me ask those out there, who made up this god concept anyway? It was by a man and a group of men. God was created by man for purposes of power and influence. That's all there's to it. Look throughout history and see how religion has played the most important role in any leader's control of his people. Most recently of course President George W. Bush of the USA. Need I say more?

Getting back to the point at hand, Advani on a visit to Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore described Jinnah as a wonderful exponent secularism by alluding to his speech to the Pakistan parliament at its formation. Admittedly a difference of opinion has occured in the Sangh Parivar and consequently in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the rest of their henchmen. Advani derives most of his power from these people and to piss them off is just unacceptable and as a result he gives up his job in the BJP as their senior most leader in the party. What a shame? Though I admit a huge difference of opinion with Advani I liked him for what he was, a devil's advocate.

No matter what the RSS and VHP have to say about Advani's comments I think he made those in good faith. He admired Jinnah's personality and thought and he paid his respects. Though there is a difference of opinion it should not have led to his resignation from the party. He has not only been unfaithful to his constituents but also to his own self. He admires Jinnah so stand up and deflect the criticism levelled at you. It's not like you haven't gone on political suicide before.

Anyway Rediff has a little menagerie of the faces that might succeed him in the party... rediff.com:Who will succeed Advani?.