Defeat the unholy combination of communist party men and communist congressmen

With the Congress party still embroiled in the bewildering task of tidying out the mess caused by internecine party troubles over problems of ticket allotment (it will be mid-December by the time the Congress is able to decide finally about its candidates), the Jana Sangh has gone out to the electorate much ahead of its other adversaries and thus made a powerful impact on the public mind about the confidence and determination with which it has taken to the task.

Addressing a largely attended public meeting in Delhi on this occasion, General Secretary Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya said that lack of idealism; uncertain policies, indiscipline, opportunism and groupism were ‘the bane of the Congress and other party’s congener with it.’ The Jana Sangh, he declared, was out to put an end to this sorry state of affairs. It alone, he affirmed, would be able to create an order out of the present chaotic political situation in the country.

Nationalism Versus Communism

Sri Upadhyaya said–‘The real fight today is between forces of Nationalism and Communism. The Communists having been exposed due to their stand with regard to Chinese aggression are now trying to infiltrate into Congress and those in the Congress who have ideological affinity are welcoming them with utter disregard to the well-being of the country. Evidently, the present-day Congress is not that of Sardar Patel and Babu Purushottam Dass Tandon, but it is of Menon and Malviya. Such Congress can not be allowed to continue in power if nationalism and democracy are to survive. Jana Sangh has decided to unite the people and polarises all national democratic forces to fight unholy combination of the Communists and pseudo-communists in the congress. The Jana Sangh appeals to all patriotic forces to rally round to achieve this objective.’

He added–‘For the realisation of this end, while we need cooperation of the people, we have also to see that we do not fall prey to opportunist, self-centred, disgruntled and discredited politicians who may like to exploit the present anti-congress sentiment of the people for selfish ends. If democracy is to succeed such people should not be given any encouragement. I hope that the people will realism the real nature of the struggle and solidly stand behind Jana Sangh without falling prey to disruptive and diversionary tactics of individuals and isolated groups here and there. If Congress is to be replaced we have to build an organisation on wider basis and should not confine ourselves to single constituency or region. Similarly we have to avoid all sorts of bargaining merely to suit expedient purposes. These tactics have been responsible for the downfall of Congress. No organisation treading on the footsteps of Congress can serve the people.’

Stop this Double Talk about Goa

Lashing out at the Congress rulers for playing a shameful role over the issue of Goa liberation simply in order to oblige the Communist, the BJS leader made a pointed reference to the blatant contradiction evident in the P.M.’s and Finance Minister’s speeches. He said–‘There are groups not only in the states but also at the Centre. How differently they think and act is clear from the recent speeches of the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister with regard to the liberation of Goa. While the Prime Minister talked of military measures for liberating Portuguese dependencies, the Finance Minister plainly advocated resort to Gandhian methods. Nation feels bewildered. What is the real policy of the Government? Who has misrepresented the Government stand? Military Action is a major policy matter and decision in this regard could not be taken on but Cabinet level. The fact is that Prime Minister has talked of military measures not because be really intends to translate his words into action, but simply because he desires to oblige Comrade Krishna Menon and others of his brand who have revived the Goa issue to divert public attention from unfriendly deeds of Communist China. They do not feel concerned about liberation of Goa, but are anxious about impressing North Bombay voters in favour of Sri Krishna Menon. The Finance Minister has spoken the plain truth as he does not seem interested in creating false hopes only to help the Communists. So far as the Jana Sangh is concerned, it had been all along demanding police action in Goa, and if the Prime Minister is really sincere we consider it a vindication of our stand.’

Referring to the increasing confidence of the people in Jana Sangh policies and programmes as evinced in a spate of recent elections. Sri Upadhyaya said–‘The Jana Sangh efforts to build up an alternative party have been successful in the Capital as also in a number of other provinces. In the capital and elsewhere the Jana Sangh has successfully challenged the Congress and has received increasing cooperation and confidence of the people. While we can be rightly confident of the confidence reposed in us by the people we have a two-fold duty before us as regards elections. On the one hand, we have to make all out efforts to fulfil the people’s expectations, on the other we have also to see that we give positive direction to the present mood of the country.’

‘Congress has to be defeated, but it should be done on the basis of the positive appeal and programme rather than on mere reaction.’

A Fight not for power, but for Principles

In this context Sri Upadhyaya deprecated opportunistic alliances and said–‘The Jana Sangh decided to go to the electorate with its own programme and policies and avoid all opportunistic alliances and joint fronts. Joint fronts might be necessary for those who lack positive approach or require a garb to hide their real identity and intentions. We do net feel the technique to be proper or even fruitful. We look upon elections too as a fight for power, for the Jana Sangh, it is a struggle for principles for which we stand and strive. For making democracy successful it is necessary that the people are organised into parties having well defined principles, definite policies and high degree of discipline.’

This meeting was also addressed by Prof. Madhok, Dr. Mahavir and Sri Kidar Nath Sahani.

Prof. Balraj Madhok, president, Delhi BJS, announced at this meeting the State Parliamentary Board’s recommendations to the Central Board for three out of the five Lok Sabha seats from Delhi.
The proposed nominees are–Prof. Balraj Madhok (New Delhi), Dr. Mahavir (Sadar) and Sri Trilok Chand Sharma (Outer Delhi). The Delhi Parliamentary Board is expected to finalise its recommendations for the remaining two seats–Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh–before the Varanasi Session.

Prof. Madhok declared that the Jana Sangh would set up candidates for all the five Lok Sabha seats and all the 80 Corporation seats. Both these elections are to be held simultaneously.
Sri Kidar Nath Sahani has been nominated election in-charge for the party’s campaign in Delhi State.