Here: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/US-religious-freedom-watchdogs-denied-visa/articleshow/4664454.cms

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Mind-bonging?

Akash, why is the perception of RSS among “secular” youth and media the fault of RSS? Sorry, I fail to understand that. You say that now you have awakened and realized that what RSS-BJP had said all along was correct, yet you still blame RSS and not the so-called secular forces? You seem to suggest that RSS needs to change its image to appeal to the youth (who are brainwashed by the media) and fit into what the media approve, yet at the same time, you also say that the media’s “secular” message is incorrect. Shouldn’t you be putting pressure on the media and calling them out for their incorrect portrayal of RSS-BJP and their (media’s) brainwashing instead?

You seems to hold RSS responsible for your misconceptions in younger days about that organisation and about ideas of secularism.

By doing so you tend to ignore that it is you and you alone who is responsible for your beliefs and opinions.
By blaming RSS for their chaddis, shakhas and discipline, which are perhaps not attractive enough for you, you are trying to offload your guilt of not having made considered decisions earlier, for allowing propaganda to lead your way.

Apparently a lot of people within BJP are doing the same thing nowadays- allowing propaganda to guide them.

check out a four part article at “vigilonline dot com”

So to win elections, to win over urban youth, BJP has a huge challenge. And it needs to change its approach. And the RSS- seriously guys, get over the khakhi chaddis and shakhas and adopt terms and dresses which would make you the chosen types and not some outside unknown force which is laughed at – which urban kid will be caught in RSS uniform & discipline?

My solution – free martial arts camps, yoga camps, art of living camps – use all the SOFT power at your disposal and bring more and more kids to the reality, as I should have been, instead of living in a propoganda filled haze for all my life.

It doesnt really matter. its better that Hindutvadis not attach themselves to a political party, thats the best way to play the game. Better to work behind the scenes – besides, I for one am not disappointed at the election results as Pakistan is taking its last breath, and is self-destructing.

Handing out freebies can still win elections in India and that’s a fact. With such a weak Election Commission willing to turn a blind eye to massive voter-buying, I doubt whether the BJP will have a chance in the near future.

The only hope is the more mature states where people vote on issues, not on handouts.

The other bright spot in this election is the massive defeat of the Left parties as well as the regional casteist forces, who in my opinion, have the potential to do a lot more damage if given any kind of political influence at the Centre.

I’m disappointed at BJP’s loss, but the Congress gained more from the defeat of the Leftist forces than the BJP did and that’s what helped them pull through this time.

BJP lost not once, but twice and there’s a definite reason. Democratic elections are about feeling the pulse of the people. Who ever said democracy has to be all about doing the best thing? Like building infrastructures and high GDP? Sure, the later things can earn votes, but not necessarily so. My point is BJP has been largely mislead by a group of “middle class, urban, liberal-educated” types into believing that doing *good things* will help them win elections. It surely does help, sometimes, like in Gujarat, but not everywhere else. For God’s sake, none of these “middle class” India votes!!! If <50% of Mumbai votes after 26/11, what proof do we need that these people don’t vote.

So, if rural India votes for free electricity, then give them free electricity. If agri-loan waivers bankrupt the nation but wins elections, do that! Does anyone remember that this is the same MMS that bankrupted India in ’91? No – he became the “father of reforms”. If Varun can fetch votes on Hindutva, let him do that. Surely it will upset a lot of journalists and “educated people” in Mumbai, Delhi – but THEY DON’T VOTE. Bottomline, I’m not saying that BJP should go down to the level of Congress, but being a gentleman or doing “whats best” is not helping BJP to win elections.