BJP dividing society on caste, religion and regional lines: Rao

Shimla, Jul 25 (UNI) Accusing the BJP of dividing the society on caste, religion and regional basis, Himachal Pradesh Excise and Taxation Minister Rangila Ram Rao today said development and progress suffered whenever and wherever it was voted to power.

'' More than 60 years ago after the country attained independence, the only role the BJP has played in the country is to divide the society along religion, regional and caste lines,'' he said in a two-page release here.

Referring to the recently- concluded presidential elections, Mr Rao said the BJP never questioned President Pratibha Patil's integrity when she was the Governor of Rajasthan where the BJP is in power.

However, all hell broke lose as soon as she was named the UPA-Left's candidate for the presidential elections, he said.

Mr Rao said the BJP's negative role towards reserving 33 per cent seats in the Parliament and state assemblies for women was also partly responsible for failing to pass the reservation bill.

Criticising the BJP for its narrow sectarian ideology, he said the problems of Himachal had multiplied whenever it was voted to power.

Besides stifling development, the party had misled the people of the country in the name of religion, he said, adding that the violent agitation for the construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya was a case in example.

The Minister said the party's attempt to win over the higher castes had failed miserably in Uttar Pradesh assembly elections where it had been relegated to the third position.

The country's and the state's development had suffered during the BJP's tenure, while the Congress was revered for its pro-poor policies and programmes, he said.

Mr Rao said the party that had ruled Himachal for 10 years only claims to have done wonders as far as development in the state was concerned, while very conveniently forgetting that the Congress, which had remained in power for over 40 years, was responsible for its progress and development.

He hoped that the BJP would soon learn from its mistakes and past follies and work to strengthen the democratic institutions and traditions.

UNI