After the NDA lost power in 2004 in the wake of general elections, it could not come to terms with its shocking defeat. Then later, the party suffered further demoralization at the hands of BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Since then, it has been on the lookout for alternative strategies to turn around its fortunes. The BJP has to understand that condemnation   of Congress and its allies may not win those votes. Though the saffron party cries hoarse about UPA’s pandering to Muslims, it is really to buttress its own Hindutva agenda for consolidation of the Hindu vote bank. It is rather sad that the party has nothing up its sleeve but falling back on minority appeasement, decrying dynastic politics and calling for the death of a terrorist to shore up its prospects in the coming polls. The executive conclave also set the tone for capitalizing on the Ram Sethu Controversy by dredging up the Hindu sentiments. All these may be worthy issues to beat the UPA with but is the BJP seriously thinking of making these issues their main electoral platform?

There is also the problem of factionalism and infighting within the party that keeps on showing every now and then. The BJP seems to be the in the throes of a severe internal crisis with its lead-ers talking indifferent voices. This was also evident during the recent meeting which saw verbal fisticuffs between Rajnath Singh, the BJP Chief and Vinay Katiyar, former Bajrang Dal Chief. It is therefore, not surprising that beneath the veneer of unity, groups rules the roost. Every leader worth his salt is more driven by personal ambitions in a party choc a bloc with Prime Ministerial hopefuls. The party’s high profile leaders are forever seen settling scores while potential rivals are downsized in the game of one up man ship. The bottom-line is that with no clear focus on the electoral strategy, each leader has become a prisoner of his indi¬vidual aspirations.

The BJP’s recent decision to provide for 33 percent reservation for women in organizational posts is also being seen as an electoral gimmick to score brownie points over its political opponents. The optimism of the party supreme that it stands a good chance of winning the polls in many states in 2008 and may be even parliamentary elections in 2009 is not entirely misplaced. As things stand, the party has come a long way from the last rout in Uttar Pradesh to the two successive electoral triumphs in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, with Mr. Advani firmly in the saddle, the leadership issue is as good as settled.

Also with AIADMK all set to partner the NDA, the party seems to be set to return to its falcon days. However, all this does not necessarily mean that the party is on a comeback trail. The party stands irreversibly weakened since 2002. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Advani’s declarations of ending the days of weak leadership at the top will go down well with the voters or not.