WE approach the end of this election. Two issues dominated the campaign.Kargil, and the naturalised citizenship of Sonia Gandhi. The Kargil debate ...
WE approach the end of this election. Two issues dominated the campaign.Kargil, and the naturalised citizenship of Sonia Gandhi. The Kargil debate will die. Itwas just a handle to either glorify or denigrate the Vajpayee government. But the questionwhether a naturalised citizen should become prime minister will remain.
This question arose from two motives. First, to question the patriotism of SoniaGandhi. Secondly, to uphold the principle that allowing a naturalised citizen to becomeprime minister could jeopardise national security. The first was contemptible. The secondhad substance. Unfortunately, the first overshadowed the second.
If Congress wins the election, Sonia Gandhi will certainly become prime minister. Buteven after that, shouldn't the law be amended to disallow a naturalised citizen frombecoming prime minister? The amendment need not affect Sonia Gandhi. It may apply only tofuture aspirants. Critics say the decision should be left to the electorate. But can theelectorate safeguard national security? Can it prevent subversion by a hostile power?Consider this possibility. A Hindu is born 11 years before Partition in what is nowPakistan. He does not opt for India. He remains in Pakistan. As a Pakistani, he has abrilliant academic record. He is awarded medals by the Pakistan government. He becomes alecturer in a government college. He fights fearlessly for the rights of Hindus. Despitethis, he has a successful career.
However, 17 years after Partition, he migrates to India. He takes Indian citizenship.He becomes a lecturer. As a distinguished scholar, he writes several books on Hinduism. Herises to the post of principal in a college. He voluntarily retires to devote all his timeto the cause of Hindutva.
Suppose the RSS promotes this man to become prime minister. Despite his immaculaterecord, should this man be trusted with the nation's top post? Can the electorate useits sense of discrimination to safeguard national security?
Does such a man exist? Yes. His name is Kanayalal Talreja. His views are clear. He isagainst a naturalised citizen becoming prime minister. Read his booklet, "100Questions About Ms Sonia Gandhi".
One would like to ask Congressmen a straight question: Would they permit Mr Talreja tobecome prime minister? Or would they allow the electorate to decide that?
I rest my case.
When the foreign hand
Wears an Indian glove,
To save this land
Pray to God above!