BJP expels Jaswant for writing a book

BJP will not compromise on ideology at any cost, with these words the party on Wednesday sacked one of its founder members Jaswant Singh for praising Jinnah in his new book.

An emotional Jaswant Singh questioned the party's decision saying his 30 year service had been dismissed for a book that the BJP had not even read.

"After 30 years, I have been sacked over a book," said an Jaswant Singh.

The ex-army major was sacked without a trial, by just a phone call from the party president.

"They could have told me personally when I was still in Delhi," Jaswant said.

The party upset with his book on Jinnah where they claim Jaswant calls Jinnah secular and Sardar Patel the man behind India's partition.

It was also perhaps a way of ensuring that their chintan baithak was free of dissenting voices.

Jaswant expulsion drama

• Rajnath telephones him
• Chintan Baithak turns parliamentary board
• Rajnath's proposal to expel Jaswant approved unanimously
• Advani backed decision to expel Jaswant: Sources

So, within a matter of minutes Major Jaswant Singh Marwah, one of the most visible faces of the BJP, the man who joined the party when it was formed, was expelled.

"They call me Hanuman, are treating me like Ravan," said Jaswant.

A visibly emotional 71-year-old rattled by his party's decision especially since in 2005 the party chief L K Advani had voiced similar opinions, ironically Jaswant had backed Advani at that time.

But Sources have told NDTV that the party feels Jaswant's comments much worse than Advani's.

Also Opposition against Singh has been building for some time especially since the party's poll defeat he has displeased virtually everyone who matters in the Sangh Parivar.

Unhappy with Jaswant

• Advani: Jaswant asked for accountability for poll loss
• Jaitley, Sushma: Jaswant challenged their promotions
• RSS: Jinnah book and because he questioned Hindutva

Jaswant's execution had the RSS stamp on it and the party it seems is using the occasion to send a message to other dissenting voices as well. This is what the party spokesperson had to say when asked how the party will deal with the Rajasthan crisis.

"National president has informed you about Rajasthan and you will see in a few days that everybody is abiding by party decisions," said Prakash Javedkar, Spokesperson, BJP.

So, for a book released on Monday Jaswant was expelled on Wednesday. We know his Jinnah book is just an alibi. He is the victim of a succession war in the BJP.

The RSS wants change - those who want to control the BJP are doing what the Sangh wants, be it Rajasthan, be it Delhi, Jaswant's expulsion is a warning shot to those who are resisting the RSS.