Joshi Says India Can Find Its Way Back
In a wide-ranging interview, BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi discusses public trust, democracy, Himalayan development, SIR and youth protests.
BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi has said India has, in his view, lost its track in the present scenario but has historically managed to realign after periods of deviation. In an interview with The Hindu, Joshi spoke about public trust, democratic accountability, environmental concerns in the Himalayas, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and growing youth dissatisfaction.
On allegations concerning the handling of donations linked to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Joshi declined to comment on any individual case but said corruption had become deeply rooted in society. He recalled the BJP's support for the Ram temple movement and said the Supreme Court had directed that the temple be built through a trust formed by the government. He therefore said responsibility for what happens within the trust rests with the government.
PUBLIC TRUST
Joshi said a republic runs on trust and argued that raised concerns should be addressed through dialogue rather than suppression.
Joshi also criticised aspects of tourism and infrastructure development around Badrinath and the wider Himalayan region. He argued that the ecological sensitivity of the Himalayas should be given greater weight when planning roads, tourism projects and pilgrimage infrastructure, while stressing that he was not opposed to development itself.
Reflecting on the BJP's evolution since the period when he worked alongside Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani, Joshi acknowledged that policies and working methods change over time. At the same time, he said changes should not weaken what he described as the party's fundamental principles.
ON DEMOCRACY
Joshi said democracy requires fair elections, an accountable government and a transparent bureaucracy, while the Opposition should be prepared with an alternative plan for the country.
On the SIR exercise, Joshi said every government has an interest in remaining in power and referred to past postponements of census and delimitation exercises. He said elections must be fair and that public concerns surrounding electoral processes need to be addressed to maintain confidence in democratic institutions.
Discussing youth protests at Jantar Mantar, Joshi attributed some of the anger among Gen Z to aspirations created by society and unfulfilled expectations, particularly concerning employment. He argued that established authority should listen to younger voices rather than suppress them, and said authorities should acknowledge shortcomings where promises have not been delivered.