Knee-jerk reaction.

It is rather unfortunate that the BJP,in a knee-jerk reaction, expelled JaswantSingh because he had written a book on Jinnah.

The mistake that politicians like Mr Singh and LK Advanimake is eulogising Jinnahfor his personal beliefs. The fact that he reiterated that the Muslim League solely represented all Muslims shows that he was a communal entity behind the cloak of his so-called secular credentials. Be that as it may, the BJPhas not covered itself with glory by expelling Mr Singh. While protecting his right to write a book on Jinnahas he sees it, the party should have refuted all arguments advanced by Mr Singh in his book to make it crystal clear that his views do not represent the core ideology of the saffron party. Such an action would have enhanced the credibility of the BJPand would have marginalisedMr Singh in the party.

The partition of India was inevitable. Ground realities made this imperative. Let us not unfairly attribute it to personalities who were overtaken by communal and religious passions ruling at that time.

PS PONNUSWAMI,

24 August, Kolkata.

Crisis in party

The expulsion of JaswantSingh goes against the spirit of democracy. In a democratic set-up, …