The suicide of Gandhian Socialism

Rakesh Sinha adds to the debate – and the confusion, on what the BJP should do.
I always reach for a glass of cold water when someone mentions Gandhian Socialism. It is a contradiction in terms, just as islamist pacifism, christist tolerance or communist egalitarianism

Let’s see –

socialism == primarily an economic philosophy that is collectivist; sees life as the duality of individuals vs. state; maintains private property is wrong and the state should own the means of production
Gandhi == primarily a social reformer who is against all forms of satatism (actually against the idea of a state); sees life as the duality of individuals vs. community; all for the primacy of community structures such as caste (yes genius – Gandhi actually liked caste); maintains man is noblest when he binds himself to his community

So where did this idea of Gandhian Socialism arise?

Sinha is right about one thing though – the BJP-RSS is left of center. The reason for that is not because they have thought about it. It is because they have conceded the debate to the leftist’s. They talk in the language of the left – on terms set by the left. Their objective is to simply be accepted by the left and for the abuse to stop. They do not mind being the lesser devil – as long as they are not called so.

It is what happens when you focus on shakha-drill and not enough on developing ideas. It gets you great soldiers– but it does not get you great generals