There is another big problem that the party faces in trying to come to grips with this anti-corruption movement. Sections of the party say they can benefit from the tantalizing possibility of again riding on the mobilization of a mass preacher like Ramdev who has shown political ambitions. But there is nothing to suggest that Ramdev is naïve enough to be used by the BJP. Particularly as on the corruption issue the BJP also carries the millstone of the shocking record of its state government in Karnataka around its neck. This is particularly significant as Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde is on the panel to draft the Lokpal bill. His presence there is a constant reminder of how dodgy the BJP’s own record on corruption is.
So inspite of all the mounting troubles of UPA II, the BJP too is weighed down by problems. So much so that a crowd made up of the indignant middle class, residents welfare associations, well meaning rotary club types, servicemen and yoga gurus that the party would have seen as its natural constituency some years ago, is now attracted to this completely new issue based movement that gave them a brief cathartic release. With their thunder now stolen, obviously the BJP must see the challenge.