UDAIPUR: During its ongoing 'Chintan Shivir' here, the Congress considered the political response to the BJP's harsh Hindutva policy for two days. There looked to be a split on this issue, with the veterans on one side and the younger generation on the other.

Many veterans believe that in order to confront the BJP, the Congress should stick to its strong secular character and inclusive mission, rather than trying to bat at the BJP's pitch, which could be counterproductive, according to sources.  The younger generation, on the other hand, is more wary of treading the fine line between indulgence and religious participation. 

Although no final decision has been reached, Uttar Pradesh leaders have proposed that the party participate in religious programmes to avoid being isolated, according to sources. The centrists, on the other hand, feel that Rahul Gandhi's visits to temples have not yielded the expected results, and that the party should keep to its basic secular doctrine in order to take on and defeat the BJP.

After all of the arguments, the Congress working committee (CWC) decision will reflect what the Congress decided this evening, but such proposals are unlikely to be endorsed by the CWC - one of the General Secretaries said during informal meetings that when the idea of taking credit for Ayodhya was offered, it was rejected.

Sonia Gandhi targeted the BJP in her first presentation at the Congress's 'Chintan Shivir' on Friday, alleging that the party was continually 'playing the polarisation game and spreading fear in the public.'

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