PM Narendra Modi Instills Confidence: Congress No Match
STORIES, ANALYSES, EXPERT VIEWS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 71st birthday was celebrated with fanfare. His critics may have termed it a sponsored display of sycophancy, but the political equations are not so simple, argues Shashi Shekhar (editor-in-chief, Hindustan). His birthday was used by the BJP to re-energise its workers, who were in a state of dismay because of Covid-19.
“Modi knows that there is only one way to better his achievements — constant dialogue with the masses…..With this art of communication and continuous use of the latest technology, Modi has managed to instill confidence in the minds of voters. This is why, despite demonetisation, the pandemic, and inflation, people still have faith in him.”
Recently, researcher, Vivan Marwah, found in an in-depth survey that many young voters were drawn to Modi’s personality, speaking of him in almost reverential father-like terms, as a guardian who will take care of them in an otherwise volatile world.
The Modi brand of politics
The ‘Ram Mandir’ (temple) and Kashmir issues have also played a major role in maintaining trust in him, writes Shekar. “The BJP came to power earlier too, but the revocation of Article 370 from Kashmir and the separation of Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have happened during Modi’s time. Efforts are being made to complete the Ram temple in Ayodhya by 2023.
“All this is attractive to the majority community. The Opposition calls it the politics of divide and rule, but in politics, some allegations act as a feather in the cap. You will find two types of people in every discussion: The strong anti-Modi individual and the staunch fan. Despite this unprecedented divide, he is a successful politician….”
This is because “Modi works hard at this……In politics, not everything always goes in one’s favour. In the assembly elections of Delhi, West Bengal and southern states, the overall vote percentage of the BJP increased, but it couldn’t form the government. Apart from these defeats, the government is also facing the challenges of inflation and unemployment. However, India’s economy is coming back on track after Covid-19. This gives some hope.”
Dinesh Trivedi (former Union Minister for Railways and the former Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare) writes “in the past seven years, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has emerged as one of the most powerful nations. India’s image in the world is no longer that of a country that can be browbeaten. This is because, besides the fundamental developments, now the world knows that India is under a strong and decisive leadership that can’t be taken for granted. The leadership has proved its intent during the Balakot incident and again during the recent Chinese aggression.
“Reasons behind India’s current confidence and strength are not far to seek. The basic well-being of the people of any country rests on four pillars — food security, health, military and economic power. Each of these four pillars is now stronger and taller than they have ever been in the past……..”
The demagogic charisma of Narendra Modi won elections, not RSS cadres
Analysts and observers says it was the RSS’ booth level organisation that won the BJP the elections. Nothing can be further from the truth, writes Mohan Guruswamy (policy analyst studying economic and security issues, held senior positions in government and industry. He also specialises in the Chinese economy). “What won the elections was the demagogic charisma of Narendra Modi, who cast a spell with a mishmash of religious rhetoric, outright lies and distortion of, let alone the past, but even recent history. The challenge for the Congress is to create a competitive imagery that will rekindle the magic it had once cast to combat the RSS’ pernicious ideology…… In the modern age, the currency that will keep the troops motivated and fighting are ideas and dreams…..
Potential Congress leadership alternatives
“Rahul Gandhi can hardly be a foil to Narendra Modi, a communicator par excellence and a rabble rouser without a peer. In June 2014 the Congress Party reached down to pluck Mallikarjun Kharge from obscurity mostly because he was the only one other leader with some standing in the party who could reply to the new masters. He was up to the job.” The RSS “still sees Mr Kharge or someone like him as the danger man.
“What the Congress needs now is an ideological and social contrast to the BJP, someone who can dismiss the RSS’ mythology, with the contempt that it deserves. The Congress’ stable of princelings simply can’t do it. The Congress needs to dig deep into its small bagful of peasant leaders with a track record in government and being from the people. One can be sure that there are several others in the Congress who could lead the party. Among the chief ministers it has Bhupesh Baghel of Chhattisgarh and Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan. Both have a record as exemplary CMs and excellent organisational men. But Mr Gehlot is a bit hamstrung because of his poor communication skills. Mr Baghel is a clear possibility. He is a great communicator and belongs to the Kurmi caste. The Kurmi agriculturist communities have a reputation as being hard working….”
