RISE OF MODY: IMPLICATIONS

There are extreme views about the ascendency of Modi on the national Indian political scene. From an efficient administrator, visionary, deliverer to manipulator, anti-Muslim and extremely ambitious.

He is from a very humble background, has risen through the system through hard work and transformed Gujarat into the most vibrant state is all recorded and well known. People who have interacted with him speak high of him – humble; decisive; efficient; visionary and hands on control over his KRAs. On the other hand the national print and electronic media; some NGOs and large number of self-styled Muslim saviours blame him for events of 2002. The Gadara riots, where both Muslims and Hindus lost lives due to mob fury triggered due to burning of a bogie carrying Hindu worshippers returning from Ayodhya post demolition of Babri mosque. The needle of suspicion pointed towards the other community. Large number of inquiries, judicial investigations, PILs by self-acclaimed saviours of the communities found a great opportunity in self-gratification and extracting favours from the powers that be- Modi bashing was  ticket to both fame and favours from the central government because sympathy to a potential vote bank. Exploiting human pain rather than curing it became the choice profession of many. Both the haters and lovers have gained tremendously, therefore he raises fear or appreciation depending on which side of the prism one looks through.

Why the Fear

He is not corrupt, sets target and accepts results. This is what the management experts call Management by objectives. At the national level the results are measured in expanding the budget allotted and asking for more annually and if the department spends fully it gets additional amount. If someone spends less the axe will fall on that department. Thus the emphasis is on ensuring expenditure and not the results achieved. Most of the advanced economies are moving towards performance budget where in the expenditure is measured not in terms of money spent but the results achieved. CAG has been doing a wonderful work in pointing the wasteful expenditure but no one really cares. Moment the performance/results are factored into the money spent automatically the focus shifts towards accountability. This is the first step towards improved governance and accountable babudom. Accountability which is non-existent in government departments, cascading into lassie fair is a win win for lethargic machinery. Rights and perks matter. Results- who cares. This is the greatest fear amongst the government sector and biggest threat to Modi’s rise. Great for the nation but serious resistance from government employees- a huge vote bank

Perception: Muslim Hater

The national media and the central government machinery have taken pains to demonify Modi over the last decades. The perception amongst the masses may reflect this image unless serious actions are initiated to nullify the viscous propaganda, there would be trouble for Modi.

Should he succeed in polarising votes on religious lines, it could have extremely serious ramifications for the present power holders- there would be tectonic power shift jolting lots of influential players propagating family rule or scaring the minority vote bank of the ramifications and claiming we are the saviours.

Change the Rules

Merit and inclusive development where in everyone is facilitated and empowered to earn and live with dignity rather than creating beggars or parasites through free doles can be a game changer. Empowerment rather than free doles could make a huge difference for the nation and the Indian society to move from agrarian to knowledge based society in tune with the world at large.

This poses a mega threat to the existing system and may collude to ensure combined front to character assassinate, demonify and defeat Modi and Co. Media/CBI/Judiciary/NGOs and self-styled saviours plus other tools in the armoury of the government could be unleashes and coalition of the threatened may come into being.

Style of Functioning

Reportedly an autocrat who cannot tolerate the non- performers, Modi will need to carry the team. Being a federal structure with very powerful and aware state governments, any bulldozing could lead to rebellion or in the worst case fragmentation. Very potent threat which will need to be addressed pragmatically.

Transformation

The nation will be transformed with empowered and knowledge flushed youth; in-house industry; accountable bureaucracy; infrastructure and emphasis on perform or perish. National issues and threats will probably get a rational approach with long term policies and national/international cooperation of the willing to tackle terrorism/China-Pak threats.

Conclusion

Rise of Modi augurs well for the nation because he is perceived to be deliverer, honest and visionary. As of today he is the best bet for the country. He will need to survive the counter veiling forces which are massive and will combine to defeat him because his arrival means mega power shift.

 Issue is can he do it?

Let us all use our might to make a difference to help the nation come out from the present quagmire of corruption and pessimism.