India needs Pakistan as the enemy if it is to stay together
BJP is in with a landslide victory of 283 seats. It is the first time in nearly 30 years that any party has swept in with such an awesome majority as a single party. BJP walked away with 66 seats in Uttar Pradesh allowing Samajwadi party only nine seats. BJP bagged all of 26 seats in Gujarat, which is Modi’s home turf. His party also bagged all seats in Rajasthan; 26 in number. In Bihar too, the BJP won 24 seats upsetting Janata Dal United party which only managed to scrape together four seats. Congress faced the biggest defeat in elections 2014.
“President Obama on Friday telephoned prime minister-designate Narendra Modi and invited him to visit Washington at a mutually agreeable time to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries”. (The Times of India May 17, 2014) All this and more will come. The BJP’s sweep into power may be reason for celebrations — but it points towards one clear factor; expectations of Indians from the incoming dispensation. K Hussan Zia, author of “Pakistan: Roots, Perspective and Genesis” and “Muslims and the West: A Muslim Perspective” in a mail to me wrote, “There is a reality about India that is generally not appreciated. Internally it is an unholy mess. The administrative set up that kept the country together under the British is now in tatters. By some estimates government writ no longer prevails in 40 per cent of India where Naxalites and other such outfits hold sway. More than that, her regional diversity made worse by such ruthless actions as the killing of hundreds of thousands of Sikhs and Kashmiris is taking its toll in pulling the country apart. Add to all this the fact that two thirds of its 1.3 billion population lives below the poverty line and you have a powder keg ready to explode. The only way Mr Modi can buy some time is by using the tested method of keeping the attention of the people diverted towards an outside threat. For that purpose Pakistan must be the obvious choice. India needs Pakistan as the enemy if it is to stay together. Mr Modi, like his predecessors, will gladly accept whatever concessions Pakistan may make but the basic situation will not change. We also must remember that Mr Modi owes his success to his Hindu communalist agenda. There are seven million trained RSS cadres totally committed to ‘purifying’ India. They see Muslims, Christians and even Sikhs as an abomination. Modi has neither a way of ignoring this nor probably any desire to do so either. We must not entertain any unrealistic hopes. There is rough weather lying ahead. It is time to batten down hatches and prepare for the worse to come. This will save us from nasty surprises that may be in store otherwise.”
Modi and his party needs to look inwards towards trying to address the issues faced by India. Turning the direction of fire towards Pakistan will only take him that far before back firing.
In a moving piece, Ira Trivedi writes, “It is in Varanasi that I meet Ram Paswan. He runs a shop selling materials for cremating dead bodies. (Varanasi is also where Hindus go to die, so his is a lucrative business). Paswan, who has long been a supporter of the Hindu-nationalist BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP), is thrilled that Modi, the future prime minister, ran from his city. His neighbour, Alam Khan, who runs a barbershop, is not. Khan belongs to the 19 percent of Varanasi’s population that is Muslim and which sees Modi, who has been charged with complicity in the 2002 riots and pogroms against Muslims in Gujarat, as dangerous. Hindus and Muslims have co-existed peacefully in Varanasi for centuries. But Modi’s campaign there has changed things, creating a rift between Paswan and Khan — and between many others. ‘My religion comes before my friendship,’ Alam tells me. ‘We don’t have too many options in this election, but Modi is not the right choice for our people’”. She goes on to say, “But in this election, Modi’s economic track record is almost beside the point. He might have emphasised growth, development, and industrialisation, but the BJP, at its base, is a Hindu-nationalist party”. (Foreign Affairs May 15, 2014)
An overwhelmingly clear mandate means a higher graph of expectations. The Hindu Business Line writes, “The landslide victory for the BJP has raised the hopes of the industry honchos who are hoping that the mandate will be used by the new government to push through tough economic reforms”. The paper shares view by Vineet Nayar, Founder, Sampark Foundation & Former CEO, HCL Technologies,“As 800 million Indians exercised their vote in the largest democracy of the world, debates, comments and opinions have been simmering in every kitchen this past month… In my view, the new leadership needs to focus on three broad areas. First, deliver efficient governance at the bottom of the pyramid so that every Indian feels the change which he or she has voted for. Two, drive effectiveness in executing programs and policies already in place so that the wheels of the government move much, much faster and we see a sense of urgency to get things done… Three, define and execute on a bigger, bolder vision for the country that gives India a competitive advantage in the global markets of trade, commerce and share of voice in key decisions that impact the world. Lastly, our young population is the biggest mass of our national identity and competitiveness and the focus of our nation should be around enabling, enthusing and empowering them. If we can build their knowledge and skills, they will become tremendous economic assets otherwise they will be relegated as cheap labour and consumers for the west’s production engine and we will continue to be an ‘emerging nation’ forever.”
The point I’m trying to make here is an interesting contradiction between what the Indians expect of their new leadership and the core approach of Modi — here; there is many a slip between the cup and the lip. Varghese K George says, “The BJP had put its hardcore Hindutva agenda on the backburner when it began alliance building in 1996, but with absolute numbers on its side, the demand from within to bring these up may rise”. (The Hindu) Though Modi had assured the Indians against such an event happening let us not forget that was before the elections.
Focusing on religion based agenda will not work. It was not just Hindus that voted for Modi. That much is obvious.
Modi and his party needs to look inwards towards trying to address the issues faced by India. Turning the direction of fire towards Pakistan will only take him that far before back firing. The information explosion bringing down the geographical boundaries has taken care of that. Ram Mashru, writing for The Diplomat, states, “A major survey carried out by the University of Pennsylvania, serialised by The Times of India in March, found that economic growth was the issue at the heart of India’s elections. More than half of India’s populations are below the age of 26, GDP growth has stagnated at the five per cent mark, and India’s central bank has failed to tie a leash around inflation. Disappointing economic conditions, coupled with widespread anger at the incumbent left-wing coalition’s failure to revive the country’s economy, have boosted Modi’s stock”. (May 15, 2014) The view is supported by William Dalrymple, “A series of voter surveys has shown that concern over the collapse of the Indian economy is the single most important factor in this election for almost all voters, of all religions, whether urban and rural”. (The Guardian, 12 MAY, 2014)
Focusing on religion based agenda will not work. It was not just Hindus that voted for Modi. That much is obvious. The voters converged from a cross spectrum of religious beliefs to stand together for a better future. The plans have to be fairly basic, notwithstanding the Bollywood glitz which is not a true reflection of India by any standards; people hanker after economic development that filters down to their lives. With such a heavy mandate; the buck cannot be passed on.
Can Modi deliver?
Excellent as always ! Kya peetee hain?:-P
Yasmeen Bibi
A beautiful piece.
Congratulations.
Right on Spot !
First, Zia was a military dictator while Modi is a democratically elected PM. Second, tagging Modi with religious fanaticism is not correct. This information is outdated and biased. Gujarat riots were in 2002, but since then there have been no riots in the State. Modi's last 10 years have been exemplary in good governance, attracting foreign investments, infrastructure development and above all interfaith harmony. In the current election, Muslim voters in Gujarat voted overwhelmingly for Modi as a token of satisfaction. On the contrary, 'Muslim-sympathiser' Mulayam Singh Yadav's tenure in UP is marred with anti-Muslim riots. Please update your info about Modi. We are in 2014 and not in 2002.
Congress specifically spent ten years to find something to link Modi to riots but they found nothing.
thank u sohail for your reply u are right
Narendra Modi the killer of thousands of Muslims in Gujarat Hindustan and give order for Destruction of Babri Masjid has come to top office it's very dangerous for such a person to be here! Muslims from Ir Pakistan & world Muslims with their help the Jammu&Kashimiri brothers must Eliminate Modi physically asap otherwise there are Atomic war risks
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Looks like the tape worm reached your brain …
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Very good analysis. The answer to the question :Can Modi deliver?", must be a resounding 'No'.
Nobody, except Captain America, Spider-man, Godzilla or Superman, can meet the hyperbolic expectations of the the teeming masses of India. In all probability, Modi will fail miserably in delivering on his economic agenda . He would be another V.P Singh (remember him?) but for his plan B and plan C. He must have learned some lessons from AAZ and he could easily do a Nawaz Sharif in India. The moment he realizes he was failing on his development program, he could easily bring to the front burner his Shiv Sena, VHP and anti-Muslim, anti-Pakistan agenda, create a Hindu revivalist frenzy, hate-Muslim hype and divert the attention of the masses away from poverty and economic decline. Thus gaining a lease of life for BJP for a couple of more years. Then, likely fizzling out like V. P Singh and Vajpayee.The ghost of Hinduism buried forever, good for Pakistan, good for India. Return of the Congress once again with great fanfare. The Dynasty will be back in 2020 !
HH
Uncomfortably true !
Did any one notice ? Manmohan Singh retired on $1000 a month pension.
Forces of extremism are on rise which suits the only super power of the world to advance her agenda. To expect from Modi to renounce from his election manifesto and adopt a policy of reconciliation would be a death knell for the BJP. Pakistan should not expect any "KHAIR" from Modi and his party nor Hindus should feel happy that Modi will live up to all his pre election slogans. So, Madam, your question will Modi deliver? my answer is BIG NO both domestically and internationally.
Yasmeen Today Modi has led BJP to a landslide victory at the general elections!!!! It remains to be seen if it is more a case of Congress losing the elections than of BJP winning it. Some moderation is to be expected from a party following its assumption of power but only time will tell. Either Bharat will move on the road to progress or be torn by internal strife which will be detrimental for development.
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My thinking is in the same track as your's …
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The resounding victory binds Modi in a very strong mandate …
That mandate is to eliminate corruption, provide economic growth and deliver governance (note the loss of Aam Admi Party) …
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Modi is no fool to not get this message …
It's either he delivers or he gets thrown out after one term (you have to acknowledge that Indian electoral system is powerful) …
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A more curious thing is Modi's gain in Muslim heartland:
"http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/05/16/india-election-muslims-idINKBN0DW16J20140516"
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Shri Narendra Modi, stood and fought elections in India, and not in South asia. Ironically it is a pity that people from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Kashmiris who boycotted elections, do not have any say in his election and anointment to Prime minister’s chair. I will call them Non voters.
What Narendra Modi will do with the mandate he received, will be seen in months and years to come. There are many pressing issues in Hand, one of which being India-Pakistan relations and dispute solving. The non-voters of Narendra modi, who are keenly expecting him to do a lot, should have patience and give him time to work on solutions. In meantime, these non voters should ask their own representatives, as to what solutions do they have in mind to solve contentiuos issues.
It would be interesting to compare the treatment of minorities in both India and Pakistan with statistics including that of minority population in 1947 and now. The freedom of following their own faith in both India and Pakistan, may be put some numbers. Introspect!
look who is talkin…pehle khud ka ghar thik se sambhalo then do r&d on neighbours..absolutely in-sufficient analysis n stale figures
Shri Narendra Modi, stood and fought elections in India, and not in South Asia. Ironically it is a pity that people from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Kashmiris who boycotted elections, do not have any say in his election and anointment to Prime minister's chair. I will call them Non voters.
What Narendra Modi will do with the mandate he received, will be seen in months and years to come. There are many pressing issues in Hand, one of which being India-Pakistan relations and dispute solving. The non-voters of Narendra modi, who are keenly expecting him to do a lot, should have patience and give him time to work on solutions. In meantime, these non voters should ask their own representatives, as to what solutions do they have in mind to solve contentious issues.
If you really feel you want to have a say in Indian elections and state of affairs, why don't you propose confederation of South Asian countries in lines of EU.
Regards,
Rohit Shenoy
Superfine enterprises,
Mumbai, India.
The big question is whether Secular India or Hindu Nationalist ?
mfb
YAA The elections were not based on an anti Pakistan plank as ppl like you would have your countries masses believe. Your country has gone to the dogs, rather than focusing inwards you dare to comment on your neighbors who are in contrast giving south Asia a decent name!
What is wrong with you lady.. just because Pakistan is not doing well you want India to have a puppet Congress government so that India becomes more like Pakistan i.e. feeble & chaotic! Grow some journalistic integrity… learn from your contemporaries at the DAWN, who can be biased but atleast dont twist facts!
Excellent and this article proves again that india is never ever our friend.
"No permanent friends or permanent enemies; only permanent interests"
This fits only on individual life
i agree that Modi may use Pak to distract frm local issues, but also that that strategy won't work in long-term
Can Modi deliver … what a relevant question …! Surely hindutva will have to be on the back burner for him to even remotely
Dear Ms Yaseem Ali,AOA.
An insightful, in-depth analysis!
Best wishes,
India existed thousands of years before Pakistan. It is the other way round. Pakistan needs India for its survival. A failed state which is its own enemy.
Modi will be killed like Ghandhi.
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One would be Foolish to Wish that …
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If (a big if) that happens (out of racial or religious militancy), Guess who would be next …
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The comments posted by SOHAIL MONI are fairly accurate. We should judge people by their actions and so far Modi has done a good job in Gujarat and more than likely will succeed in doing the same in India. I have recently listed carefully to speeches and interviews on youtube and he seems to be a reasonable man.
Logical.
Tahir Malik
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Just the election of this magnitude is awesome by itself …
Also important to note that several regions had the accommodation to highlight their own power within the electoral system …
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Saying that "India needs Pakistan to stay together" is 'pathetically extolling' it's own importance …
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The masses have voted him in because they expect him to bring about a grand economic transformation to lift them out of poverty in quick time. Modi may have a glib tongue but he does not have a magic wand. We can expect him to tone down his political rhetoric when the top job begins to weigh heavily on his shoulders and he comes under razor-sharp international scrutiny. The disappointment among his followers will begin to show – similar to the disappointment of our voters with the many false promises made by our leaders during the elections. Both countries are still coping with their own kind of teething troubles
Madam advise pakistan how to better itself. Picking on indias weaknesses and giving yourself a tickle wont help. Write about the isi, media mess but wait u cant because u might get KILLED!!
Looking inward or outward is not Modi's choice. All this depends on the twists and turns of outside influence of the people who catapulted him in this slot. Moreover it'll be determined by the psyche of Modi himself, developed by his own personal background, academic exposure and social orientation through his inner social circle. All these factors are most likely to incapacitate him for doing what he announces publicly and brags about. All the objective realities,listed above are indicative of his remaking chained to his earlier mental fixations so he will meet his logical end.
Brilliant piece of writing
Indian body politic is a hot potato likely to spill out of hands any time.
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