Now that the NDA seems set to form the next government with Modi as prime minister, there are speculations galore about his personal behaviour and political agenda and how both will affect the government in Delhi and by extension the states of this nation. Much has been spoken about the Gujarat model of development. Many have expressed scepticism about that model but those who have observed Modi’s style of governance from close quarters including sections of the bureaucracy say that he is very precise and concise in giving directions. There is no ambiguity in his communication and Modi brooks no delay. Will this same model work in Delhi where the babudom is a complicated maze? Modi seems firm about delivering by changing the superstructure of governance. His mantra has been minimum government, maximum governance. What does this slogan really mean? There are speculations that this Government would be open to absorbing experts from outside the political system such as academics, economic experts, industrialists and from society. Perhaps this sense of direction is what makes the stock market buoyant and the Sensex swing higher.
One thing Modi will not be hindered by is having to fall in line with conventional wisdom. Seen as an outsider to Delhi and an implementer, Modi will also want quick results. At the moment expectations from the electorate are very high. This is where Modi needs to exercise caution. He has to temper these expectations. Inflation which had gone berserk during the UPA regime requires time to ameliorate. Experts believe that India incorporated is hopeful that the maze of permissions and clearances will be reduced, thereby making India a less difficult place to do business with. In fact the industry honchos are already talking of a self regulating industrial regime rather than a controlled and stifling one that characterised India in the past 67 years.
The ghosts of Godhra however, continue to haunt a large section of intellectuals and civil society. There are apprehensions that communal tensions will aggravate and minorities could be at the receiving end. But Modi is also a street smart politician who would not want to squander the goodwill he has got at this point at the altar of right wing extremism. In fact the BJP manifesto this time has pushed its cultural agenda to the back pages. It would seem that unlike Vajpayee, Modi will not be burdened by the albatross of having to construct a Ram Temple at a designated space since that was never spoken about during the campaign period except perhaps in cloistered circles within the BJP. For now we have to wait and watch.