Most people in this country carry the image of Narendra Modi based on media reports and projections. Except for a few people who have had first hand interface with Modi it is difficult for many to understand the person behind the face. Liberal ideologues paint Modi as a cruel, communalist, rightist bigot who not just fiddled while Godhra happened in 2002 but literally fuelled the pogrom against Muslims. Even today there are articles galore in leading dailies and news magazines of this country which warn of ominous portents under Narendra Modi. On Tuesday, May 20, Modi made his maiden speech in Parliament which resonated with many who listened to his impassioned plea that all citizens must become stakeholders in development. The tone of his speech was modulated. For once he appeared to have been emotionally charged. Modi stepped into the august house with reverence, literally touching the ground which led to the temple of democracy. His reference to democracy as a system where even those from backwards castes and classes could gain entry must have touched many hearts. Most Indians are adopting a wait and watch posture before passing any judgment on Modi. Only the Left liberals have written him off as a bad omen for India. They fear that the markets might decide the entire course of governance henceforth.
However, there is a marked difference in the thinking of the youth of India. They seem to believe that Modi’s entry into the high office of prime minister would fuel growth which in turn will create employment and opportunities for entrepreneurship. That is all they are interested in. And this is where India today is divided ideologically. Intellectuals fear the loss of a liberal space for creative, non-conformist ideas. They apprehend the hijacking of all institutions by extremists of the Sangh Parivar. Representative of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak have allayed those fears saying that the BJP and Modi’s victory clearly was not facilitated by the Sangh and therefore Modi is under no coercion to accede to their diktat. In fact this is the first time that the Sangh Parivar and other members of the BJP are guarded in their language, almost as if they want Modi to put his best foot forward.
Only time will tell how Modi will perform but for now he is providing the country with leadership it has missed in a long time.