Vijay Hashia
Silence is foolish if one is wise, but wise if one is foolish. Spiritually, silence is stillness, free from the onslaught of thought patterns, a stillness of mind. It is absence of sound, understood to bring one close to divine nature. But in politics, it is regarded inimical to governance. It does not always reinforce or resist powerful but can constitute quiet, unresponsive and apathetic senses. Prolonged, however, may not always be golden as it makes one dumb driven and so is the prolonged garrulity boring to the listener. Manmohan Singh’s decade long mute stance is ascribed to the cause for Congress debacle in the LS-14 elections. Communication, Congress men say, was the big problem with PM. He should have been more forthright, responsive and should have explained stand on scams better. While the blame is on outgoing PM for his uncommunicative approach, denial is for creation of clandestine syndicate that reduced Singh to scapegoat. Rahul Gandhi is, however, exonerated as he came to forefront only eight months ago, they say, responsibility was of government not of party.
Contrary to it, Narender Modi is a voracious speaker. He speaks straight from heart. Analysis of latest three addresses in Vadadora, Varanasi and in the BJP’s parliamentary committee reflects depth of his thoughts and emotions with strong patriotic feelings akin to characteristics of a visionary statesman. In these addresses, he was less combative but more emotive by using development narratives with phrases ‘ mazdoor no 1’, ‘sabka sath sabka vikas (Together, inclusive development)’ and emphasized cleaning of the Ganga and government of, by and for the poor. Addressing 450 congregations almost in 5800 locations and covering a distance of over three lakh kms from the day he was nominated to PM’s post to the last day of polls, speaks of his high level of energy. While critics say Modi’s excessive talking won’t solve problems, the question is, has silence solved?
Only once since independence, such mesmerism of a leader has thralled minds and this was JP wave of mid 70s that took everyone by surprise. The revolutionary voiced against price rise, corruption, electoral laws violation and oppression by every kind of injustice. He drew masses to wack chanting ‘ Lok Nayak Jai Prakash… Jai Prakash, Jai Prakash… …’ for overthrowing Indira Gandhi. Narender Modi repeated with same echo and the slogan (Modi, Modi…ghar ghar Modi) became a slogan. His sarcastic speeches with combative phrases like ‘shehzade’, ‘dhamad’, ‘jumka gira’, RSVP, ABC and fifty six inches chest, against dynasty rule were aimed to grab voters’ attention, the ghostly apparition of which haunted congress led UPA II right from the day he was nominated PM candidate. The slogan became a symbol against leadership vacuum, policy lapses and plethora of scams.
Whether projecting Modi as PM candidate is a mistake or not, only time will tell? But presently, it has edged BJP to consolidate Hindu votes divided on caste and region in UP, Bihar, Delhi, Rajesthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. It has offset damage from tougher Muslim opposition wooed by Sonia, Mullayam and Nitish as a last resort to counter Modi’s polarization.
People aspirations have changed, they have risen above caste barriers, so have political conditions and personalities since 2004. Development, material gains and strong leadership have become priorities. Young look beyond dynasty rule, beyond un-robust economic environment and beyond corruption oriented India. These aspirations were revealed by shunning aristocratic regime and juxtaposing the tea seller background incumbent as the saviour of poor.
Modi has, no doubt, showered praise in support of previous government. It is a healthy sign best suited to tap into the large scale disappointment with the congress that can help the party garner support even in areas outside its stronghold in the same way as Vajpayee did. Seen would be what NDA will do for bringing down soaring prices and inflation? The coming months will tell us, what economic, social and foreign prudence of policies NDA adopts for eradicating poverty and hunger, fiscal and current deficit accounts, global investment and GDP, reforming taxes and job creation, corruption and revamping foreign policy etc. Shall we really have ‘achchey dein?’ If Manmohan Singh did not have magic wand for money to grow on trees, will Modinomics have saplings to grow money buds?
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel