B L Saraf
For better part of the last decade , there has been incessant uncalled for Modi bashing in the national and international media. Therefore , when a respectable observer of the international affairs makes a positive comment on Narendra Modi’s working as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, it gives a perspective which should explain his moves initiated post his election as PM designate. A few days before Narandra Modi filed his second nomination for the Lok Sabah seat from Varanasi in U P , David Cohen – who served in the administration of George W Bush in various capacities including as a member in President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders wrote a piece in a national daily . It was captioned ” Is India about to elect its Reagan.” He compared Narendra Modi to the U S President Reagan and pointed out number of similarities , in positive , between the two. One ; their journey from a humble origin. He, then, likened Modi’s assertive posture against Pakistan to that of the Reagan’s stance against then Soviet Union . It is history how President Reagan was responsible for the latter’s dismemberment .
Apart from various steps which Prime Minister Modi may initiate to set right the health of Indian economy and address the aspirational young Indians , he will be closely watched on his attempt to allay ‘ fears ‘ generated among Muslims of India by his detractors . Howsoever unfortunate it may be, the Indian Muslims judge the position of G OI towards them in the prism of India’s relations with Pakistan. Though, there can be no correlation. Concern for its Muslim citizenry, or for that matter of any other section of its population, is a prime duty of any Central Government, detached from how it deals with Pakistan and other foreign countries. There is, however, no denying that relations with Pakistan remain central to the stance of Union Government vis -a – vis the issue it has with the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Seen thus , the designate PM’s invitation to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief , though clubbed with other heads of the state and governments of the SAARC countries to be present at his swearing in ceremony, assumes great significance. No wonder the move has generated a favourable reaction among all sections of the State – separatists included. In the initiative to invite Pakistan PM and Srilankan President , against the wishes of his allies like MDMK and Shiva Sena , Modi has sent out two significant signals . First , he is laying to rest the belligerent phase of electioneering . Second, his clear understanding that to prosper at home the neighbourhood must be calm – if not quite friendly. Besides, it has been made clear to the allies that in foreign policy matters national interest is supreme and no regional satrap should prove a spoiler .
It is no coincidence that Pakistanis and a significant section of the Kashmir civil society have been watching the election scene and eventual rise of Narendra Modi to the centre stage in India with fair amount of trepidation. Some sections in the media , though, are of the view that détente had progressed well when right of centre dispensation was at the helm of affairs in India . But then some people in both the places share a pathological dislike for Modi. One may take a heart from the fact that in 2013 Parliamentary elections, in Pakistan , excessive obsession with India was missing. ‘ K’ word was not heard in the election rhetoric. In Kashmir, true, participation in recent parliamentary elections was less in the urban areas, but in rural areas it was substantial . The fact should not be lost on the new government in New Delhi. Here, Narendra Modi continues to be subject of discussion in almost every living room – sometimes in positive frame of things. Modi’s image of being assertive towards Pakistan could have a salutary effect on the Indo- Pak relations. Because, peace – loving people in Pakistan understand that any new terrorist attack from that country on the 26 / 11 Mumbai pattern would invite lethal reprisal from India under Modi.
Modi is pleasantly changing things. So is his image changing. More than the reality, in public affairs the perception matters. His gestures are sure indications towards that. Softened position helps one to take off. Success may not be assured but ride will be smooth. Narendra Modi has begun well and boldly. More Power to his intentions .
(The author is former Principal District & Sessions Judge)
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