Article first published in +ABP NEWS (click here to read)
Narendra Modi is one
politician – who can never do anything right – at least as far as the media is
concerned. Last week after his stirring speech in the Parliament on
Constitution Day (which itself became a subject of controversy) Op-ed pundits strenuously
analyzed how the speech was high on rhetoric but short on authenticity. When PM
Modi invited Sonia Gandhi and Man Mohan Singh for tea prior to the start of the
Parliament Winter Session – his critics could barely conceal their glee. The
suggestion being – the PM had to get off his high horse to taste the dust of
Bihar.
But, to cut the chase – is
PM Modi really trying to reach out ? Has he come to a belated realization that
confrontation can only get him thus far and from here on the journey could well
be down-hill with Congress’ Lion King-in-waiting having drawn his first blood
and the rest of the opposition discovered the magic tape to hold together a
disparate bunch, at least in the short run.
The post-Diwali Milan at
the BJP HQ – almost a month after the festival seemed like an afterthought. At
least going by the photographs of the now customary ‘selfie’ session with the
PM published in the media, the big guns of the media and stars of News TV gave
it a miss this year – probably having got their selfies clicked last Diwali and
knowing it will be just a social ritual sans any “Breaking News” moment.
Beside this – one has seen
little evidence so far of the PM trying to offer the olive branch to his
detractors. He has carried on with his official business as usual and gone
ahead with his overseas travel schedule ignoring expected digs from the
opposition, media and Twitter chaterati (albeit everyone knows these foreign
engagements are committed months in advance). So, is there any reason to
believe Narendra Modi will drastically change his style – stoop a little to
conquer – to overcome odds that might otherwise derail him prematurely after a
dream start just18 months ago? Or, putting it plainly is he even capable of
such a radical transformation – even for a brief period?
The answer to both those
questions is a resounding “NO”. First, he is too proud (call him an irredeemable
egotist or the man’s hubris if you like) to climb down – at anyone’s threats or
bullying. He would rather break – and fight to finish – than bend. Second, he
is acutely aware that being seen to compromise publicly would not only be
totally out of sync with his character and brand personality – but come across
as even less genuine. Above all, he is too sharp and politically savvy not to
realize – that any number of “Chai pe Charcha” or backroom deals are going to assuage
the Gandhis – who see him as the single biggest threat to the survival of the
dynasty.
One remembers – in the
latter part of the campaign – when he was surer of his victory – Modi told some
interviewers: “to win an election you need votes, but to run a country you need
the support of the entire country”. He repeated this again in Parliament and
was seen extending courtesies to Sonia Gandhi in the opening session. But, it ended
there. Many believe, with some justification, the initial show of grace and
desire to be seen as inclusive was more for effect than real. But, one could
also argue conversely, Modi had already sensed it was just a matter of time
before the ‘dynasty’ struck back with vengeance and, therefore, it would be
futile to try and build bridges with them.
Going forward – therefore,
it is unlikely that we would see greater bonhomie between Modi and the Congress.
Both are stuck with their own existential compulsions. While the Gandhis have
little option but to fight for existence, Modi can’t give up – or even
temporarily set aside – his mission of demolishing the Nehru-Gandhi legacy for
good. He can’t do this by simply tripping them on legal chinks in the family –
be it Vadra land deals, black-money or National Herald case – as many of his
lay supporters naively suggest – but by systematically dismantling the aura and
myths created around them over six decades. And, that is going to be long drawn
war of wits.
What we might definitely
see in the coming days is Modi and his aides more actively reaching out to the
non-Congress opposition and regional parties – luring them with sops and
reprieves as indeed more concerted direct contact with his core constituents –
while he puts his governance and reforms agenda into high gear. But, for this
he has to fix his communication and media strategy double quick as has been widely
commented and start relying more on experienced colleagues – like Nitin Gadkari
- and put CMs of BJP ruled states to better use – rather than just a handful of
trusted lieutenants. One redeeming feature – of the current crisis – is how
some hitherto ignored young articulate MPs like Meenakshi Lekhi have risen to
his defense in Parliament. He would need to press many more like her into
action.
Finally – despite
criticisms if PM Modi is continuing with his peripatetic foreign policy it is
not without a purpose. He wants to build on the equity he has acquired among
the global leaders – with whom he finds much easier to communicate and
establish rapport than with a few cussed septuagenarian regional chieftains. He
knows – as long as the international power bloc sees him as their best bet in
India – he has a better chance to counter external forces that Congress will no
doubt try to enlist in their insidious campaign to unseat him – as was apparent
from recent utterances of Mani Shankar Aiyar and Salman Khurshid.
There is no doubt
whatsoever it will be a bumpy road ahead till 2019. But, Modi has enough
tenacity to weather the storm and come out a winner.
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