The tract from Chittaurgarh in Rajasthan to the adjoining
districts of Neemuch and Mandsaur in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh is
remarkably prosperous. These are few areas in the country that have ‘licensed’
cultivation of poppy. After handing over the contracted quantities to the state
there is enough ‘extras’ and left-over by products (like Poshto and Doda) to be
traded under the benevolent eyes of a deity – Sanwariya Seth – considered as a
‘business partner’ by the locals. Needless to add, the supplementary income
exceeds the official earnings by multiples. So, Digvijaya Singh was being
clever by half when he dared Shivraj Singh Chauhan to ban poppy cultivation in
Madhya Pradesh.
Business here is generally insulated from economic downturns
unless, of course, the crop is severely affected. Opiates are in demand both in
times of depression and boom – a local associate with interest in real estate
and jewellery enlightens me. Unlike neighbouring Rajasthan where a
certain degree of dissonance is palpable, Malwa is still soaked in saffron. On
a visible high after the resounding success of the recent Ujjain Simhastha
Kumbh, he is not worried about another term for BJP in the state or a second
innings for Modi. But, as a businessman his critique of Modi Sarkar is on
approach and strategy.
Modi-ji had promised to get “Kala-Dhan” from abroad – but
instead his government seems more concerned about unearthing black money of the
people who voted for BJP. He was upset at the real-estate business being in the
doldrums stuck with high inventory and the counter-productive excise duty
imposed on jewellery. The fear of the taxman had led to the flight of free-cash
– the life-blood of builders . For jewellery – the one-percent tax is not an
issue – but that it would force jewelers to declare transactions in “white”
would be a major nuisance for the trade. He blamed such ‘impractical’ decisions
on bureaucrats – whom he felt were alive to the difficulties of large
industrialists but had little understanding of the problems of small
businessmen and traders. A subtle replay, as it were, of the ‘suit-boot’
refrain – but the general angst at the elusive “miracles” that one saw a year
ago had distinctly dissipated.
Yet – he is hopeful of the future. After three consecutive
bad seasons the Rabi crops were healthy. A bumper Soya Bean harvest was in the
offing. Now with predictions of a good monsoon the mood in the rural economy is
looking up. Infrastructure projects are showing signs of traction and with the
elections on the horizon – the state government is beginning to loosen its
purse strings. Overall – the realization was beginning to set in that – while
the dream of ‘Acche Din’ may have been a hyperbole – things could have been
much worse and the government had managed the economy pretty well under the
circumstances.
Now, cut to Indore. Meet a bunch of saffron-ites from the
trading community of the city and nearby towns. Though there was no
windfall for the ‘faithful’, they can sense a certain stability and
predictability in the business environment. Even though it has been a long time
since Congress last ruled the state – the memories of mismanagement and
corruption are yet to heal and the factional infighting between the major and
minor royalties does not inspire confidence for a resurrection any time soon.
I tease them about the prices of tomatoes. That we can think
of having tomatoes in summer is itself a sign of changing times, they retort.
Indians are accustomed to cyclical shortages and inflation is part of progress
and the people they feel are convinced about the sincerity of the government.
If these crises were to happen due to “ghotala” (corruption), reckless action
or negligence there would be backlash. Now they know it has happened despite
the best efforts of the central government. So no one is blaming Modi.
Everyone understands, the key is growth of the economy and
as long as that is ensured everything else will quietly fall in place.
Meanwhile, the benefits of all the schemes launched by the Prime Minister – be
it Jan Dhan Yojana or Crop Insurance will start yielding dividends and reduce
dependence on doles.
Again I try to bait them on BJP’s uncertain prospects in
Punjab and possible set back in Rajasthan. As they invoke the now familiar
logic of the changing dynamics between state and central elections. I argue why
would the same not apply to Rahul Gandhi or Kejriwal – but it only invites
laughter of derision. The ‘Bhakts’ if you insist on calling them so are
convinced Modi and Amit Shah are working to a plan and 2019 will see an encore
of the “Modi Magic”. Citing Modi’s towering ratings in all recent opinion
polls the say “the Man is the Message” and that is why Modi cuts through the
layers and communicates directly with the masses.
And, just then Boom!! Narendra Modi comes on air to answer
everything the nation wanted to know but were afraid to ask.
