Along Longkumer
Consulting Editor
Amid recitals of Vedic hymns and blowing of conch shells, the ‘Ganga Aarti’ puja was held at ‘Dashashwamedh Ghat’ in Varanasi with Prime Minister elect Narendra Modi along with BJP President Rajnath Singh and Modi’s close aide Amit Shah in attendance. For those who may be unaware, the ‘Ganga Aarti’ puja was the first major event of Modi after leading the BJP to its impressive victory in the just concluded General Election. Whether there was a need for such a huge puja with religious fervour after getting elected to the PM’s office, a constitutional post, it is for readers to judge, although the first impression one got was that of Modi as a Hindu nationalist.
From Hindu Nationalist to PM
In the past, Modi was not shy to project himself as a “Hindu nationalist”. But as the Prime Minister of a country as diverse as India, one should not go around proclaiming one’s religion. The constitution clearly mentions that there is no official religion and the Government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect and honor. And therefore an elected PM ought to be more sensitive to the feelings of others, especially the minorities. A more private and low key puja would have been perhaps more appropriate. The point really is that with power comes greater responsibility and now that Modi has become PM, there are certain established principles, which will have to be observed. As PM he will now have to be inclusive in his approach. Hopefully Modi will grow into his new role as the head of the constitutionally elected government, who affirms to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India. It is his responsibility as PM to “faithfully and conscientiously discharge” the duties and “without fear or favour, affection or ill-will”.
A leader with a difference
While the first impression about Modi may be that of a “Hindu nationalist”, the other impression of Modi is that of a leader who is different from the usual neta or political class we are used to. Modi is someone with humble beginnings, hard working, has strong self belief to succeed and displays honesty and genuine concern for people’s welfare. His message to the newly elected BJP MPs not to lobby for berths and offices but to work for the party in their respective States, this goes to show that Modi has set a high standard for those in public life to follow, i.e. to work for people and not for self. This is worthy of emulation for any leader. In all this, there is high expectation that the new Modi government will perform and deliver on good governance, speedy economic recovery, corruption free development and inclusiveness of all sections. The other impression that one got was how the BJP seems to have high regard for its pre-poll alliance partners. Despite having a majority, the BJP was gracious enough to accommodate even a one seat party like the Naga People’s Front (NPF). Not only was Neiphiu Rio of the NPF given time to speak during the BJP-NDA Parliamentary meeting but Rio was given a prominent seat next to BJP leaders as they met the President to stake claim to form a government.
Test for Rio’s new role
It’s another matter that Rio should have refrained from attacking the previous Congress led UPA regimes. He should have been more gracious in his hour of victory; after all if the ten years of his tenure as Chief Minister of Nagaland can be claimed as successful on the development front, then perhaps one should have the magnanimity to at least give some credit to the Central government for its supporting role. Rio was perhaps carried away by the occasion and his new found reverence for “his leader Modiji”. In fact, even the BJP leaders including the PM elect showed more courtesy towards its political opponents and refrained from attacking anyone. Rather, Rio should have used the occasion to tell the next PM and the BJP heavyweights present that he has been send to the Lok Sabha primarily to give priority in resolving the long pending Naga political issue. This would have had a more positive impact on the new political leadership of India and Rio would have done great service to the Naga cause.
From Hindu Nationalist to PM
In the past, Modi was not shy to project himself as a “Hindu nationalist”. But as the Prime Minister of a country as diverse as India, one should not go around proclaiming one’s religion. The constitution clearly mentions that there is no official religion and the Government treats all religious beliefs and practices with equal respect and honor. And therefore an elected PM ought to be more sensitive to the feelings of others, especially the minorities. A more private and low key puja would have been perhaps more appropriate. The point really is that with power comes greater responsibility and now that Modi has become PM, there are certain established principles, which will have to be observed. As PM he will now have to be inclusive in his approach. Hopefully Modi will grow into his new role as the head of the constitutionally elected government, who affirms to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India. It is his responsibility as PM to “faithfully and conscientiously discharge” the duties and “without fear or favour, affection or ill-will”.
A leader with a difference
While the first impression about Modi may be that of a “Hindu nationalist”, the other impression of Modi is that of a leader who is different from the usual neta or political class we are used to. Modi is someone with humble beginnings, hard working, has strong self belief to succeed and displays honesty and genuine concern for people’s welfare. His message to the newly elected BJP MPs not to lobby for berths and offices but to work for the party in their respective States, this goes to show that Modi has set a high standard for those in public life to follow, i.e. to work for people and not for self. This is worthy of emulation for any leader. In all this, there is high expectation that the new Modi government will perform and deliver on good governance, speedy economic recovery, corruption free development and inclusiveness of all sections. The other impression that one got was how the BJP seems to have high regard for its pre-poll alliance partners. Despite having a majority, the BJP was gracious enough to accommodate even a one seat party like the Naga People’s Front (NPF). Not only was Neiphiu Rio of the NPF given time to speak during the BJP-NDA Parliamentary meeting but Rio was given a prominent seat next to BJP leaders as they met the President to stake claim to form a government.
Test for Rio’s new role
It’s another matter that Rio should have refrained from attacking the previous Congress led UPA regimes. He should have been more gracious in his hour of victory; after all if the ten years of his tenure as Chief Minister of Nagaland can be claimed as successful on the development front, then perhaps one should have the magnanimity to at least give some credit to the Central government for its supporting role. Rio was perhaps carried away by the occasion and his new found reverence for “his leader Modiji”. In fact, even the BJP leaders including the PM elect showed more courtesy towards its political opponents and refrained from attacking anyone. Rather, Rio should have used the occasion to tell the next PM and the BJP heavyweights present that he has been send to the Lok Sabha primarily to give priority in resolving the long pending Naga political issue. This would have had a more positive impact on the new political leadership of India and Rio would have done great service to the Naga cause.
(Feedback can be send to consultingeditormex@gmail.com)
