Ideological baggage or development agenda.
Election 2014 will have far-reaching consequences on Indian politics because of its distinctiveness in many ways. It was an election where first time in India electoral politics undecided middle-class, disarrayed farming community and the well-heeled corporate sector made a lethal combination to dislodge Congress and crown Modi. Middle-class and the farmers chose Modi out of desperation but the industry made a calculated move to buy peace and stability for a vibrant and healthy economic activity in the country. Culmination of election 2014 with landslide victory for NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and grand coronation of Modi left most of the politicians on the Indian political spectrum flabbergasted, that too in the backdrop of Modi’s image in Gujarat. It whipped many political dynasties from the political landscape of India and pushed several political celebrities into alleys of political oblivion.
NDA’s sweeping victory and Modi’s arrival on Indian political scene with a big bang is apparently considered a BJP success with massive endorsement to its political ideology. However, in real terms the 2014 election outcome was a combination of anti-incumbency vote against Congress led UPA (United Progressive Alliance), well marketed Modi’s over inflated personal appeal and a much bigger and well organized hand of RSS. In reality for long the BJP as a political party stands marginalized with most of its party cadre going through transition. BJP of its own does not exist anywhere in Indian political crowd but is being finely used as political front-runner by well-organized RSS and other like-minded groups in a bid to promote their interests and propagate their own ideology. And for that matter , this time RSS promoted brand Modi vigorously. The way Narinder Modi clipped the towering Lal Krishen Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, dumped Jaswant Singh and tamed firebrand Sushma Swaraj is an indicator of BJP as a party losing its sheen. The shape and size of Modi’s cabinet also gives an idea of battered BJP and its diminishing authoritative role in Modi Sarkaar. At present BJP stands tall because of Modi and not Modi as a champion because of BJP. This transformation in BJP will obviously have a broader impact on Indian sociopolitical scenario with a touch of political authoritarianism. Most of the Modi critics shout at top of their voice of corporate sponsorship of Modi campaign against prospective favors. However, this assumption of Modi bashers is half true. Corporate sector invested in Modi to ensure hassle-free economic activity and not to get any direct favors from Modi and his government. Once they find a congenial atmosphere for trade the business community know very well how to earn from rapidly growing vast Indian economy. To ensure healthy business activity along with much required foreign investment, corporate sector in India desire peace and stability. In a competitive economic atmosphere in the region with looming threat of stiff competition from China, Indian industry sector want to explore the huge Indian resources and manpower. Indian social setup and political system is so intricate and fragile that even a brief gust of discontent and conflict can ruin the whole situation of peace and tranquility.
At present the emerging Indian political picture with Narinder Modi on wheels is not so promising. With ambitions of Indian corporate sector along with aspirations of Middle-class and farming community pitched against the ideological agenda of RSS, Modi will be running a tight rope between ‘Dharam Raj’ and ‘Ram Raj’. And Modi has to decide between the two to steer the nation out of the mess it is in and fulfill his promises of growth, accountability and a stable nation. Taking oath of bearing true faith and allegiance to Indian constitution that restricts him to social and economic equality of all the Indians irrespective of their colour and faith, Modi cannot afford to be selective. The heterogeneous socio-religious combination of Indian society will never allow unilateral restructuring of the Indian socio-political system, thus, creating an atmosphere of abrasion and discontent anytime.
Triumphant Modi, who for his historic victory is indebted both to his mentors and the supporters (voters) has to choose between the ideological shackles of RSS and the outright support of Indian people to lead India to the best satisfaction and aspirations of its people. However , the way Modi in his life has risen wading his way against all odds anything can be expected of ambitious Modi. Now the choice lies with him only.
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