The huge hype by the BJP -with the full backing of the RSS- about Narendra Modi is because he is the only leader who might catch the imagination of a large section of the voters! But despite the wide support of the media for Mr Modi, there are yet voices being raised about his suitability as PM. But more importantly the main question is will the BJP manage to get adequate support from other parties. I am attempting to give some suggestions that Modi and his followers should take serious note of to get stronger support.
Firstly, Modi's rather 'arrogant" manner shows that he is far too full of himself. Any leader who wishes to win the support and admiration of the voters, should show some respect and deference to the people. He should appear as one who wishes to serve them and and not rule them. He has been consumed by his ambition to be the PM but this has to be tempered with restraint and humility. Mere dressing up to impress will not cancel the negative effect of his arrogance.
Secondly, he should totally desist from indulging in personal criticism or sink to very low levels bordering on abuse of the opposition. No politician including himself are perfect examples and this type of oratory does not win votes. In 2004, the target of personal attack was Sonia Gandhi and in 2009 it was personal abuse of ManMohan Singh. These tactics did not get any success. Shri Vajpayeeji never, never indulged in such tactics and this earned the people's respect. Modi should further totally refrain from giving wrong figures/examples about the opposition in his rhetoric which can be countered with facts.
Thirdly, he should definitely attack/expose the policies of the present Govt. But neither he nor his party has ever spelt out their policies clearly on vital issues. The economy, foreign relations esp with our neighbours, and internal security issues need serious attention. The BJP cannot furrow their own path at the expense of showing unity on matters that affect national security.
Fourthly, he should avoid any reference to communal issues of divide as this will polarise the opposition.
He should clearly outline solutions. There should be more positivity in his speeches so that the voter can understand what he will do if in power. For example, corruption is being raised as a big issue for the opposition. But unfortunately, this is associated with all political parties including the BJP. What measures will the BJP take to root out corruption iswaht the people want to know. The impression is created that the Lokpal Bill is a magic wand to remove all corruption, and the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha but opposed by the BJP and others in the Rajya Sabha.. Modi no doubt may be honest himself, but there is corruption in Gujarat where there is no Lok Ayukth for the past 10 years! They requires systemic changes and one would like to know how Mr Modi has tackled this in Gujarat. His new Bill makes him the judge of what is wrong i n his own Govt!
Fifthly, Modi and the BJP should have a clear policy and attitude to coalition partners. Their projection of Modi as their next PM has already lost one ally. They will need allies and this will become necessary especially in those States where they have very weak support. A picture of a common basis or agenda needs to be developed in his speeches. Let us remember we are a democracy and unlike a dictatorial policy or steam rolling the coalition partners, we need to meet the aspirations of possibly such regional aspirations.The Telangana issue is a case in point on which they have given support but are silent on the matter.
No one can deny that Mr Modi's success in Gujarat has been possible with unstinted support of his fellow party members, as well as an efficient bureaucracy. His State also enjoys certain advantages of resources both natural and from an active business community. The country on the whole does not share the same advantages and will requires a totally different perspective in planning. He must remember that he cannot run a one band show at the Centre and will need qualified and efficient colleagues in the Cabinet and an equally efficient and supportive bureaucracy. He will need to be careful with the biggest source of corruption form some big corporate Houses.
Let us wish Modi all the best but the road to his vistory is not going to be easy or smooth.
Firstly, Modi's rather 'arrogant" manner shows that he is far too full of himself. Any leader who wishes to win the support and admiration of the voters, should show some respect and deference to the people. He should appear as one who wishes to serve them and and not rule them. He has been consumed by his ambition to be the PM but this has to be tempered with restraint and humility. Mere dressing up to impress will not cancel the negative effect of his arrogance.
Secondly, he should totally desist from indulging in personal criticism or sink to very low levels bordering on abuse of the opposition. No politician including himself are perfect examples and this type of oratory does not win votes. In 2004, the target of personal attack was Sonia Gandhi and in 2009 it was personal abuse of ManMohan Singh. These tactics did not get any success. Shri Vajpayeeji never, never indulged in such tactics and this earned the people's respect. Modi should further totally refrain from giving wrong figures/examples about the opposition in his rhetoric which can be countered with facts.
Thirdly, he should definitely attack/expose the policies of the present Govt. But neither he nor his party has ever spelt out their policies clearly on vital issues. The economy, foreign relations esp with our neighbours, and internal security issues need serious attention. The BJP cannot furrow their own path at the expense of showing unity on matters that affect national security.
Fourthly, he should avoid any reference to communal issues of divide as this will polarise the opposition.
He should clearly outline solutions. There should be more positivity in his speeches so that the voter can understand what he will do if in power. For example, corruption is being raised as a big issue for the opposition. But unfortunately, this is associated with all political parties including the BJP. What measures will the BJP take to root out corruption iswaht the people want to know. The impression is created that the Lokpal Bill is a magic wand to remove all corruption, and the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha but opposed by the BJP and others in the Rajya Sabha.. Modi no doubt may be honest himself, but there is corruption in Gujarat where there is no Lok Ayukth for the past 10 years! They requires systemic changes and one would like to know how Mr Modi has tackled this in Gujarat. His new Bill makes him the judge of what is wrong i n his own Govt!
Fifthly, Modi and the BJP should have a clear policy and attitude to coalition partners. Their projection of Modi as their next PM has already lost one ally. They will need allies and this will become necessary especially in those States where they have very weak support. A picture of a common basis or agenda needs to be developed in his speeches. Let us remember we are a democracy and unlike a dictatorial policy or steam rolling the coalition partners, we need to meet the aspirations of possibly such regional aspirations.The Telangana issue is a case in point on which they have given support but are silent on the matter.
No one can deny that Mr Modi's success in Gujarat has been possible with unstinted support of his fellow party members, as well as an efficient bureaucracy. His State also enjoys certain advantages of resources both natural and from an active business community. The country on the whole does not share the same advantages and will requires a totally different perspective in planning. He must remember that he cannot run a one band show at the Centre and will need qualified and efficient colleagues in the Cabinet and an equally efficient and supportive bureaucracy. He will need to be careful with the biggest source of corruption form some big corporate Houses.
Let us wish Modi all the best but the road to his vistory is not going to be easy or smooth.
