Amazing
and stunning! At a loss for words to describe this tremendous victory in the
near history of the country. We all thought that the era of single-party rule
was over. We reconciled ourselves to the sorry spectacle of corrupt, parochial
politicians flexing their muscles in Delhi for petty issues concerning their
states. We noted with regret the sight of the nation's prime minister waiting
for diktats coming from state headquarters. And some of us even wondered
whether the luxury of 'multiparty' democracy can be afforded by third-world
countries like ours. When the situation demanded on-the-moment decisions, we
had to sit back and wait for consensus to emerge.
Thankfully,
it all has ended. One party has secured absolute majority in the House.
Obviously, it is part of an alliance, whose partners must be respected and heard
before taking policy decisions. But the entire scenario is different. Small,
regional parties may concur with strong, national parties, but in no way shall
they hold the country to ransom. With absolute majority for the national party,
the local ones will automatically come under strict discipline. This must look
like a moment of redeeming Indian democracy, when our children look back to
this result in a future age, with the benefit of hindsight.
Congratulations,
Narendra Modi, on this greatest day of your life. You made great promises, you
evoked immense hope, you commanded respect, and you provided a political role
model for the youth of the country.
This
is no time to rest on your laurels.
India
has won and we believe that good days are ahead, as you promised today. Yes,
you can. Or rather, together we can! Understandably, the minorities are a
little ruffled on your party getting a majority on its own for they had counted
on the chance that you would be under the moderating influence of your allies.
You shall not differentiate people on the basis of religion. There must not be
any appeasement of anyone, but there should be equal justice for all. And equal
opportunities.
It
is time to take some hard economic decisions. You shall not flinch when the
hour comes.
Our
defense is paramount. But there is no alternative for good relations with our
neighbours. And there's Kashmir too. We know that you'd done some homework on
this issue and tried to initiate a dialogue with separatists. This must be
continued. We must talk from a point of strength. Towards Pakistan, your
challenge will be to find the right ratio of rhetoric, dialogue and military
manouvres.
America
once denied you a visa on some laughable accusations. Hope they'll see reason
now, and there are indications that a fruitful relationship is possible. You
shall not keep grudges towards them for what had happened. This is important as
China is still a problem for us.
Corruption
is a grave issue for this poor country. You shall uphold your spotless track
record. You should watch over your colleagues who might be unscrupulous.
And,
one more item before I stop. This is a great moment for the Sangh Parivar. Its
mighty propaganda machinery had its most splendid success in history. But, the
RSS should now take a back seat. Comments you must give, but not directions,
particularly on the economic front. There are people who know it better than
you do, really!
This
is a historic moment when a son of the backward classes who once sold tea for
livelihood ascend the Prime Ministerial chair. This occasion is so cherishable.
Best
of luck and may you begin an administrative career which later generations would
definitely call Modi-1.
