PM Modi’s behaviour is not only unproductive but also concerning. The time for a more inclusive and cooperative governance is now
The office of the Prime Minister, once graced by the likes of Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Manmohan Singh, now sees a stark contrast in the form of the current PM. These illustrious figures, despite their differing doctrines, maintained a sense of rapport and solidarity that is sorely missed today.
It is widely believed that when Mr Vajpayee was suffering from a kidney ailment, Mr Rajiv Gandhi sent him to the US for treatment under the guise of being a member of an Indian Delegation to the UN. He was advised not to return unless the medicos there permit him to leave.
However, the current PM, Narendra Damodar Das Modi, has strayed from this path of dignity. His behaviour is not only unproductive but also concerning. He displays a savage attitude toward his opposition and all others who oppose his opinion. Hence, the opposition retaliates in a relative fashion, which is echoed in the corridors of Parliament. The debate is distasteful, with the addition of Bollywood film content and poetic equivalent, but it lacks the substantial quality content that the viewers desire. Even if rhetoric is adequate to gratify the commoner, it would not work for long. This behaviour is not what our nation needs, and it’s time for a change in leadership.
It is urgent to develop a detailed plan to address longstanding issues like unemployment, inflation, exam paper leaks, and widening income parity. This can only be achieved through a more collaborative approach to governance, which is not just a suggestion but a pressing necessity for the betterment of our nation. The gravity of these issues demands a united effort, not a divisive one. The time for a more inclusive and cooperative governance is now.
However, the PM addresses the opposition leader as ‘Balak’ (childish). At the same time, he claims himself to be non-biological and an agent of Parmeshwar, who has hit the earth from space and is sent to resolve earthy disputes and obstacles. Such blatant utterances have precariously impacted his future at the helm. The nation’s intelligence seriously doubts the veracity of his continuation in office.
His lack of formal education will impact his mental growth and, thereby, his ability to govern the country. His elevation to such an accountable position is unworthy, particularly when it is based solely on his vote-catching credentials. His electrifying rhetoric may find favour among the less literate class, but his decision-making abilities are found to be intensely wanting and much less impressive. His debate in the Parliament was a clear indication of his lack of insight and judicial interpretation of the country’s needs. His attitude of “work in progress” abundantly validates his scarce know-how.
A fierce battle that he has announced may find many of his political opponents behind bars, but the long-term consequences it could have might be detrimental to the country’s well-being and public health.
Despite his low number of Lok Sabha seats, a modulation in governance is not yet visible in his third term as PM.
He operates with the same intensity and radiance and is at risk of finding himself isolated, with the bulk of his fringe elements deserting him. He is doubtful about operating under the auspices of others as he has been the undisputed CM of Gujarat since 2001 and remained an unopposed leader until 2024. It is, hence, imperative for Modi to descend gracefully from the throne for a more resourceful leader to take over.
Modi’s humble beginnings have had no bearing on his current opulent existence. It seems that he had foreseen it in the past and was looking forward to it.
He criticised Congress for being pernicious about democratic values, trivialising his meteoric rise from the lowest rung of the ladder. He seems to overlook the fact that, similar to his being catapulted to the top, the masses can exercise their franchise at any point in time and possibly strike at him the moment they see a capable alternative.
However, the opposition cites alternative plans for Modi to intrude into the Indian Constitution and beget a long-lasting tenure for himself, like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. However, that does not pose a threat to an impregnable nation with a mammoth population to safeguard it. Any effort in that direction will be met upfront by our country in earnest.
The combination of Amit Shah and Narendra Modi instigated the necessity of such a frontal attack in Parliament. The Jan Sangh, later known as the Bhartiya Janata Party, was much gentler in its approach to the opposition until Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s time, Lal Krishna Advani, was modestly vociferous during protests. The advent of the two men from Gujarat brought about a significant alteration in the BJP psyche, with their technique gaining more sting and resonance. Regrettably, the motive was not very clear.
The Congress was depleted after Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh due to a lack of able leadership in the rank-and-file. It would be unfair to accuse Congress of paving the way only for a dynasty. Pandit Nehru did not insist on shifting the mantle of leadership to Indira Gandhi, and neither can you attribute her to having Sanjay or Rahul Gandhi to replace her. Her assassination prompted her replacement, and it was led more as a sympathy factor to a slain leader. The Congress leaders to follow were PV Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh. Despite having won the mandate of the people, Sonia Gandhi chose Dr Singh as the PM for two consecutive terms. Rahul Gandhi rose to eminence after his two Yatras, which brought him to the CenterStage of the India bloc.
The people have finally refused to give a perfect mandate and sought to choose a government that is bereft of absolute power but has the right balance that can be relied upon to govern in cohesion with the opposition. An intelligent electorate felt an indication of a coalition functioning more effectively and gladly so. It is firmly believed that the pattern should be continued to avoid the gift of absolute power to any single outfit.
The views expressed by the author are strictly personal.
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