by Ayush Prasad
New Delhi, Sep 20: Indian Courts are one of a kind institution in the world. They have zero accountability. If they applied for ISO certification, they would be the worst organisation ever to apply, as delivery time is an important criteria and Indian Courts take their own sweet time. In over 90% of the cases, justice is never delivered- guilty don't get convicted while poor under-trials spend years in jail without bail. When it comes to some of the most important cases like Ayodhya Land Dispute or more recently the Narendra Modi petition, the verdict was so ambiguous and lengthy that each party could make their own interpretation and claim victory.
People often celebrate victory by throwing lavish parties, treating friends and family with exotic dishes and drinks. But, this rule does not apply when you aim to be the Prime Minister. To stamp a national authority, you would go on a fast for reconciliation. The arrangements would be lavish on taxpayers money and basically meet people for an elaborate photo-op! In the quest for reconciliation, SMS would be sent and a phone line would be set up to register support. Hunger never had been so profitable.
Narendra Modi is a complex character. He is neither White nor black, but has shades of grey all over him. You cannot hate him, without help admiring him. He can both be a humble servant and a show-off wearing his achievements in his sleeve . You can ignore him at your own peril for he seems to be destined to play a larger role in the life of all Indians.
Narendra Modi hails from a humble background. He was inspired by Vivekananda and the RSS. He worked as a tea stall waiter before joining the BJP in 1987. By 1990, he was the convenor of L K Advani's only successful Rath Yatra. In 1995, he became the National Secretary of the BJP and was recognised as a master strategist. In late 2001, on the backdrop of the Gujarat Earthquakes and losses faced by the BJP in bye-elections, Narendra Modi, a man who had never fought an election became the Chief Minister of Gujarat, due to the support of then Home Minister and Ahmadabad MP L K Advani.
The incident at Godhra triggered riots across Gujarat, killing over a 1000 people, majority of whom belonged to the minority community. It is alleged that Modi prevented the Police from taking action on rioters and later subverting justice. Though there is no case in a court of law against Modi, he has always been bogged down by these allegations. It is a major weapon of his political opponents.
Since the riots Modi had seen major successes in all 4 elections. He has been a leader with a vision, committed to his cause and determined, in-spite of all challenges. By extending irrigation facilities to the driest regions of the state, he has lifted many farmers out of poverty. He has boosted the investment in the state by attracting several large companies. He is known to be a man of impeccable personal honesty and a do-er. India has several business-men who are in politics, but Modi is an enterprising politician. He has innovated in several ways like by installing solar panels on water canals, there by utilising canal land for power generation and preventing loss of water to evaporation. Modi has been successful in giving direction to the energy and enterprising nature of the Gujarati people.
India has faced major riots in 1969,1984,1992 and 2002. In all cases, over 95% of the victims have not got justice from the courts. People who instigated riots, enjoy political power in different states. Modi also failed like his counterparts to ensure justice. Even the case on the attack on Kar Sevaks in Godhra has not led to mass convictions as it would be expected.
In the 1990s, curfew due to Communal Violence used to be a common thing in the state of Gujarat. But unlike other states, Modi has been successful in ensuring that there have been no curfew in almost the last 10 years. Some sociologists say that the minorities are scared into subjugation. While the economists argue that the minorities in Gujarat has prospered the most. Gujarat had also been the only state in India to fully comply with the Supreme Court order to demolish religious structures on Government land. He has carried out these demolitions even at the cost of angering the RSS.
Though a strong leader, his style of functioning is very dictatorial. Masks of his face are very popular in Gujarat. It is said that his MLAs are just people who do not matter, they essentially wear the mask of Modi. He does not consult the elected representatives over decisions. He does not appreciate any dissent or even an opinion which does not match with his own view. Before 2007 elections,MLAs who did not support him or had an alternate view, were expelled from the BJP.
He does not accept any challenge to his authority. He had not allowed the appointment of Lok Ayukta in Gujarat for several years. Due pressure from the Anna Movement, the Governor appointed the Lok Ayukta in complete accordance of the Law, but since it posed a threat to his authority, he got all the BJP MPs to disrupt Parliament and also petition the President. But in spite of it,he remains respectful of the Governor unlike several other CMs.
Modi had subverted fundamental rights when he banned the release of a film called Parzania as it was based on a true story of 2002 riots. He may have had concerns that it would disrupt peace in Gujarat, but banning of Fanaa in 2005 had no justification. The lead actor of the film, Aamir Khan had opposed Modi's view on raising the height of the dam on Narmada river. Though economically, raising the height of the dam has benefitted the state by allowing irrigation in the driest regions; but Modi had not tolerated an opposing view!
Though Gujarat Government can be commended for their work in every field from education to industry to cooperatives, they have miraculously failed in delivering justice in cases of riots, fake encounter and Hiren Pandyan murder case. Modi holds the Home Portfolio in Gujarat Government. The former Minister of State,Home Affairs of Gujarat, Amit Shah is in jail, in a Supreme Court monitored case for allegedly taking bribes to kill a gangster in a fake encounter.
Modi bears striking resemblance to Adolf Hitler of the 1930s. Like Modi, Hitler was a bachelor belonging to a Right wing party. Both the men have a public perception of being against a minority community, though unproven against Modi. Germany grew by over 8% in the 1930s and Gujarat has grown by about 10% in the last 10 years. Both leaders have a deep sense of patriotism, excellent orators and enjoy strong support of the middle-class.
The Indian Democracy is very different from Germany. Even the poster-boy of a party claiming to be political representative of a religious minority cannot claim to be a candidate to lead the nation unless he is acceptable to the minority. We may be diverse and often fight with each other, but it is in our culture that a bond of Indian remains. India has survived for over 64 years, in-spite of so many riots and separatist movements because of this unseen and untold bond. Our leader has to take us together!
In these times,India seeks a strong leader who can usher in a second wave of reforms for economic growth. Modi has a potential to serve India well, but also had a potential to harm India thru his dictatorial ways. It has to be seen if he can reach out and can be forgiven by the people of India, many of whom may still hold him personally responsible for the 2002 riots! It is a widely accepted fact and also acknowledged by BJP leaders that Modi is their candidate for Prime Ministership in 2014!
Over 2.5 years are left for the election in 2014. Since it is certain that Modi is BJP PM candidate, it would be boring to discuss it till then. How about now debating over the Finance Ministerial candidate??