In some ways Narendra bhai is like Christian Grey for me. Though he is extremely successful, charismatic, obviously caring of his people he has a dark past and some bones in his closet.
I was too old to not be fully aware of the Gujarat riots. The media worked round the clock to let everyone know that the state machinery was abetting the rioters and violent criminals. The CM was in effect allowing systematic crime against the Muslims be unchecked - I wouldn't go so far as to liken it to genocide but that's the pattern most G word movements have gone historically.
In close quarters the Hindus were pleased. A cruel part of their brain was deeply satisfied. They congratulated each other for the great victory against the 'mossies' or half dozen other derogatory terms for the community. Part of the discussion fell squarely on the man the media held responsible. They made it sound as if he was the one who took to the streets with arms to perpetrate violence. Narendra Bhai was the crusader, the one who stood up to the 'Muslim Horde'.
An important fact that people are forgetting about the Gujarat riots was that Godhra killing was a huge point of contention for Hindu hardliners and a matter of anger for the Hindu. Retribution was to be sought, but the hindu doesn't have the stomach for violence or retribution. The riots were fundamentally wrong but there emerged a man who would stand up for them.
This single point drives in the back of most heads, both who are for him and against him.
And yet Narendra Modi has made positive movements in his state. There is visible development and policy has been consistent. Grassroots are happy with him and the middle class as well as the corporates. This at a time in India when we have policy paralysis, a dissatisfied corporate community and an ignored middle class. Does Modi look like a leader who can change things for our country?
My personal opinion is that now is not the right time. He should be a BJP leader to rally ground forces in states outside the comfort zone of Gujarat Karnataka and formerly Himachal. He has to grow two or three strong CMs in other states. And then with their combined support go to the centre.
The biggest question mark remains though, will we be putting a pro hindu hardliner in the PMs seat? Most people would not be comfortable with the idea - least of all me.
There was another person supported by the liberal elite of their country who didn't agree with the ideology of their leader but considered it a trade off for economic turn around and pride - that man was Adolf Hitler.
I was too old to not be fully aware of the Gujarat riots. The media worked round the clock to let everyone know that the state machinery was abetting the rioters and violent criminals. The CM was in effect allowing systematic crime against the Muslims be unchecked - I wouldn't go so far as to liken it to genocide but that's the pattern most G word movements have gone historically.
In close quarters the Hindus were pleased. A cruel part of their brain was deeply satisfied. They congratulated each other for the great victory against the 'mossies' or half dozen other derogatory terms for the community. Part of the discussion fell squarely on the man the media held responsible. They made it sound as if he was the one who took to the streets with arms to perpetrate violence. Narendra Bhai was the crusader, the one who stood up to the 'Muslim Horde'.
An important fact that people are forgetting about the Gujarat riots was that Godhra killing was a huge point of contention for Hindu hardliners and a matter of anger for the Hindu. Retribution was to be sought, but the hindu doesn't have the stomach for violence or retribution. The riots were fundamentally wrong but there emerged a man who would stand up for them.
This single point drives in the back of most heads, both who are for him and against him.
And yet Narendra Modi has made positive movements in his state. There is visible development and policy has been consistent. Grassroots are happy with him and the middle class as well as the corporates. This at a time in India when we have policy paralysis, a dissatisfied corporate community and an ignored middle class. Does Modi look like a leader who can change things for our country?
My personal opinion is that now is not the right time. He should be a BJP leader to rally ground forces in states outside the comfort zone of Gujarat Karnataka and formerly Himachal. He has to grow two or three strong CMs in other states. And then with their combined support go to the centre.
The biggest question mark remains though, will we be putting a pro hindu hardliner in the PMs seat? Most people would not be comfortable with the idea - least of all me.
There was another person supported by the liberal elite of their country who didn't agree with the ideology of their leader but considered it a trade off for economic turn around and pride - that man was Adolf Hitler.
