| by N.S.Venkataraman
( June 9, 2013, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) Whoever is now opposing the rise of Narendra Modi in the leadership position is doing harm not only to BJP but to the entire country. It is particularly surprising that even Advani is not able to think beyond himself in taking his stand against Modi
There is widespread view amongst the country men that India needs strong leadership committed to the cause of probity and governance that would be free of corruption, that can facilitate rapid economic and social developments in healthy directions. Obviously, Manmohan Singh during the last nine years of his stewardship has failed to ensure such conditions and in the process tarring the reputation of India as well as his own personal reputation.
Many people wonder today as to why Manmohan Singh is like this, putting up with all the corrupt dealings in his administration that have been well exposed. Many now even suspect that Manmohan Singh does not care anymore except for staying on in the position of Prime Minister. Otherwise, it is difficult to understand as to why he remains so soft to all corrupt happenings of massive proportions such as the case of Commonwealth Games, Coal Scam, 2G scam etc. The country’s cry for strong and honest leadership is now loud and clear.
In the national sphere, the only political leader today who meets such expectations of the people by and large is Narendra Modi, though there are many adversaries critical of him. But the facts and figures clearly point to Narendra Modi as the man for the job.
In the 2012 Gujarat election, the performance of Narendra Modi during his last 10 years of rule was analysed threadbare. Perhaps, no other chief minister’s performance has been subjected to such detailed analysis and discussions in the post independent India. This goes to the credit of Narendra Modi that he has brought the economic and social agenda to the forefront and has given enough reasons for people to discuss about his socio-economic and administrative achievements.
One thing conspicuous about Narendra Modi in Gujarat is that there has been no reference to any dealings of corruption which is something unique. No one has doubted his personal commitment to the cause of social and economic development. He has not been accused of any lethargic attitude to the issues facing Gujarat. It is widely recognised that he has brought great energy in his administration which has ensured that the projects are well thought out and planned and executed with care.
Gujarat is the one state in the country where there is no power shortage now. Again, this is the only state where prohibition is in force that was dear to Mahatma Gandhi.
His critics have often argued that the economic and social progress of Gujarat should be attributed to the native entrepreneurship qualities of citizens of Gujarat and Narendra Modi has only joined the bandwagon. This can be said as an uncharitable view. There are many other states in the country in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh which have similar advantages like Gujarat but these states have not forged ahead and whatever they have achieved was much lesser than Gujarat in the last ten years.
The one issue that has been kept alive by his critics for the last 12 years is the Godra riots, where innocent lives on all sides have been lost in communal clashes. Modi has repeatedly denied the involvement of his administration in the riots and has faced every enquiry committee boldly in a straightforward manner. He has never evaded the enquiry committees and several judiciary commissions have not held him responsible for what happened, but his critics continue to keep the torch of accusation against him burning by their relentless efforts. Narendra Modi even said that he should be hanged if he would be found guilty.
It can be said in short that no other chief minister in post independence India has matched the performance of Narendra Modi in administrative standards and consistent economic growth that he could achieve in his state. This should be kept in mind that he has done this for more than 10 long years and still has enough ideas and vision to carry on. If performance should be the criteria for handing over the national leadership, in today’s juncture in India, Narendra Modi will win hands down.
Based on his proven performance and the energy that he can bring to the mainstream of national life, Narendra Modi should be given a chance and a position at the helm of affairs in the country after the 2014 Parliamentary poll.
One only hopes that Narendra Modi, will put forth determined efforts and start an all India campaign immediately to give a choice to countrymen about choosing him for the job of Prime Minister. If there would be continuing and unrelenting opposition to Narendra Modi in BJP, he should forge ahead nevertheless , ignoring such opposition within the party and let the country men decide.
India cannot afford not to give a chance to Narendra Modi at this juncture to become the Prime Minister of India. Even if some people still think that making Modi Prime Minister would be a calculated risk for whatever reasons, it would be better to take such risk , instead of leaving the existing disturbing scenario unchallenged.
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