By Shafaque Alam,
Next Lok Sabha election is in 2014 but speculation for the potential prime ministerial candidate is flying high. A report of Congressional Research Service, an independent research wing of the US Congress, finds that Narendra Modi is the prime candidate for the top seat putting Rahul Gandhi for the opposition.
What makes them able for this great job?
First about Narendra Modi. Official data shows that in the leadership of Modi, Gujarat stands ahead than other states in socio-economic milieu. Cutting red-tapism and liberalization have opened avenues for private players to set up companies in the state further generating employment opportunities and strengthening economy. Roads leading to small villages, proper water and electricity supply, development in rural health care are some issues that are considered Modi’s achievement. Modi has time and again projected himself as a chief minister committed to development and good governance. And hence these encourage the BJP to take a chance putting all eggs in one basket.
Rahul Gandhi, born on June 19, 1970, is a Member of Parliament of the Indian National Congress. Son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, this young and dynamic leader has seen his entire family struggling and sacrificing for India. Rahul was enrolled for History (Hons) at St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi. He successfully accomplished a four-year course in Economics at Harvard University.
Despite being a young charismatic leader he is kind hearted and keeps feelings for the poor and farmers. He had a padyatra from Bhatta Prasaul to Aligarh meeting farmers and sharing their grievances. His charismatic looks make him a crowd puller.
Now despite acclamation of good governance in the state, Modi’s alleged role of not taking appropriate actions to control the Gujarat riots in 2002 dampens the brightness of his achievements. A majority of Indians, particularly Muslims believe that Modi’s role is questionable. This is the biggest drawback which pulls Modi from the top seat.
However, more than once Modi has sought forgiveness. He in an article, titled, ‘The Yoga of Teaching,’ (August 30, 2011, Times of India), after counting Gujarat’s achievement says that, “In Jain tradition there is a custom to say “Michhami Dukkadam” during the Paryushan festival. Michhami Dukkadam means I ask forgiveness for any hurt I may have caused you by thoughts, words or actions, knowingly or unknowingly. Michhami Dukkadam to you all.”
On the other hand, a series of cases of corruption has already exposed the malaise in the Congress in the recent few months. It has given the opposition a big stick to thrash the Congress.
The people have also understood that there is a need to consider issues of development and good governance rather than merely Hindutva-related issues of petty politics. Hence this time, if Hindutva is the only issue and Modi jumps in the fray for the top seat, the political outcome is not expected to be much different from the previous Lok Sabha polls – as a majority of the electorate is not in a mood to accept Modi’s Michhami Dukkadam.
(The writer is a student, MA in Media Governance, Centre for Culture, Media & Governance, Jamia Millia Islamia)