When ‘bitter pill’ works, I will get back love: Narendra Modi
The man who promised “acchche din aane wale hain” intends to administer a “bitter pill” to bring back the good days. In 30 days the Narendra Modi government has had its share of ups and downs. If it scored high on the international stage, on the domestic front it continues to limp.
But it is just the beginning. As Mr Modi himself said: “I am well aware that my steps may dent the immense love that the country has given to me. But when my countrymen realise that these steps will result in getting (our) financial health back, then I will regain that love.”
Narendra Modi took the world by storm when he invited the heads of Saarc governments to his glittering swearing-in ceremony on May 26. The PM, who is working ceaselessly to revive a failing economy, is also rapidly giving a new thrust to India’s foreign policy.
In the past 30 days, one can get a fair view of Mr Modi’s dplomatic moves, with his focus on a distinct “Look East” policy. At this juncture, Japan and China have emerged as Mr Modi’s main target areas to take this policy forward. The recent terrorist strike at the Indian consulate at Herat, Afghanistan, failed to derail initiatives launched by both Mr Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif. Mr Modi’s visit to Bhutan over a week ago, his first foray abroad, opened the doors for both countries to review bilateral relations and regional and international developments. On Sri Lanka, it is clear that the Prime Minister is in no mood to succumb to pressure from Tamil Nadu. It is evident that he intends to adopt a more strategic and nationalist approach.
The United States, which had once refused to grant him a visa to visit that country, is now going all out to ensure that his coming visit to Washington in late September is a success. Some US legislators had also initiated moves to invite Mr Modi to address a joint session of the US Congress.
Mr Modi’s influence, however, seems most evident in bringing about a sea change in the governmental work culture. It has been a rude awakening for top officers as well as other employees who are now expected to clock in by 9 or 9.30 in the morning. While forming his council of ministers, he signalled a clear break with dynasty politics. Later, ministers were directed to ensure that no member of their family was appointed to their personal staff.
Ministerial groups have been abolished to ensure faster decision-making. A direct line of communication has been established between the PM and top bureaucrats. And Mr Modi has vastly expanded the government’s use of social media for more effective administration.
Yet controversies too have dogged Mr Modi in the past 30 days. The first spark was lit by PMO minister of state Jitendra Singh, who said the process to repeal Article
370 of the Constitution had begun. Then the government was caught in some embarrassment when HRD minister Smriti Irani was embroiled in a controversy over her educational qualifications and discrepancies in the data she had provided in two election affidavits. The move to increase the use of Hindi in governance was also not very well-received. A controversy erupted as some NGOs, particularly Greenpeace, were targeted over their overseas funding. And now Delhi University is caught in a row with the UGC over its four-year degree course, with some blaming the HRD ministry for instigating the row. The government’s move to keep the Planning Commission in limbo is also being questioned by the Opposition and a section of bureaucrats.
In the past 30 days, the electorate that had voted him to power with a record margin, on the promise of “achche din aane wale hain”, is getting a taste of his tough medicine. Rail fares have gone through a steep hike and there could be many more such steps. On the other hand, inflation continues unabated. But the government has made its intentions clear in the past 30 days. It announced steps to contain food inflation. The government is clearly at work, trying to face the challenge of a weak monsoon, inflation and the sudden crisis in Iraq. Industry is upbeat over Mr Modi’s move to cut red tape. In all, high hopes and apprehensions mark the first month of the Narendra Modi government.