Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, is looking for an image
makeover. And it is the first clear hint that he is preparing himself
for a larger national role before the general elections of 2014.
For the BJP’s prime ministerial prospect the move was long overdue. The Hindutva hardliner image was turning out to be an albatross around his neck. It was cutting him off from a larger national audience besides making him a political untouchable among NDA allies. His admirable performance as Gujarat’s Chief Minister and appreciable qualities as an administrator was getting overshadowed by his aggressive sectarian image.
It needed to be changed.
His letter on Tuesday announcing a three-day fast from Saturday, puts emphasis on words like ‘peace’, ‘harmony’, ‘brotherhood’ and ‘unity’ - not the words his current image is associated with.
It said: “After 2002, Gujarat has not spared any effort to march
towards peace, harmony and progress even amidst false propaganda, lies,
conspiracies and allegations… I humbly submit before you that, as part
of this responsibility to strengthen social harmony and brotherhood, I
am thinking of starting a movement of ‘sadbhavana mission’…I deeply
believe that this fast will further strengthen Gujarat’s environment of
peace, unity and harmony.”
“The real strength of our country is its unity and harmony. Unity in diversity is the defining feature of India. It is our responsibility to strengthen unity in our social life. We have got an excellent opportunity to proceed with a positive attitude…,” it added
The announcement comes a day after the Supreme Court avoided taking a position on a plea against Modi in the Gulbarg Society case in which more than 30 persons were killed during the riots of 2002. The court said it was up to a trial court in Gujarat to study the evidence and take a call whether the Chief Minister should be probed.
The judgment, for curious reasons, was hailed as clean chit for Modi in a section of the media and the BJP.
“It is not just a relief for Modi, but a victory for Modi,’’ said BJP spokesperson Balbir K Punj, adding, “Modi will now play a much larger role in the national political scene.”
“Narendrabhai has passed agnipareeksha today. My heartiest congratulations to him. Satyamev Jayate. Varsho baad aaj satya ki vijay hui hai,” tweeted leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj.
While it was not immediately clear what the celebration was about—there could still be case against Modi if the lower court feels so and the final clean chit for him could be a long, long way off—today’s announcement reveal a well laid out game plan.
The BJP, which has an acute leadership crisis at the top, needs to find a strong leader for the general elections of 2014. Modi, though a liability given his image and poor acceptability among NDA partners, is still among the most competent leaders in the party. He has the backing of the RSS and no strong opposition in the party. The only thing he needed was a change in image.
The task for the BJP now was to project Modi as a softer leader with a pan-Indian appeal – note the ‘the real strength of our country is its unity and harmony’ part in the letter. It had to launch the process sooner than later keeping in view the time left for the elections. Modi’s announcement appears to be part of that design.
But the task might not be easy. With the 2002 riots cases dogging him and defining his image in the public and political perception, it will take long for Modi to be acceptable. The is too much suspicion among the allies. There are too many prime ministerial aspirants too. If the Congress does not rake up his communal image, someone among the allies will do.
For the BJP’s prime ministerial prospect the move was long overdue. The Hindutva hardliner image was turning out to be an albatross around his neck. It was cutting him off from a larger national audience besides making him a political untouchable among NDA allies. His admirable performance as Gujarat’s Chief Minister and appreciable qualities as an administrator was getting overshadowed by his aggressive sectarian image.
It needed to be changed.
His letter on Tuesday announcing a three-day fast from Saturday, puts emphasis on words like ‘peace’, ‘harmony’, ‘brotherhood’ and ‘unity’ - not the words his current image is associated with.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Image courtesy PIB
“The real strength of our country is its unity and harmony. Unity in diversity is the defining feature of India. It is our responsibility to strengthen unity in our social life. We have got an excellent opportunity to proceed with a positive attitude…,” it added
The announcement comes a day after the Supreme Court avoided taking a position on a plea against Modi in the Gulbarg Society case in which more than 30 persons were killed during the riots of 2002. The court said it was up to a trial court in Gujarat to study the evidence and take a call whether the Chief Minister should be probed.
The judgment, for curious reasons, was hailed as clean chit for Modi in a section of the media and the BJP.
“It is not just a relief for Modi, but a victory for Modi,’’ said BJP spokesperson Balbir K Punj, adding, “Modi will now play a much larger role in the national political scene.”
“Narendrabhai has passed agnipareeksha today. My heartiest congratulations to him. Satyamev Jayate. Varsho baad aaj satya ki vijay hui hai,” tweeted leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj.
While it was not immediately clear what the celebration was about—there could still be case against Modi if the lower court feels so and the final clean chit for him could be a long, long way off—today’s announcement reveal a well laid out game plan.
The BJP, which has an acute leadership crisis at the top, needs to find a strong leader for the general elections of 2014. Modi, though a liability given his image and poor acceptability among NDA partners, is still among the most competent leaders in the party. He has the backing of the RSS and no strong opposition in the party. The only thing he needed was a change in image.
The task for the BJP now was to project Modi as a softer leader with a pan-Indian appeal – note the ‘the real strength of our country is its unity and harmony’ part in the letter. It had to launch the process sooner than later keeping in view the time left for the elections. Modi’s announcement appears to be part of that design.
But the task might not be easy. With the 2002 riots cases dogging him and defining his image in the public and political perception, it will take long for Modi to be acceptable. The is too much suspicion among the allies. There are too many prime ministerial aspirants too. If the Congress does not rake up his communal image, someone among the allies will do.
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