Modi As PM: Path Forward For BJP

As the readers of our blog know, we have been clamoring for resolution of the leadership in the BJP. For the wrong reasons (striking a deal to keep Gadkari for another term) and improper way (Bhai Narendra had to threaten to boycott the party meet), the party and the RSS elders decided to accept what was widely accepted all over the country and even abroad – an honest shot at the PM position for Narendra Modi. Having done that, what lies ahead for the BJP? I have following thoughts on the matter.


1. No sooner did the leadership resolution take place than the entire loony left wing spring into motion. Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari (until he gets caught in a financial or sex scandal like the last two) compared Bhai Modi to Goebbels who was Hitler’s PR man. Long time ago, Sonia Gandhi had called Modi “Maut Ka Saudagar”. Praful Bidwai who has more readers in Pakistan than India has gone on another tirade. This is going to get a lot worse before it either stops or becomes better. The BJP workers and supporters will have to ignore this din, rise above it and work tirelessly at grassroots level to ensure a huge Hindu turnout in the next general election.


2. Leadership resolution also implies that the other PM aspirants in the BJP will have to accept Modi as the man. LK Advani has gone berserk. Sushmaji is sulking. Jaitley is the only one who has not said anything. Either he has accepted Modi’s ascension or he is too sophisticated to come out in the open. This will also not going to end soon. This kind of “Samudra Manthan was only expected. We can hope that some “amrit’ comes out of this. Now the party can wait until Modi is completely accepted as the party leader or the sulking leaders will have to be left out in the cold.


3. LK Advani will have to be dealt with sooner than later. This man has been providing the liberal lobby a lot of anti BJP ammunition. Peripheral leaders and pro BJP scribes have begun to write about it, which is a very good idea. That way party leadership has deniability. However, Advaniji needs to realize that if he does not go away soon, he will be dragged out. We all want to remember him as the man who made BJP relevant, not the man who lost us 2004 and 2009 elections or the man of today.


4. From the sounds coming out of Gujarat BJP, it would seem that all Modi detractors are uniting. The likes of Keshubhai Patel could not be trying to stop Modi’s ascension. They are more likely trying to step into his shoes when Modi becomes a national leader for the BJP, PM or not. These guys are a frustrated lot who have not been able to cash in on Gujarat’s prosperity. The succession of Modi should be left to Modi. Since he is rumored to be an authoritarian, this may be a valuable lesson for him in diplomacy and compromise. After all, if and when he becomes the PM, he will have to lead India which is a lot bigger and much more complex than a state. He will have to trust others and delegate authority.


5. I would imagine that after a long time, the BJP workers are hopeful. They now have a chance to win at the center behind a tall leader like Modi. They will have to start now and mobilize grass root level support. A huge united Hindu turnout is imperative for BJP’s victory. BJP’s leadership at state and national level will have to present a picture of unimpeachable unity and integrity. BJP allies like Nitish Kumar who have their own ambitions will have to be either taken into confidence or replaced with newer and likeminded allies.


6. The BJP will have to re-present themselves as the party of difference and a real national alternative to the current corrupt regime. This will mean allying themselves with honest and capable regional leaders. Kowtowing to the likes of Jagan Reddy for short-term gains in Andhra should be avoided at all cost. Hitherto unexplored regions like Kerala and TN should be evaluated right now. Winnable spots (for example places in Kerala where the Hindus have been victimized by Commies, Christians and Muslims) should be identified. Time and resources should be spent on those areas. No effort should be spent trying to win Muslim votes because that will never happen. Let the pseudo secular parties divide up that piece of the pie.


The BJP owes it to the nation to free the country of the current government, which by all indications is the most corrupt and ineffective in the history of our nation. The ineffective Gadkari may have become the BJP president but hopefully, the more capable leaders led by Modi will have to formulate a plan for victory in the next elections.


Modi as PM is an idea whose time has come. It is time the country and the aam aadmi get a leader who can bring about a real change in the country.