Since his first tenure as CM of Gujarat, Modi was looked upon as a strongman. He ruled the state like one. His detractors portrayed him as such. It suited their leftist agenda in portraying Modi as dictators who bulldozed people who were opposed to him. His supporters saw him different. We know that he is strong of character and disciplined like a soldier. He respects himself and others. He values his time and demands that others do the same. He works extremely hard and expects others to do the same. He is an unusual blend of a Yogi, a General, A Soldier, a Worker and a Farmer – a real life Karmayogi.
It is this Karmayogi avatar that is now becoming apparent even to his worst detractors. The English language media has nothing but praise for his style of working. His political enemies like Tharoor are offering their own brand of mea culpa. To them we say: we are glad that you finally see what we have seen all along.
Since his oath taking, some of his decisions have been unexpected. Appointment of Arun Jaitley, the consummate Delhi insider as the FM, appointment of a bitter detractor like Swaraj in MEA, appointment of Smriti Irani and Maneka Gandhi in their respective positions (they may perform well but no one can tell me that they were the most qualified for the job or had the seniority which forced Modi for such appointments). He invited Nawaz Sharif and Mahinda Rajapakse (both hated by two different set of voters). All this can be explained on the basis of political and administrative pragmatism. This is vintage Modi. He may be a tough guy who talks even tougher on the campaign trail. But at the end of the day, he will do what his job demands and what is right for India. He is a statesman and not a cowboy. This is why we support him. This is why we love him.
However the one decision that is not sitting well with some which includes us on this blog is his decision to go to the US and meet with the President. Under pressure from Left wing lunatics of Indian origin, white India baiters, confused academics, Muslim politicians, terrorist sympathizers (Ghulam Nabi Fai) and ignorant Christian conservatives, Modi was refused visa to go to US under a little known provision. That refusal was waved in Modi’s face incessantly by his detractors in and out of India. It was extreme humiliation for him. It was humiliation for his supporters who were “lost at sea” Hindu conservatives (lost at sea because except for Modi, the BJP leaders had transformed into Congress’ B-Team). I don’t know about Modi but we, the supporters want a strong statement made to the ill-meaning leftists and India hating foreign governments. Needless to say the news that he was going to go to the US later this year has left us confused and extremely angry.
Think about it. The US has still not removed Modi name from that frivolous list which got him the visa denial in the first place. Obama and Co. want him to come to US on a diplomatic visa. The US wants to enjoy the cake represented by India’s vast potential about to be unleashed. On the other hand they want to keep that leftist treasured rotten cake represented by the visa denial. Arrogant and myopic is what it is. I would also urge fellow conservatives to use the whole “US can allow murderous dictators on their soil so why not Modi” argument. It was counterproductive. Modi’s name cannot be uttered in the same breath as a terrorist like Yasser Arafat or terrorist sympathizer like King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. In fact, if some American conservative commentators are to be believed, the US does not have anyone to compare with Modi.
If I were Modi, I would send President Mukherjee to speak at the UN general assembly. I would engage with the US at all levels but not go there unless clear signals of “repentance” are seen. But that would not be pragmatic. Everyone has to deal with the US. That is the reality. On one hand the angry me wants to think of Modi’s impending visit to the US as a sign of weakness brought on by a desire to be accepted. But that is why Modi is where he is. He has a bigger responsibility that to avenge his honor or listen to angry supporters. If engaging with the US benefits India then he should swallow the petty put downs and do hard negotiating with the US. That would be the best revenge.
Before posting this, I read a report by Prof Nalapat which clearly states the kind of benefits India stands to get with Modi’s visit. If India benefits the way it says in the article then all will be forgiven. Living well, after all, is the best revenge.
Prof. Nalapat's article can be read at: http://www.sunday-guardian.com/news/obama-will-offer-a-10-trillion-carrot-to-modi
Karmayogi, bunch of bs
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