Mud and Lotus
I can relate to how the liberals in India are feeling right now. Not too long ago, many of us felt the same way after the US election results came out in November 2016. But one thing I personally learned from our exhaustion and loss is not to obsess anyone who we ever want to defeat. By doing so, we only give more power to that individual. Indian liberals have failed here. They did not focus much on the vital issues, and Modi obsession remained their Mool Mantra throughout his tenure and during the election campaign. Modi critics stayed busy harping on “Chowkidar Chor Hai” (the security guard is a thief), and the Chowkidar ironically stole all their votes and many of their friends as well.
Now a landslide victory that awaits Narendra Modi to be the Prime Minister of India for the second time, raises some critical questions – If the leader of a country is a fascist, how would you view the majority of Indian people who have voted for him? Does that mean India has become a Fascist country? Is the Congress, the main opposition party in India, not going to rely on the same voters in the future to win back power? And if it wins, would it be called a government elected by fascist people? What made the people of India vote for Narendra Modi again with new enthusiasm, despite the relentless campaign against him by all opposition parties? How are the opposition parties in India going to change the psyche of a nation in the coming five years? Or there is no going back, and this is a new India?
The congress party is in denial that it is fiercely rejected by the Indian voters, who no longer believe in its leadership and the dynasty rule of the Gandhi family. They do not think a real revolution in India is possible with imported ideologies. They want leadership that believes in the vision and strength of the Indian people and give a new direction ton the country. A leader who can bring changes at the grass-root level, focus on education, employment, development, and make India self-reliant. In the leadership of Modi, India is emerging as a global power, and the Indian Renaissance is becoming a dream of the country. But is the new Modi government going to fulfill the expectation of the Indian people? I would say, to some extent, for sure.
Speaking of democratic values, we must understand the need and importance of conceding and finding ways to work together in the greater interest of the country, despite our fundamental differences. Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party! I hope, his promise for a prosperous, stronger, and inclusive India, does not forget to make India safer, tolerant, and united.
© Kalpna Singh-Chitnis
www.kalpnasinghchitnis.com
