I do not believe Modi has polarized India any more than it was already polarized- Tavleen Singh
- In Interviews
- 06:08 AM, May 26, 2016
- Myind Staff
As the Narendra Modi government completes two years, there are various challenges that it is facing both politically and economically. To get a better perspective of where the Modi government stands 2 years after it was sworn in, we asked author and political commentator, Tavleen Singh to give her view on two years of Modi Sarkar. Have the promises been fulfilled, where has it succeeded and where is it falling short?
1) How do you assess Narendra Modi government after 2 years?
I think the direction is the right one and that restoring the status of the Prime Minister has already been achieved. After ten years of being ruled by a Prime Minister who was accountable to a boss who was not accountable to the people of India, this was vital. Modi's foreign policy has been outstanding in my view including towards Pakistan because he has made it clear that India has a role to play in the world and will play it confidently. With Pakistan those who charge him with u-turns at crucial junctures have not noticed that he has been consistently tough while giving the military men next door enough leeway to hang themselves as he did by allowing them to inspect damage done in Pathankot. He needs to stay the course and refuse absolutely to speak to them about Kashmir. It should be dealt with as an internal problem of India. On Nepal I think there should have been more sensitivity.
2) Do you think Acche Din was just a slogan or happy days are here for economic sector and social sector?
No it was not just a slogan but I believe that much more should have been done to improve public services. This is not easy since most social sector services come under state governments but the Prime Minister should ensure that BJP governments ensure better schools and hospitals and that the state stops being the enemy of the people. He should also ensure that infrastructure projects move faster and are seen to benefit ordinary people.
3) Has Modi polarized the society further or with governments in J&K and Assam, he has made BJP a pan India party?
I do not believe Modi has polarized India any more than it was already polarized. I think he could have stopped the hysteria over beef and cows and shown more sensitivity when Mohammad Akhlak was killed. One word from him would have stopped the beef hysteria in its tracks.
4) What would you like to see this government focus on most in next 3 years?
On the economy. I would like to see him sell Air India and ITDC hotels to start with and then sell all loss-making government companies. I would also like him to explain to people why government should not be in business and how much taxpayer’s money has been lost by incompetent officials. I would like to see him put an end to giving elected representatives and officials free accommodation and explain that this is a uniquely third world practice that must be stopped. If he made commercial use just of Lutyens' Delhi there would be enough money to reform the justice system, the police and a long list of other public services. And if elected officials lived among their constituents they would understand far better the problems ordinary Indians face. It would also be a definite step towards the decolonization of governance and this I believe is very, very important.
Comments