Narendra Modi, stern headmaster

by confuzzled dude Sat Aug 23, 2014 11:02 am

In government Mr Modi is earning a reputation as a stern, hardworking headmaster. Talk circulates of embittered ministers denied powers of patronage and told largely to abjure Delhi parties, foreign trips and chats to the media. The rumour that Mr Modi has ministers’ phones tapped, as reportedly also happened when he ran Gujarat, needs only to be believed to deter gossip and graft. As for the press, media owners are anxious not to offend the new administration, and coverage is dull. One senior journalist calls it “self-censorship”, but predicts that a feistier journalism will return.

A second issue is the BJP itself, along with its Hindu-nationalist allies. Some factions are linked to unions, retailers and farmers and resist market-friendly measures. Last month Mr Modi scuppered a $1 trillion global deal by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to facilitate trade. He did so as a sop to such groups.

He may regret that. An antitrade stance fits ill with his plans to open up India and make it a hub for exports and “zero defect” manufacturing.

Mr Modi’s churlishness will complicate future efforts to improve ties, because it discourages Pakistani moderates who argue to the Pakistani army and other doubters that engaging India is worth it. At home, however, Mr Modi has shown his core supporters in the BJP that he is a decisive break from his rather mild predecessor as prime minister, Manmohan Singh. Being grumpy towards Pakistan is an easy way to demonstrate that.

http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21613342-narendra-modi-stern-headmaster-early-days

Phone tapping is another example of Modiji's [benign] dictatorial tendencies. I'm afraid he will do more damage to India than good. The sooner Indian electorate dumps him the better future they will have.

by Marathadi-Saamiyaar Sat Aug 23, 2014 11:14 am

Great... Modi, an outsider, who was never in Delhi, has to establish himself among Delhi politicians and babus very early if this govt has to succeed long term. He cannot be a VP Singh or Deve Gowda, who were at least central ministers earlier.

Regarding pakistan - same triack has been played for 50+ years against competing equal power factions within Pakistan. There is NO WAY any agreement can be reached and/or maintained with it - even if India GIFTED the whole of J & K, Junagadh, or even Hyderabad. Bcz Pakistan's india problem is within. India can be friendly with pakistan only if pakistan really wants it and shows it on the ground - which will never happen given its dynamics. (Read my other thread about kashmir's silent majority).

Time to follow a different approach and this is the best time - new Govt, new party, and new PM.

by Kayalvizhi Sat Aug 23, 2014 11:32 am

Modi and his ministers and aides and advisors are mostly liars and double talkers. they say people what they want to hear if it suits their purpose. No morals. No honour.

by Motor_Mouth Sat Aug 23, 2014 11:33 am

Have you ever thought of changing your profile picture to this? I see he is rubbing his left hand against you. Was this picture taken in the morning?

Narendra Modi, stern headmaster Jagan-Fan-Symbol

Narendra Modi, stern headmaster Jagan-Fan-Symbol

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Narendra Modi, stern headmaster

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