Rebranding of Modi: PM is moving himself, BJP to the pragmatic political centre

Over the last two years, what we have been witnessing is the third reinvention of Narendra Modi. He is leaving behind 2002 (where he played Hindutva icon), the Gujarat model of development (where he played the business-friendly Chief Minister), his sectarian image (Sangh loud-mouths are hampering this makeover, but Modi himself is reworking his script), and just about anything else his detractors can use against him.

This effort is about moving Brand Modi to the pragmatic political centre, which is the broadest end of the market for votes in an electoral democracy. It is intended to ensure a second term for him and his party in 2019 – at the very least.

“My government is dedicated to the poor; poverty has no religion, hunger has no creed. My government will not be satisfied with mere poverty alleviation but commits itself to the goal of poverty elimination.”
Take newspapers today (9 May). Large advertisements talk about the launch of three pro-poor schemes, which seem fairly well designed. One is to provide accident insurance at low cost, another life insurance, and a third pension to senior citizens. All involve annual premium payments, but the payments are very reasonable: Rs 12 per annum for Rs 2 lakh worth of accident insurance; Rs 42-210 per annum for pensions payable after you turn 60 (the premium depends on what age you enter the scheme); and Rs 330 per annum for life insurance upto Rs 2 lakh.

confuzzled dude wrote:

Over the last two years, what we have been witnessing is the third reinvention of Narendra Modi. He is leaving behind 2002 (where he played Hindutva icon), the Gujarat model of development (where he played the business-friendly Chief Minister), his sectarian image (Sangh loud-mouths are hampering this makeover, but Modi himself is reworking his script), and just about anything else his detractors can use against him.

This effort is about moving Brand Modi to the pragmatic political centre, which is the broadest end of the market for votes in an electoral democracy. It is intended to ensure a second term for him and his party in 2019 – at the very least.

“My government is dedicated to the poor; poverty has no religion, hunger has no creed. My government will not be satisfied with mere poverty alleviation but commits itself to the goal of poverty elimination.”
Take newspapers today (9 May). Large advertisements talk about the launch of three pro-poor schemes, which seem fairly well designed. One is to provide accident insurance at low cost, another life insurance, and a third pension to senior citizens. All involve annual premium payments, but the payments are very reasonable: Rs 12 per annum for Rs 2 lakh worth of accident insurance; Rs 42-210 per annum for pensions payable after you turn 60 (the premium depends on what age you enter the scheme); and Rs 330 per annum for life insurance upto Rs 2 lakh.

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/3rd-rebranding-of-modi-the-pm-is-moving-himself-and-the-bjp-to-political-centre-2235900.html

Ho ho ho, Shall we call it Socialist-Modi-Avatar?!