Who is afraid of Narendra Modi?

He frightens them because he is everything that the present day politician of India is not — a man of strength and steel, with no skeletons in the cupboard that can break his strength or buy him up, and no greed for personal financial aggrandizement. This is what the present political system of India cannot stomach.
Before I proceed with my weekly piece, let me wish my readers a very Happy Diwali. May this Diwali truly usher in the victory of good over evil and bring peace and prosperity to our people and our country. Now, to my piece. Narendra Modi has created the political upheaval that I expected he would.
The Congress party appears to be in a huddle, with no clue as to how to deal with this new political phenomenon. Even our Prime Minister, best known for moderate and terse statements, whenever he is not silent, used a rather extreme word, "onslaught" to describe Modi's entry into the national political stage, a word normally associated with combat.
How comfortable and cosy previous national elections were. Election behaviour of political parties was predictable; everyone knew everyone else's secrets; everyone understood each other's mediocrities, and empathised with one another's personal ambitions. They sportingly accepted mutual election unpleasantness and acrimony, with a remarkable understanding and bonhomie. After all, verbal acrimony during elections happens all over the world and is a sign of a mature democracy. And by no means did it disturb the political comfort levels of leading political figures. The dynasty was given due respect, even when criticised, and conversely, it had its own favourites in the Opposition for its own reasons, whom it never criticised. Election manifestoes contained a host of promises, several of them unfulfilled promises of yesteryears. But all political parties would rest assured thereafter, knowing full well that once the election was over, they would never be held accountable about them either by the people of India or their own party brass. The lucky winners could then start the serious and exciting business of plundering India, alongside forming appropriately understanding alliances with the Opposition. What is it about Narendra Modi that seems to frighten the comfortable ruling establishments, present or prospective, out of their wits?
As I have stated earlier, he frightens them because he is everything that the present day politician of India is not — a man of strength and steel, with no skeletons in the cupboard that can break his strength or buy him up, and no greed for personal financial aggrandizement. This is what the present political system of India cannot stomach.
How dare he not be like one of us, is what is written beneath their anti-Modi script.
Next, he frightens them, because his record of governance suggests that he is a patriot who places our country before anything else. The Congress governance model is based on electoral vote bank politics, even at the cost of breaking the country asunder. Neutralisation of vote banks spells doom for the Congress, and rumblings from the minority communities are already being heard. He frightens them because he is a quick decision maker, something anathema to a regime that believes in plundering the country through multiple pathways, with the chief political executive looking the other way, dithering or passing the buck. The UPA dispensation has made decision making by the Prime Minister unnecessary, undesirable and extinct. It has become a regime of GOMs and PMO (as differentiated from the Prime Minister) and NAC. And unless the Prime Minister has a personal interest in an issue, such as coal block allocation, the PMO has innovated a theory of "distancing itself" from the murky goings on in government, a new coinage, whatever it means, in the Arthashastra of South Block. The Modi critics believe that this implies true team spirit in running a government that Modi lacks, and that unlike Modi, the Prime Minister exemplifies a true team leader, because he is always outsourcing decision making (his first and legitimate function), to his GOMs or to the Core Committee or NAC. According to them, there is no way that Modi being a quick decision maker can qualify to be a good team leader, because neither does he believe in disseminating his accountability or responsibility to extra constitutional authorities like GOMs, and nor does he require their safety of numbers. Quick decision making and taking responsibility for it scares South Block and frightens it like Banquo's ghost. It must be exterminated before it strikes, for the sake of saving team leadership and secular unity, which in reality means the best financial interest of the ruling establishment. So start labelling decisiveness as divisiveness or communalism or lack of team leadership without explaining any of them, and keep repeating them until they stick.
What has started terrifying the ruling establishment even more is the magnetic power Narendra Modi holds over the crowds, and the ease with which he establishes a rapport with them. Psychologists call this quality "charisma", a gift which one either has or doesn't have.
As Modi's oratory and charisma become more and more visible to the nation and his rallies keep increasing in size all over the country, opinion across the country (including within the Congress establishment) is that as a political leader, he stands unmatched and unstoppable. The Congress party, during the last decade, had a single point objective on which it concentrated, using all the might of the state machinery it controlled. And that was to somehow get Modi personally indicted in a court of law for the 2002 riots that would finish his political career. For it was in Modi, more than anyone else in the political arena, that they saw the real threat to its power. Modi is neither intimidated nor pays obeisance to them, regardless of the historical halo they claim. However, they were neither able to politically assassinate him nor banish him into disgrace.
The Congress is in crisis — frustrated and frightened. They must helplessly countenance day after day Narendra Modi's steady and hard earned success finally reaching the national political stage, and being declared the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate of India. How will the party vice president compete with the charisma, the oratory, the experience and insights that can only be acquired by being a three-time Chief Minister?
The country is aghast at the party vice president's attitude and oratory, starting with the gate-crashing at Ajay Maken's press conference. He then indulged in a speech evoking death images of his father and grandmother. This infuriated the Sikhs and Tamils. In his next speech, he dwelt upon the Muzzafarnagar riots, as usual wrongly blaming the BJP, the real reason being the Jat-Muslim dynamics as manipulated by the ruling Samajwadi Party; and made the startling disclosure regarding the IB informing him of ISI agents recruiting Muzzafarnagar Muslim victims. This time the Muslim community was infuriated and the Home Ministry rubbished the statement.
The serial bomb blasts at Gandhi Maidan Patna were shocking. But what came through to the people of India, and what I regret has not been noticed or lauded by the media or political commentators, was Modi's composure and demeanour while he was speaking, even as low intensity bombs were going off, and danger and death confronted him in the face. The country requires no further demonstration of his courage in the face of mortal danger, his presence of mind, his leadership qualities, and forbearance.
Article Credits,RAM JETHMALANI,sunday-guardian

Arrogant Nitish Kumar appeared happy after Patna blasts, Narendra Modi

At an election rally in Chhattisgarh, which votes for its next government this month, Mr Modi configured an image of Mr Kumar as an uncaring chief minister "whose body language suggested happiness" after last month's serial blasts in Patna which preceded a massive rally held by the BJP leader. Mr Modi, who is the BJP's candidate for Prime Minister, was not harmed in those explosions. Six people were killed and 83 injured; the BJP has attributed the terror attack to the "gross criminal negligence" of Mr Kumar and his government. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP and chief minister Raman Singh are seeking a third consecutive term in power. Mr Modi used a Naxal attack in the state in May in which several Senior Congress leaders were killed to compare and contrast the Chhattisgarh chief minister's performance to that of Mr Kumar's. "Dr Raman Singh met the victims, instituted an investigation to look into the shortcomings of the government." He added, "When the Bihar Chief Minister was questioned on the blasts, his arrogance was evident. See how an empathetic Chief Minister behaves and how an arrogant Chief Minister behaves."

Narendra Modi tears into Nitish Kumar at Hunkaar Rally

India gets a leader, finally

People see in Modi everything that UPA leaders are not, a man who can deliver our country back to us. All right thinking people who feel strongly for the genuine progress and prosperity of our country have heaved a sigh of relief at the BJP declaring Narendra Modi as its Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 general elections. Yes, there was a power struggle, as there is and should be in any real democracy in the world. It was a tough contest and the best man won. But many in India have become so accustomed to dynastic succession, that a democratic succession exercised through contest in the true spirit of democracy is construed as a great aberration, or an indication of a dysfunctional political party. Dynasty has even changed the democratic terminology, particularly among the media. Never before have I heard the words "anointment" and "coronation" recklessly becoming idioms of a democratic leadership change. Some of the despondency that was gripping the country has started to lift. During the last few years, one heard the same questions over and over again across the spectrum: where is this country heading? Is there any hope at all for the future? Because what every patriotic and responsible citizen saw during the last decade of UPA rule was a directionless drift, apathy towards national interest and the welfare of the people, a complete breakdown of the state machinery, and a supreme commitment to corruption. The poor of India experienced the highest form of cruelty inflicted on them through the unprecedented rise in the prices of their already meagre food consumption articles, which all the misleading promises of the Food Security Act cannot compensate. For me personally, it was a momentous event, something that I have been consistently urging the BJP to do for the last few years. And when I say this, I speak about the interest of the nation, and the leadership it needs today, and not about the interest of any particular person. Regardless of the unceasing propaganda hurled against Narendra Modi, his popular appeal among the intelligentsia and the masses had already been acknowledged, even by an unfriendly media, through the series of surveys and opinion polls that put him at the top of the list for future Prime Minister. People believe he has the qualities that are required to forcefully stem the steep descent of our polity into a completely failed state. Clearly, it is refreshing and promising for people that they do not find any resemblance between Modi and any of the present political leaders of the UPA. Instead, they see in him everything that the UPA leaders are not — the last ray of hope that can end our nation's nightmare and deliver our country back to us. However, the road ahead will continue to be pitted with challenges. Narendra Modi's enemies outside his own party, though strangely sobered and bewildered about how to handle this new blazing star on the Prime Ministerial firmament, will continue their vilification campaign against him, despite their previous failures. They know that they don't have anything substantial to attack him with. His record in governance and achievement has been impressive, whether on the development or economic front. There is no taint of corruption in his decade long tenure as Chief Minister. The SIT found nothing to implicate him personally in the unfortunate 2002 riots. Having exhausted these, Modi's enemies have been forced to downgrade their weaponry to a weak propaganda of some vague and non-existent accusations that even they find difficult to substantiate. For example, accusations against Modi have now changed from the political to personal, using hazy, nebulous words. The worst his enemies now call him is a "polarising figure", whatever that means. Well, in my view, if Modi is able to polarise opinions regarding what is good for the country and what is not, I think, the polarisation was long overdue. Next, he is accused of being "divisive", again without explaining what it means. After ten long years of UPA's paralysed governance, it appears that anyone "decisive" is now derisively labelled as "divisive". Do these accusers, supported by some sections of the media, consider it more beneficial for the progress of our nation and people to continue the non-decisive UPA leadership model of "coalition dharma" of corruption and inaction, which has almost destroyed our country, and made us a laughing stock in the world? Today, we are pathetically known the world over as an aspiring global superpower reeking in corruption; a power which has lost the ability to govern or protect its national interest and is ever too eager to sell its national interest for private gain. All opinion polls suggest that India has had enough of the UPA's consensus and compromise leadership model, and instead requires a strong, firm, no-nonsense leader. Modi's enemies have spread another canard, that he is no "team leader", that he's a "one man show", again without providing any details or substance. I can only ask that if he were indeed not a team leader, would he win three elections in succession in Gujarat, surrounded as he was by powerful opponents holding the keys to every national investigation agency in the country and instigating every possible dissenter to revolt against him? I ask these puerile critics to compare the intra party revolts within the Congress and the UPA constituents in states across the country, with the Gujarat BJP, before they loosely throw around terms like team leadership, divisiveness and polarisation. But I do notice that the misuse of the word "communal" to describe him has reduced drastically. I claim that even though I have several admiring friends, and perhaps several critics, neither my admirers nor critics have ever accused me of being communal or in any manner hostile to Muslims. I have repeatedly expressed my deepest admiration for the Prophet of Islam before audiences of all hues. I always impress my students with the Prophet's invaluable words that "he who walks in the path of knowledge walks on the path of God" and "the ink of the scholar is more valuable than the blood of a martyr". I believe I have the perfect credentials for categorically informing the public, who has for too long been bombarded by disinformation about Narenbhai being an anti-Muslim fanatic, that he is not so. I would say the same under oath in any court of law. The Muslim minority is as safe with him as Prime Minister as any other citizen of India. My Muslim friends must accept my guarantee, on which I stake all my reputation. Narenbhai deserves the vote of every patriotic Indian. The people of India and most parties have realised that there is no one with a greater pan-Indian charisma and natural communication skills than Narendra Modi, so much so, that he is evaluated by the electorate on his own merit and nothing else. He has the rare gift of holding an audience spellbound. And no one can deny that charisma and communication skills are indispensable qualities for the leader of a large and pluralistic nation like India. The best example of the lack of these qualities is the UPA government.
Article Credits Sunday Guardian,18th October 2013

The rise and rise of tomorrow’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi - The Sunday Guardian Report

No politician in independent India has been demonised in such a relentless, Goebbelsian manner as Narendra Modi, and no politician has withstood it with as much resilience and courage as him, notwithstanding the entire Central government, influential sections of the media machinery and civil society arraigned against him.
His dark patch started with the unfortunate Godhra train massacre and the ensuing communal riots in Gujarat in 2002, where several innocent people lost their lives. A train carrying non-violent harmless karsewaks were set on fire and nearly 60 persons were burnt to death. Understandably, but regrettably, this provoked retaliation and mayhem resulting in many innocent members of the minority community losing their lives and suffering other indignities.
It is equally true that the desire for revenge did paralyse the will of some law enforcement agencies, including some prosecutors and judges. Serious steps had to be taken to restore the confidence of the victims of revenge in the legal and judicial system of the state.
Today, vast sections of civil society see in Narendra Modi the next Prime Minister of India. I hope he will plant more visible footprints on the international seashore. He has to speak of peace and a durable solution to the Kashmir problem with the rulers of Pakistan.
The most diabolical role was played by the Congress government at the Centre. A bogus commission was appointed to whitewash the Godhra tragedy to establish that the attack on the train was not the result of a conspiracy of some evil minded Muslims, but an accidental stove fire. This serious crime by the Congress government was fully exposed when a Special Investigation Team appointed by the Supreme Court made their own independent investigation and reiterated that the burning of the pilgrims was a concerted plan by those who must have known that it will inevitably lead to retaliation and atrocities against the minorities, a finding fortified by recent court judgments. Their evil calculations proved to be right. Obviously, the planners wanted India to get a bad name, its national unity and integrity shaken and its defence against scheming neighbours enfeebled.
The unfortunate riots were followed by the state elections, the results of which made the psephologists run for cover. One is reminded of a story, which may well be apocryphal, but is fairly apposite and bears repetition. The Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow, wanted to hold an open air reception in Simla and sought, and received, the assurance of the weather bureau that there wouldn't be any showers on that day. But while strolling on the mall, he encountered a farmer and his donkey. Proletarian as he pretended to be, he struck up a conversation with him and made the same enquiry. The farmer looked at his donkey and said, "Whenever my mate's ears shake the way they are doing now, it just pours." The Viceroy made light of the donkey signal, but his evening party was a big fiasco. In anger, he had the weather station removed to faraway Pune as punishment. I hope the media will never again mess with Narendra Modi or Gujarat elections. Modi won a landslide victory, which even he and his followers could not have imagined or hoped for. I congratulated him for his brilliant victory, but I sincerely advised him that he should wear a look of absolute humility; he should publicly own that something had seriously gone wrong and that he should loudly proclaim that India could never go forward and retain its independence and sovereignty unless Hindus and Muslims were locked in an embrace of love and mutual understanding. He must declare his firm resolve to bring back to the minorities a feeling of absolute security and an assurance of every kind of protection by the powers of the state. Modi thought out and reasoned his strategy and since then his stature has risen manifold to heights rarely attained before. Today, vast sections of civil society see in him the next Prime Minister of India. I hope he will plant more visible footprints on the international seashore. He has to speak of peace and a durable solution to the Kashmir problem with the rulers of Pakistan. He must project himself as a great democratic leader of the world and a fighter for human rights and justice the world over. On the domestic front, I am proud to see him winning Muslim hearts by presenting to them the real Hindutva, which even the Supreme Court had to acknowledge and admire. Let not the real Hindutva be confused with its counterfeit version, which unfortunately gains currency during the course of electoral battles. The policies and conduct of Narendra Modi may be compared with those of the late Rajiv Gandhi. The sad assassination of his mother led to what may accurately be described as a virtual genocide of the Sikhs. Armed bands of hooligans and murderers went around the streets and colonies of Delhi in search of innocent Sikhs, sought them out and slaughtered them mercilessly. We saw some Sikhs being burnt alive on public roads while crowds watched the heartrending scenes. Even the then Sikh President could not move a finger to help the unfortunate followers of Guru Nanak. I cannot forget those shameful days even now. All that the new Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had to say was a defiant, "When a big tree falls the earth must shake". Never did the Congress leadership apologise for the atrocities and the murders. It is the greatness of the Sikh community that they have forgiven the Congress. In a corruption ridden country where the chief source of corruption is the Congress and its leaders, Narendra Modi shines for his impeccable integrity. He has focused his entire energy on building in Gujarat an able administration and good governance. He has achieved phenomenal development and economic growth, and at the same time bolstered social inclusiveness. Through these he has worked hard to regain the confidence of the minorities, even as the relentless and pervasive hate campaign against him has continued unabated in the electronic media, among the fashionable intellectuals and civil society activists, who have become the media sweethearts.
This is the first of a two-part article on Narendra Modi
Article Credits Sunday Guardian,17th October 2013

Former Supreme Court judge praises Narendra Modi

New Delhi, Sept 19: Former judge in the Supreme Court of India, Justice Vaidyanathapura Rama Krishna Iyer (V.R.Krishna Iyer) on Thursday wrote to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and extended his best wishes for becoming the BJP's prime ministerial candidate.
In a birthday-greeting letter addressed to Modi, the former SC judge V R Krishna Iyer termed the BJP's decision of anointing Modi as Prime Ministerial candidate of the party as timely one for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and welcomed it.
97-year-old Justice Iyer in his letter said that though he is not involved in any active politics at present and "welcomes the decision of BJP on personal level" and described Modi as positive, someone of nationalistic virtue and having global dimensions.
Praising Gujarat chief minister, Justice Iyer said that Gujarat is only state in the country which has used the solar power in a very large scale and under Modi's leadership it has led Gujarat being emerge as ‘Solar State'. While lauding Modi, Justice Iyer said, "Adhering to the principles and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Gujarat is the only state in the country to implement prohibition and uproot the corruption in the public life."
The ex-SC judge described Narendra Modi as positive person. Justice Iyer said Modi is getting support at national level for his good-administrative skills and is quite capable of realizing the great principles of Swaraj.
He also expressed his confidence in Modi to remove poverty from India. "I am committed to socialism.
And I support Mr Modi because he is also socialist and encourages Gandhian values - protection of human values and rights, brotherhood, justice at social, economic and political field",
Justice Iyer wrote. Describing the well-wishes, greetings, love and blessings that Modi received from all over the world on his recent birthday on September 17 as equivalent to a highest peak,
Justice Iyer wrote that in the chair of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will fulfill hopes and aspirations of the people of India and uphold national dignity.
Preeti Panwar Oneindia , Sep 19, 2013

Narendra Modi–the idea whose time has come!

How ironical it is, that the touted dream team of Indian economy - Dr Manmohan Singh, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and P Chidambaram will leave a legacy of terrible growth deceleration, persistently high inflation, rising unemployment, and a depreciating currency after 10 years in office. But the "lost decade" under UPA is not just an economic disaster. This total economic collapse is only a natural consequence of appalling lack of leadership, absolute breakdown of authority, directionless decision making, zero accountability, and complete disregard for integrity and ethics. Ten years ago, an India that was racing towards a global superpower status, and striving to reclaim its position in the league of world nations, has been plunged into an abyss of hopelessness and despair.
The confidence, enthusiasm and vigor that were the catalysts of India's resurgence seem to have suddenly evaporated. And in this scene, the man emerges. History bears witness that time and again effective leaders, who can mobilize people, tackle tough problems and spot opportunities in crises emerge in times of great stress, change and uncertainty. In India too, a fierce wild wind that is blowing from the western state of Gujarat has already rustled many dead feathers in Delhi; the name is Narendra Modi. The man's emergence on national horizon is not an overnight phenomenon. It is a result of a life lived completely in the service of the motherland, years of devoted work at grassroots level, and a decade of governance with administrative acumen and effective leadership. Progress and Performance Unlike the Congress and most regional parties where leadership is hereditary and an election ticket is taken as a birthright, Modi's claim to fame is only one factor - performance. Even in this atmosphere of gloom, Gujarat under his stewardship stands out as a beacon of hope.
As the reputed global news magazine the Economist puts it - "So many things work properly in Gujarat that it hardly seems like India." With 5% of India's population, Gujarat today accounts for 16% of country's industrial output and 22% of exports. The state has consistently maintained a double digit GDP growth over the past decade, with agriculture growing at 10% consistently even as India struggled to achieve a low bar of 3%. As a result of sustained efforts undertaken by Modi and his team, Gujarat today has minimal labor issues, state-of-the-art infrastructure, uninterrupted power supply and supportive bureaucracy. The state known for traders only a few years back has made rapid strides in agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors.
The average citizen so awfully let down by the current national leadership is naturally looking at Modi to steer India out of the current crisis, and his stellar track record obviously puts him ahead of others in the race. Clean Image When corruption seems to be the order of the day, Modi's personal integrity and honesty stands out. Modi, his personality, his style of functioning and his growth model have been subject to unprecedented scrutiny and analysis in the past few years. Any strong leader will have his share of adversaries in politics and media, and frankly speaking, Modi has more than his fair share of them. But even Modi's most stringent critics and political opponents will admit that the man does not a have single blot of corruption or scandal to his name.
Check this out - in the recent Wikileaks controversy over leaking of US diplomatic cables, every politician whose name figured in the cables stood exposed and tarnished. Modi's name was mentioned about 100 times in the cable, but he was the only politician, not just in India, but across the world whose name but did not contain a single negative reference.
When politics India has become synonymous with dynasty and nepotism, how pleasantly surprising it is to know that the family of the chief minister of one the richest states in the country lives in a modest 2 bedroom apartment, away from the glamour and clout that they could have so easily commanded! Economic Acumen There goes a saying in India - good politics is not good economics, and good economics is not good politics.
This is because when the focus of a political party is so jaundiced on winning the next election by hook or by crook, it leaves very little scope for pursuing an economic policy that take years to show results and bear fruits. Our economic disaster can partly be traced to the lack of political willingness to take tough, visionary decisions. The UPA in past has resorted to disastrous schemes like farm loan waiver and NREGA with dire consequences to the economy. Their new initiatives like direct cash transfer and food security bills are steps in the same direction, taken only with a view on the coming general elections. Who cares about fiscal discipline? This is even after all policymakers have acknowledged that without proper infrastructure for implementation, such schemes result in huge leakages and losses to public exchequer without bringing any tangible benefits to the lives of intended beneficiaries.
A politician's true test will lie in being able to take difficult, enduring decisions even if it requires risking short term political gains. Modi has demonstrated this in Gujarat time and again. In his tenure right from 2001, he has desisted from taking populist decisions or giving freebies. When he faced considerable opposition in the last state elections in 2012, he could have easily added a few more seats to his tally by announcing some freebies and subsidies here and there, but he resisted taking that path. Instead, Modi has always focused on generating investment which eventually leads to more growth, employment and better standard of living in the long run. It takes tremendous discipline and confidence in oneself to do this, especially when short term rewards are so attractive. No other politician in India except Modi had courage to oppose the proposed Food Security Bill, for the risk of losing some vote share. Mass Appeal Critics have been continuously accusing him of being a polarizing figure who would not be able to take everybody along with him. Modi's recent rally in Hyderabad proved how horribly wrong and biased they really are. Congress's opportunistic politics in dealing with the Telangana agitation has led to a very distressing scenario of escalating tensions between the two newly formed regions of Telangana and Seemandhra. Almost everybody in the state has taken an extreme position on this issue. Tensions have reached to such an alarming level that no politician can even take the name of Seemandhra in Telangana. Modi struck a poignant note, appealing to our Andhra brothers to stop hostility amongst themselves and move shoulder to shoulder on the path of development. In an act of sublime statesmanship, he made the entire crowd hail both Telangana and Seemandhra right in the heart of Hyderabad. It would have required incredible political courage and conviction to pull off something like this. Path of Development But Modi's single biggest achievement has been to aggressively steer the national discourse from vote bank politics to development politics. One of the biggest drawbacks of Indian democracy is that electoral outcome is still based on caste/religious blocks voting en masse in favor or against a particular candidate. This remains the primary factor above all everything else, and the candidate's track record, integrity and other real issues get overshadowed. Modi has sounded a death knell to politics based on such narrow identity considerations. In the past ten years, he has never tried to polarize the electorate through caste-based references or policies. Elections in Gujarat have been fought purely on the basis of what the government has done in past 5 years and how that has affected the lives of people. In the process, he has offered himself, his government and his policies for unparalleled examination, criticism and debate. Every possible social/development indicator has been brought out and analyzed threadbare. If previous central and state governments had been subjected to even a fraction of assessment and scrutiny by the yardsticks that have been applied to Gujarat, India's situation today would have been radically different. Patriot who embodies strength When India is facing serious security threats at the borders and within its borders, it desperately needs a leader who can take strong decisions and put narrow political interests aside. It needs somebody who has a firm and realistic view of what is happening on the ground, which can provide a powerful political backing to its defence forces, which can inspire the spirit within the masses. Modi seems to perfectly fit the bill in this regard. Need of the hour He has been most articulate on a range of issues including national security, foreign policy, reducing the size of government, promoting enterprise and empowerment, necessity of electoral reforms, changing India's archaic labor and business laws, etc. What sets him apart completely from the others is that he provides two things which we desperately need today - vision and hope. Narendra Modi's rise is the story of an underprivileged boy from a village in Gujarat rising in the hearts and minds of people by sheer hard work and determination. It is absolutely reprehensible on the part of Congress and their cabal of cultivated journalists to ridicule his background by calling him names like chaiwalla, tea stall worker, etc.
It is a matter of great pride and inspiration that somebody with even such humble beginnings rose up as a source of inspiration for millions of aspiring and restless youth of the country. Their comical yuvraaj is still roaming the villages of India with a camera crew ostensibly trying to understand India. At the age of 43, he is still struggling to figure out what India's problems actually are!! Modi has been a victim of the biggest witch hunt by political opposition, biased media, NGOs with vested interests, and so called pseudo-intellectuals.
Anyone would have broken down and given up in the face of such a vicious, personalized and sustained campaign. Modi has been able to come out of it much stronger and determined purely on the strength of his character and convictions. The arc of politics is now bending, and Indians are now looking at him as an answer to towering challenges the country is facing.
Numerous nationwide surveys done by independent agencies all have one conclusion in common - that Narendra Modi is far ahead in terms of popularity and groundswell of support across the country, and any of his competitors come only a distant second. The now inevitable ascendance of Modi on the national centre stage is not merely the ascendance of an individual. To quote Victor Hugo, for India, Modi is an idea whose time has come. And when he comes, he will truly be a merchant of death - merchant of death to terrorism, merchant of death to vote banks and nepotism, merchant of death to political and bureaucratic inefficiency, merchant of death to darkness and despair!!
Article credits Oneindia - [The author is an MBA from IIT Powai. He has an experience of five years in research and analysis in BFSI sector. He can reached at apoorva.shah1508@gmail.com]

The True Story of Development Presntation at Planning Commision

Gujarat Experience of Good Governance -Movie

Shri Narendra Modi addressing the India Today Conclave 2013

Muslim League MLA from Kerala Praises Narendra Modi Govt.

Watch Kerala Muslim Youth Leader Praising Modi after his recent visit to Gujarat

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 8: An MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) that is part of the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has absolved Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of any blame whatsoever in the post-Godhra riots.
Addressing a IUML meeting at Panoor in Kerala on Wednesday, the legislator KM Shaji said that Modi has not tried to implement the BJP's Hindutva agenda in Gujarat.
According to Shaji, Modi cannot be held guilty of killing Muslims.
Nor did he have a role to play in the destruction of any masjid, Shaji averred.
The MLA quoted human rights activists as saying that some leading businessmen engineered the Gujarat riots.
Shaji noted that big industrial houses set up shop in Gujarat not too long after violence ravaged the state in 2002.
Pointing to the harmony between Gujarati Muslims and Hindus, he said that members of the minority community have welcomed Modi's good governance. Gujarat has witnessed rapid development over the past one decade and the steps taken by the BJP regime should be emulated by other states in order to achieve similar growth, the MLA stressed. Incidentally, several IUML leaders were present on the dias while Shaji gave a clean chit to Modi but none of them objected to his praise of a political rival.
The surprising aspect is that IUML never misses a chance to target the BJP. Now that Modi is emerging as the clear frontrunner in the race for the prime minister's post and more than one stalwart in the main opposition party has already endorsed his candidature,it looks like IUML is looking to mend fences with him.
Whether this is a pointer of things to come remains to be seen. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has repeatedly hinted that Janata Dal (United) could walk out of the NDA if his Gujarat counterpart is projected as the BJP's choice for the top post. Shaji's comments show that there are no lifelong enemies in politics. Probably Modi may one day get Kumar's backing too.
Article Credits.Sreekumar Oneindia March 8, 2013
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Kerala’s Marxist Muslim MP praises Narendra Modi
Ahmedabad, 30 December, 2008
A Left MP, A P Abdullakutty, has showered praises on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, which may leave the Left leadership red in the face. The CPM Lok Sabha Muslim MP from Kerala’s Cannanore even cited brand Modi as the model for promoting development. He was addressing the Dubai Media Forum on Sunday. Abdullakutty said Modi has made Gujarat the ‘top investor-friendly state and one should learn lessons from him on how to behave with investors’. The MP’s comment was like rubbing salt on the wounds of the West Bengal government over the loss of Tata’s Nano project to Gujarat.

Muslims won't mind if Modi is elected PM: Vastanvi- Former vice chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband

PTI , Ahmedabad, March 03, 2013 Former vice chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband, Ghulam Muhammad Vastanvi on Sunday said that Muslims should not have any problem if people of the country elects Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister. "If our country makes him Prime Minister, there is no reason for us to have any objection (Agar apna mulk unko PM banata hai to hamari taraf se koi inkaar to ho hi nahi sakta)," Vastanvi told reporters in Ahmedbad on Sunday when he was asked him about his views about Modi as prime ministerial candidate. He was here in the city to attend a 'samuhik nikaah' or mass marriage function organised by the Gujarat Sarvajanik Welfare Trust where 162 Muslim couples tied the knot on Sunday. When asked about his take on the plight of minorities particularly Muslims in Gujarat, he said, "For the past 10 years there is BJP rule in the state. If the BJP government works for Muslims, then Muslims will support it and if it does not, then they will move away."he said at the function which was also attended by Dariyapur's Congress MLA Gyasuddin Shaikh and local councillor Badarudding Shaikh.

Narendra Modi opens BJP’s 2014 campaign

Positioning himself as a national leader ready for a bigger role, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched an all-out attack on the Gandhi family and the Congress, asking BJP cadres to launch a "second freedom struggle” to overthrow the party that was “destroying the country like a termite”. ' With the possibility of the BJP naming him prime ministerial candidate growing, Modi stuck to the script — rousing oratory with a dash of hyperbole — as he spoke for more than an hour on the concluding day of the BJP’s three-day conclave here on Sunday. The way ahead, he said, was for the BJP to become the alternative. “Whether we move forward or not, the nation is already on the move. It has decided to throw the Congress out,” he said. The rhetoric was shrill as Modi sought to address the party cadres, who have been calling for him to lead the BJP into 2014 polls. “The Congress is destroying this country like termites… The only medicine for this ailment is sweat of the BJP worker.” Comparing the 'task' of overthrowing the Congress to a second freedom struggle, Modi said while the first brought Swaraj (self-rule), the second would bring Suraaj (good governance). The Congress, he said, was “a party of commission” and the BJP “a party with mission”. He accused the Gandhi family of putting “interests” of its members above national interests and referred to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh -- without naming him -- as a “night watchman” keeping the seat warm for the “the family”.

Shri Narendra Modi Speech at B.J.P National Executive Council

US-India Business Council (USIBC) Showers Praise on Narendra Modi

Highlights of Narendra Modi Speech at SRCC New Delhi on 6th Feb

Chief minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi was delivering the annual 'Shri Ram Memorial Oration' as part of Shri Ram College of Commerce's Management Festival 'Business Conclave 2013' in New Delhi on Wednesday on 6th Feb 2013.
Nation of Mouse charmers
Mouse charmers: The youth of the nation has its finger on the mouse of computers and is changing the world. India's journey has gone from snake charmers to mouse charmers!
India has a huge growth opportunity
"The ambassador of a nation asked me what major challenges India faces and I said the biggest one is that how we use opportunity. When asked what the opportunity was, I said the youth. Europe buddha ho chuka hai, China budha ho chuka hai." According to Modi India has a huge growth opportunity in the form of youth. "Our country is not poor. We have vast resources, see eastern India is full of them. But we are unable to use that. We are unable to utilise the opportunity," Modi said.
P2G2: Pro-people, good governance
"We need P2G2. Pro-People Good governance": Pitching for the role of 'good governance', Modi said that the people of the country have sunk into an overwhelming state of pessimism. "Even after six decades of freedom, the nation awaits good governance," Modi said. Speaking in Hindi on 'Emerging business models in the global scenario', Modi said the nation can progress by following 'Gujarat model' based on P2G2 (Pro-people good governance) principle.
The glass is always full!
"I believe that the glass is full. One half with water and the other half with air." There is despondency all over country but I am confident we can change the situation. Picking up a glass of water, he said an optimist would say the glass is half full, while a pessimist would say it is half empty. "I have a third point of view. For me the glass is always full -- half with water and half with air. We can turn over the situation," he said.
Milk in Delhi is from Gujarat
There must be no one in the audience who has chai without doodh from Gujarat in it. All the milk in Delhi is from Gujarat. Milk in Singapore is from Gujarat, Okra in Europe is from Gujarat. Stating that the state's agricultural sector has exhibited growth, Modi said, "If you go to Afghanistan, the people there have tomatoes that come from Gujarat." Further talking about the development of the state, Modi said that the milk in Singapore and the 'bhindi' in Europe come from Gujarat.
Minimum government, maximum governance
Minimum government, maximum governance - this is my philosophy. "This nation is being ruined by vote bank politics. This nation requires development politics. If we switch to politics of development, we will soon be in a position to bring about lasting change and progress," Modi said. "People feel nothing would change here. All are thieves, everything they do is waste. People consider it a curse to be born in India. They want to leave the country soon after completing their studies," Modi said delivering the Shri Ram Memorial Oration.
Why not export teachers?
A businessman who goes abroad only captures dollars but a teacher influences a whole generation, said Modi while emphasising the need for education and promoting teaching as a vocation. "We have created a university for teachers. I say we have so much youth and export so much, why not export teachers?" Citing Gujarat's mantra of success that can be emulated by the country for speedy progress, he said the focus should be on the manufacturing sector by making zero-defect products with good packaging.
Re-invent Made in India
"Why shouldn't we make the 'Made in India' tag a statement of quality for our manufactured products?," he questioned. Modi said there is a need to build the 'Made in India' brand. He drew a parallel between the credibility of a 'Made in Japan' tag and expressed the wish to have India reach such a level some day. "The whole world says 21st century is India's century. Some say it is Asia's century, while some also say it is China's century. I am confident that 21st century can be India's century as knowledge is supreme," he said.
Delhi's Metro, Gujarat's Coach!
Some years ago I launched a product which is now a part of Delhi. I launched a coach of the Delhi Metro! In Delhi all the metro coaches are coming from Gujarat. Touting the recent 'Vibrant Gujarat Summit' which accepted the global relevance of Gujarat with the presence of 121 nations there, Modi said, "When the world sees this, they infuse confidence that we can do."
Youth 'new-age power'
Youth 'new-age power', not 'new-age voter' alone. Youth have changed the way India is perceived today. Modi stressed the role of youth in the development of the nation.

U.S Representative Joe Walsh Supports Granting of U.S. Visa To Shri Narendra Modi

Muslim Samaj of Gujarat is strongly with Narendra Modi

Sare Dunia me Es ka Nam Roshan Rehega

Now, Maulana Mahmood Madani backs Modi: More worry for Congress?

New Delhi, Feb 18: Who said the name Narendra Modi only ignites anti-Muslim sentiments? Maulana Mahmood Madani, general secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind recently said that the outlook of the Muslims in Gujarat towards the state's chief minister was changing and several Muslims had voted for him in the last assembly elections. "In Gujarat, Jamiat workers on the ground have told me that in several assembly segments, Muslims voted for Modi. There is a perceptible change and circumstances are different now... Muslims in Gujarat are economically better off than in several states which have so-called secular governments in power," Madani told a news channel. The BJP came up with a good performance in the Muslim-dominated areas in the recent civic polls in the state. The party particularly boasted its result in Salaya, an area comprising 90% Muslim population but where the Congress could not win a single seat. In fact, all 24 minority candidates whom the BJP fielded in the municipal poll had won. The party also snatched 10 seats from the Congress and bagged 47 out of 75 seats. Madani said Modi was no longer an 'untouchable' man for the Muslims, adding that the condition of the Muslims in states like Maharashtra and West Bengal, which are claimed to be run by secular governments is appalling. He also said that Muslims in Bihar were voting in favour of the BJP which is in alliance with the secular JD(U). Madani's comment is significant for it was he who had played a key role in ousting Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi, the rector of Dar-ul-Uloom, Deoband, a couple of years earlier for his pro-Modi remark. Madani's remark will undoubtedly boost the saffron brigade to go ahead to declare Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. Though other Muslim organisations like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have slammed Madani for his praising Modi, the BJP leadership felt that Madani's remark was realistic. AIMPLB leader Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahli said the 2002 Gujarat progrom could not be ignored and there was no question of supporting Modi. He was referring to talks that Modi might contest the next Lok Sabha election from UP. Majority-minority debate will continue but what is significant is that it is the question of development which is gaining prominence over Hindutva. A section of the BJP leaders and the RSS have been seen chalking out a route for the revival of the Hindutva agenda, particularly after Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's 'Hindu terror' remark. The ongoing Mahakumbh in Allahabad was also brought under the ambit of saffron politics but despite all this, it has been proved that Modi's development model has indeed made the difference. Madani's comment will raise concern for the Congress for although the latter has emphasised on 'soft communalism' to counter 'hard communalism', it is yet to find an answer to the development model. The Congress leadership will be precisely perturbed by Madani's words for minority vote-bank is its biggest weapon in the prestige battle against Modi. Moreover, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had openly campaigned for the Congress during the Uttar Pradesh assembly election last year. This fresh stance of Madani's outfit is bound to raise many eyebrows in the Congress. Sadhus, students and now minorities. Narendra Modi's appeal is covering more ground with each passing day. Can the Congress find an answer to the Blitzkrieg? And why not BJP announcing the Gujarat CM as its PM candidate straightaway? The drama is getting intense before the next big polls.Reports OneIndia
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Jamiat leader's pro-Narendra Modi remarks rile Congress, Left TNN | Feb 19, 2013
NEW DELHI: The Congress and the Left Front came in for some uncomfortable criticism by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind general secretary Maulana Mahmood Madani who, in an interview to a private TV channel, said a section of Muslims have voted for Narendra Modi and the BJP in Gujarat. "In Gujarat, Jamiat workers on the ground have told me that in several assembly segments, Muslims voted for Modi. There is a perceptible change and circumstances are different now," said Madani to the channel. Madani said, "Some Muslims have indeed voted for Modi primarily for two reasons — fear and that the alternative is not good enough either." While the BJP was quick to embrace Madanis remarks, Congress dismissed them saying it may be his personal opinion and that not all Muslims subscribe to that view. "Muslims in Gujarat are economically better off than in several states which have so-called secular governments in power. More innocent Muslims are in the prisons of Maharashtra than in Gujarat. The human rights record of several states with secular governments in power is deplorable and the economic situation of Muslims in West Bengal is shocking. These states don't have a Modi at the helm. We cannot ignore this ground reality," Madani told the channel. About development in Gujarat, Madani said, "There cannot be development without justice. The culprits in 2002 riot victims must be punished." The Jamiat leader added, "The problem is if anybody talks about the woes of Muslims in UP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan or West Bengal, it is construed as favouring BJP. That is a flawed perception." CPM polit bureau member Sitaram Yechury cited historical reasons, including Partition and Bangladesh liberation war of 1971, for the condition of Muslims in Bengal. "The Left Front government in Bengal had recognized the problems of Muslim empowerment long before the Sachar Committee and had begun addressing them. We were the first to suggest a sub-plan for Muslims in the Planning Commission," he said. BJP, however, welcomed the praise for Modi from unexpected quarters saying the comments of Madani showed everybody is reconciling to the fact he is an able administrator. "He (Madani) has spoken positively about the status of the minorities in Gujarat and has also praised Modi's style of functioning. BJP welcomes Madani's statement," party spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, while replying to a question on Madani's claim that there is a change in the way Muslims looked at the BJP government in Gujarat and Modi. He said now even the minorities are realizing Modi's good work. "Everybody is reconciling to the fact that Modi is a good leader and an able administrator. This is welcome and this message should be taken to the minorities in the country," he added. Reports Times of India

The Pseudo Secular Forces Surrenders -The truth revealed

Note: The Sun can not be covered by dark clouds always The truth will emerge like the bright Sun - The Pseudo Secular forces and the so Called media both visual and print has done great sin and injustice to the Nation.Now it is time to wash out their sins by telling the world the truth -The youth of India will not allow a mistake again - They have found the true Leader

How Narendra Modi heals Muslims woes, fetches votes for BJP

Ahmedabad, Feb 14: Days after the historical victory of Bharaitya Janata Party (BJP) in Salaya, Salem Mohammad Baghaad explained why the Muslims of the town voted for Narendra Modi's BJP leaving their woes behind. BJP won all 27 seats of town municipality in Salaya, a Muslim-majority town in Dwarka district. Among BJP's 27 candidates, 24 were Muslims while remaining three were Hindus including one Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidate. Salem Mohammad Baghaad is one of the Muslim candidates who had helped BJP which for the first time will govern the local corporation in Salaya, a town where Muslims form 90 percent of the population. While speaking about the election, Baghdad stated that he had represented Congress, the Samata Party and other political parties at different phases of his career. But now, when he is with BJP, he is at the peek of his political career, asserted 45-year-old Baghaad. He was quoted as saying, "Honestly, joining the BJP was a tough decision for me. But I was confident about myself, about my decision. I knew if I joined hands with Mr Modi, it will mean more benefits for the town and more development." "It was like Narendra Modi opened the government coffers for us. Whatever money we wanted for development came flowing in. And it hasn't stopped," added Mr Baghaad. Salaya has been enjoying fruits of development with Essar Energy's integrated energyc company establishing a power unit to generate 1200 mw. Salaya I is Essar Energy's first coal fired power project and has been built at a total investment cost of US$1.1 billion. Most of the power produced will be sold to the Gujarat state electricity utility, GUVNL, under a long term contract. When all the units are commissioned, the project is expected to generate nearly 2000 mw power. Salaya will also be getting a world-class marine infrastructure project with a state-of-the-art material handling facility. The bulk handling port will be capable of handling 20 MMTPA of cargo. The jetty is located in the Salaya Harbour, which is naturally protected by two islands - Kalubhar Tapu and Dhani Be. The results of the Panchayat vote prove that Muslims in the state started adopting the advances of development in Gujarat leaving the woes which they had.

BJP sweeps polls in Muslim-dominated Salaya municipality

Gandhinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party registered one more victory in Gujarat by sweeping the polls in the Salaya municipality in Gujarat's Jamnagar, where 90 per cent of the population is Muslim. The BJP put up 24 Muslim candidates in a total of 27 seats, all of whom won. The Congress did not win any seat in Salaya. Salaya has traditionally been a Congress bastion. This is for the first time that the BJP has won all the 27 seats of this minority-dominated town. The BJP also posted impressive wins in civic elections by winning 47 of the 76 municipalities for which elections were held. Out of 75 municipalities, the results of which were declared today by the State Election Commission, 47 were won by BJP while Congress managed to win nine, officials said. VideoPhotoGallery This is for the first time that the BJP has won all the 27 seats of this minority-dominated town. Out of 76 municipalities where election were declared, Halvad in Surendranagar and Kutiyana in Porbandar were won by BJP unopposed and polling was held for 74 'Nagar Palikas' or municipalities on Sunday. Counting for the Bhachau municipality was suspended as the seals of some of the EVMs were found to be broken and the election commission said that counting there would be held later. Out of the 75 municipalities, the BJP has won 47, the Congress in nine, independent candidates have emerged as a majority block in nine municipalities while no party could manage majority in 10 municipalities. BJP has won 1,142 out of 1,905 seats across all municipalities while Congress won 442 seats and independent won 290 seats. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also made inroads by winning 13 and 16 seats respectively, whereas Samajwadi Party (SP) has won 2 seats. Gujarat Parivartan Party led by Keshubhai Patel claimed that 54 of the independents who won were its candidates. "If the SEC had provided us a common symbol in the municipal elections, we would have been able to win more seats," party general secretary Gordhan Zadafia said. Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, elated by the victory, coming it within couple of months after victory in the assembly elections, said, "Thankful to people of Gujarat for the continued faith in us. Congrats to BJP workers for major win in municipalities polls". State BJP spokesperson IK Jadeja said that besides retaining all the Municipalities where BJP was in power, the party has snatched 10 from the ruling Congress party. Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Arjun Modhwadia said, "Congress fought on party symbol in 57 of the 75 municipalities while elsewhere, it contested the polls by forming 'nagrik samitis'. Actually, Congress has won 19 and lost another 10 by only 2 or 3 seats. The BJP fought on party symbol and misused the state machinery during the polls".

Narendra Modi demands provisions for high speed rail in budget

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said seriousness on implementation of high speed rail (HSR) should reflect in the railway budget and provisions for the same should be there to provide an impetus to the ambitious project. "In the forthcoming budget of Centre, I expect that some seriousness should reflect on this (HSR)...some provision should be there for HSR in the budget and then things would start connecting," Mr Modi said while delivering keynote remarks at the second HSR seminar organised in India by Japan here. "If the GoI takes an initiative, Gujarat government shall never be behind. The state will not shy from making its contribution to this prestigious project and shall provide all sort of financial and logistics support to it," he said. A project steering group under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been formed, which is trying to evolve an appropriate financial model for HSR implementation. Mr Modi said out of the HSR corridors identified in India, Ahmedabad-Mumbai-Pune was the most economically viable one and in the backdrop of Gujarat's key role in Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), it would be prudent to speed up its implementation. "Amongst the six high speed corridors identified in country, Ahmedabad-Mumbai-Pune seemed to be most economically viable one," Mr Modi said. The second seminar on HSR in India was organised by the Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan, in association with Ministry of Railways, Government of Gujarat and CII. "Since 1980, HSR has remained confined to thought level only, now it should speed up. We all know that Western Railway (WR) is the most revenue earning region for Indian Railways, and within WR the maximum income comes from Ahmedabad," Mr Modi told the Japanese gathering. "It signifies that Gujarat has been contributing to railways right from beginning and indirectly to Government of India through the railways," Mr Modi said, adding that HSR corridor would be remunerative in the sector. Japan is among the few countries vying for HSR corridors project, which is part of Indian Railways Vision 2020. Indian Railways had set up a High Speed Rail Corporation of India in July 2012 for the implementation of HSR in India. The pre-feasibility studies have been done for HSR corridors, Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad (650 km), Delhi-Agra-Varanasi -Lucknow-Patna (990 km), Howrah-Haldia (135 km), Hyderabad -Bhilwada-Chennai (664 km). "Around 15 countries in the world have done major work on HSR and each one of them has evolved a system, technology and financial models in its own way...So after studying each one of them we can learn a lot and eventually develop our own model, which can be sustainable," Mr Modi said. "India is one country which enjoys good relationship with Japan. In the last three Vibrant Gujarat Summits, Japan has been an active participant as partner country with Gujarat," he said. According to Indian Railways (IR), there are four to five countries which are thinking on implementing HSR now. "The developing countries are still struggling to make a financially viable model to implement HSR. On the financial side the issue is cost of Rs. 125-150 crore per km for HSR," IR Executive Director PPP (Traffic) M S Mathur said. "World over there have been very few private investments in HSR. It can only be made possible either with central or state government fundings," he said. PTI

Narendra Modi is invited to attend European Parliament in Brussels

Ahmedabad: After European Union ended over a decade-long boycott of Narendra Modi, lawmakers from the region have invited him to attend the European Parliament in Brussels in November, according to a post on the Gujarat Chief Minister's blog. The lawmakers have invited Mr Modi to attend the European Parliament in Brussels in November this year. The Parliament will be attended by representatives of over 27 nations. There is also an invitation to attend the European Business Meet in Brussels later this year, according to Mr Modi's blog. The Chief Minister yesterday had an online interaction with the European lawmakers who were attending the 10th corporate culture and spirituality India conference in Bangalore, according to the blog post. The lawmakers appreciated Gujarat's development and congratulated Mr Modi for making the state vibrant. According to the post, during the interaction, Mr Modi highlighted various initiatives taken by the Gujarat government for environment protection. He told them that Gujarat is the first state in India and among the four states in the world to have a separate department on climate change. Briefing the lawmakers about Gujarat's advances in solar energy, Mr Modi told them about Asia's largest solar park in Charanka in Patan district and about state government's roof-top solar policy. The post also spoke of Gujarat's work in other forms of renewable energy, including wind energy. Mr Modi also said that Gujarat is working on a Rama trail from Gujarat to Sri Lanka and proposed a similar Buddha trail from Sri Lanka to Gujarat. Nirj Deva, member of the European Parliament and politician of Britain's Conservative Party, said he will talk to Sri Lankan President on the issue. The Chief Minister also said Gujarat and Russia enjoy very old relations and that the Astrakhan province, which had sent a delegation to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013, is a sister state to Gujarat. Among those, with whom Modi interacted yesterday, were - Joe Leinen, German politician and member of the European Parliament who heads the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in the Parliament; Nirj Deva; Anne Marie Lizin, honorary president of the Belgian Senate; Vladislav Yurchik, leader of Communist Party of Russia and Deputy of the Russian Parliament 'Duma' and Valery Sargienko, member of Siberia's Legislative Assembly and leader of the Communist Party. Mr Modi had a luncheon meeting with envoys and representatives of several European Union member countries in Delhi on January 7 that was hosted by German Ambassador Michael Steiner, ending their boycott of the chief minister since the 2002 post-Godhra riots. Yesterday's interaction was also attended by spiritual leader and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who said Gujarat has progressed immensely and there was peace and progress under Mr Modi's leadership. Quotes:Narendra Modi Blog

Narendra Modi follows his roadmap to Delhi

The Narendra Modi charm offensive showed up in full force in India’s capital on Wednesday. Modi, the main opposition party’s likely prime ministerial candidate gave a speech on progress and development at one of Delhi’s premier colleges, the youthful audience greeted the 62-year-old politician with gusto, news outlets called his speech a “roadmap for India,” protesters showed up en masse and Twitter went bananas. If not a direct declaration of grand political ambition, the nearly one-hour speech at the Shri Ram College of Commerce sounded like a pitch for a national role: here was the chief minister of Gujarat talking about development to more than a thousand students in New Delhi, staying away from the usual and divisive political overtones, repeatedly referring to the youth of the country (future voters), and outlining his vision for India. “The whole world is looking at India as a big marketplace. Why? Because they (other countries) think they can sell here easily. It is the demand of our time to make India a leader in manufacturing and dump our goods in the world market,” Modi said, according to our report on the Reuters news wire. In December he won a fourth consecutive term in office, and since then many in his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s main opposition group, have called for him to lead the party in national elections due by early 2014. In contrast, outside the college gates a crowd of students protested against Modi. Police used water cannons and batons to disperse protesters, one of the protesters told us. That’s what you get with Modi – love him or hate him, be it in the heart of Delhi’s higher education hub or on Twitter. Tweets ranged from: “@goonerRish: Just heard the Modi speech at #srcc..#inspired if there is one guy who understands the youth pov regarding the country” to ” @sachmore123: #Modi is a strong leader who cudn’t stop the riots 4 months & still can’t rehabilitate the victims.Some leadership, uh??” Modi until now has not been a uniter. As our Reuters story said, corporate India and Gujarat voters love him for “fast growth and clean governance,” and in December elected him to a fourth term as chief minister. Still, deadly religious riots in Gujarat have tarnished his record after about 1,000 people, mainly Muslims, were killed. Analysts say Modi’s talk about modernisation and development is a bid to enlist more support from a wider community, something that could help any prime ministerial ambitions that he might harbour, but that he continues to offer subtle hints at his own views on Gujarat’s Muslim minority. Sample this from speech: “Gujarat was never an agricultural state. Earlier it meant a desert. We have always had registan (desert) and next door Pakistan.” While the debate on Modi’s suitability for prime minister will continue until the Bharatiya Janata Party names its candidate, Modi in one speech demonstrated how easily he connects with the public. Top Congress leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh are better known for keeping quiet. (Here’s a Twitter joke making the rounds today: @Roflindian: Rahul to [Manmohan Singh], on phone – “Sir, did you listen to Modi’s speech today?” MMS – *silence*. Rahul – “Oh ok. Just wanted to check.”) “Modi’s performance at SRCC was impressive. There are no such speakers in the Congress party,” said political analyst Amulya Ganguli. But that in itself may not help Modi as he will need not only the wholehearted support of his own party but also that of their allied parties. While Wednesday’s speech may be considered an important moment in the emergence of the Gujarat leader on the national front, the real work will be convincing his party that he has convinced the people that he is the right choice to lead India in 2014. Article credits By Shashank Chouhan : Reuters

Vote-bank politics has ruined India, it now needs development: Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Gujarat’s firebrand Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the vote-bank politics has ruined the country and the nation now needs development politics. Gujarat BJP leader also mesmerized a vast gathering of students at the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) by appealing to the youths to make India a global brand. "The solution to all problems is development. The whole nation has been destroyed by vote bank politics, what it needs is development. If there is developement there is much scope for a lot of improvement in the nation," Modi said. “India must learn from global examples to become a global leader. The 21st century belongs to us. We just need to rebrand our country,” said Modi, who was later given a standing ovation for his inspiring speech.. Praising the development model of his state, the Gujarat BJP leader pitched for good governance as the model that will make India an economically developed nation. Delivering a key note address as part of the Business Conclave being organised by the SRCC, the BJP leader said, “Good governance has been the hallmark of Gujarat’s development and it has to be the hallmark for India too, if it has to make its presence felt at the global level.” “Even after six decades of independence, we have yet not achieved the concept of Swaraj- a dream cherished by Mahatma Gandhi. We need to harness the vast natural resources of the country and the untapped potential of our youths while making good governance as the main stay of our economic growth to achieve the goals of Swaraj,” he said. Calling for an integrated approach in the concept of governance and development, Modi said, “Our biggest challenge is to utilize the opportunities available to us to its fullest potential.” Calling on the youths to come forward and participate in the process of the nation building, Modi said, “There is an environment of pessimism in the country, which needs to end. We need to be optimistic.” Displaying his excellent oratory skills, the Gujarat Chief Minister said, “Europe and China are ageing but India is a nation of youths. But our biggest challenge is to make the maximum use of the youth power. “The youth should not be looked upon as mere new-age voters,” he said, Packaging his speech with wit and humour he said, “India is no longer a nation of snake charmers. We have now become mouse-charmers (referring to India’s growth in the computer software development).” Picking up a glass of water, he said an optimist would say the glass is half full, while a pessimist would say it is half empty. "I have a third point of view. For me the glass is always full -- half with water and half with air. We can turn over the situation," he said. Recalling the success story of his state, “We have worked hard to transform Gujarat into one of India’s most developed state. You may have heard about Vibrant Gujarat summit. We worked very hard for it. You read of Vibrant Gujarat Summit but that is held for two days once in two years. Every year, we hold Krishi Mahotsav.” “Gujarat was a desert state, we depend on rains. In the past 10 years, the state has shown 10 % plus growth in agriculture. We are not a poor country. We are rich in natural resources. We just need to utilize them for an equitable growth,” he said.

Narendra Modi And Nitish Kumar: A Tale Of Two Friends

By Premkumar Mani
Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, the chief ministers of Gujarat and Bihar respectively, have, of late, been grabbing the headlines. Not only do their names begin with the same alphabet but they are also members of the same political alliance, NDA. But now, both are at loggerheads. At least it appears so. Very few people know that Nitish Kumar has had a sneaking admiration for Narendra Modi. In fact, I can detect a tinge of camaraderie in their present antagonism. Psychology says that love and hatred are the two sides of the same coin. Their friendship and enmity have got so intermingled that it is difficult to make out one from the other.

I remember an incident. It was the summer of 2004. Lok Sabha results were out and in Bihar, the UPA under the leadership of Lalu Prasad Yadav had got a decisive lead. The NDA, led by George-Nitish had been badly mauled. Nitish ji came to my place. He was free and so we talked for hours on everything under the sun. My contention was that the NDA had to bite the dust because of Narendra Modi. Nitish ji was not ready to concede my point. That I was opposed to Modi was quite palpable to him. In a somber and firm voice, Nitish ji said, “Narendra Modi is the new face of the BJP. He comes from a Most Backward Class. He is Ghanchi, a Ghanchi! It is a minority backward caste there. The BJP’s Brahmin lobby is out to defame him. Even Vajpayee has joined its ranks. Modi is a dynamic man. Meet him once and you will become his admirer. He comes from a very poor family. He is extremely simple and very diligent.” Nitish ji appeared to be in a state of trance. He was unstoppable. Then, fondly recalling an occasion when Modi played host to him, he concluded his monologue, “I have become his fan.”

I am surprised how this fan of Modi's has turned his foe. Is this what is called politics? Is all this being done just to grab a share of the Muslim vote bank? Or, is there something more to it? I cannot say what the truth is. At the personal level, I am not in touch with Nitish ji. And surmises are, after all, only surmises. Some say that Nitish Kumar is indirectly helping Narendra Modi by keeping the latter constantly in the news. Who would not like such a friend? Maybe there is some truth in this conjecture but, publicly, Nitish has turned their relations quite bitter. Probably, he is hoping for some big gain. But is that possible? Narendra Modi is BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate. Nitish Kumar’s eyes are also set on the same position. This clash of interests has turned friends into foes. What else can be expected in such circumstances?

As far as I remember, in June 2010, just prior to the last Bihar Vidhan Sabha elections, Nitish Kumar had hosted a banquet at his official residence for the delegates of the BJP national executive meeting. However the banquet was cancelled at the last moment quoting an advertisement as an excuse. The said advertisement was inserted by a businessman in many newspapers. It included a photograph of Narendra Modi andNitish Kumar jointly campaigning for the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. The businessman wanted to welcome Modi to Bihar with this advertisement. However, Nitish Kumar went into such a tizzy that he even threw normal courtesies to the winds. The monetary aid extended by the Gujarat government for the flood victims of Bihar was also returned. Nitish did not want his close relations with Modi to be made public. The advertiser, probably, did not comprehend that some relations---especially those of love---are best kept private. Making them public is fraught with dangers. And that is what happened. The BJP leaders had to face humiliation. They bore it without demur. They are quite used to it. They had put up with the tantrums of Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh equally without complaint. These are the compulsions of alliance politics. The BJP doesn't mind being humiliated by persons from whom it hopes to benefit. And in this instance, the BJP is dependent on Nitish and not the other way round. In the Presidential elections of 2012, Nitish did not support the BJP’s candidate. He supported the Congress nominee Pranab Mukherjee and was once again patted on the back by the media for his “secularism”. The media did not care to enlighten us as to what secularism had to do with this. Was the BJP-backed Sangma communal? And if not, does the Congress have a monopoly over secularism? Judging from Nitish’s recent posturing, he seems to believe that he is the flag bearer-in-chief of secularism in the country and that the nation’s secular polity would collapse without him. No one even tried to bring the reality to the fore - the reality that Pranab Mukherjee was more a nominee of the Ambanis than of the Congress. An envoy of the Ambani family is an MP from Nitish’s party and he controls the entire party set-up. Those who are patting Nitish Kumar on the back should also remember that Bal Thakeray was also a member of the comity of leaders that supported Pranab Da.

I am not among those who have given a clean chit to Modi in the post-Godhra communal riots or have forgotten Advani's role in the Babri demolition. The 2002 riots in Gujarat were horrible and as chief minister, it was Modi's duty to stop the violence. I hold Modi guilty even today. But, was he alone guilty? At that time, Atal Behari Vaypayee’s government was ruling at the Centre. Why did it not dismiss the Gujarat government? After all, Vajpayee had the precedent of dismissal of a string of state governments after the demolition of the Babri masjid. Just before the riots, the Bihar government was dismissed for the ‘Senari massacre’. The Gujarat riots were much more serious and sinister than ‘Senari massacre’. When the Bihar government could be sacked for one single massacre why couldn't the government of Gujarat be dismissed? Was Modi alone guilty of not following the ‘rajdharma’? What sort of ‘rajdharma’ was Vajpayee following? And Nitish Kumar--who considers Vajpayee a messiah--which ‘rajdharma’ did he follow? It should not be forgotten that Nitish Kumar was the Railways minister when the Godhra train arson took place. Nitish Kumar, who had offered to resign after the Gaisal train mishap did not even care to visit the site of the Godhra tragedy. It is surprising that the same man is now sermonising to Modi and that too regarding riots. The role of both Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar in the Godhra train tragedy is not above reproach. Both of them and subsequently their common political ideal, Atal Bihari Vajpayee,did not fulfill the ‘rajdharma’. Both are publicity-crazy and both are self-anointed ‘Vikash Purush’. As for their achievements, economic inequality had grown in both Bihar and Gujarat. In both the States, the rich have become more powerful while the poor have sunken deeper into misery.

But there are some crucial differences between Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi. While Nitish Kumar comes from a kulak Kurmi family of Bihar, Narendra Modi hails from an extremely poor and most backward class Ghanchi family of Gujarat. Nitish's father was an Ayervedic ‘Vaidyaraj’ and a Congress leader while Narendra's father was a small-time tea vendor. Narendra Modi spent his childhood washing the used glasses at his father’s shop when Nitish was studying Engineering, Narendra was the domestic helper in a lawyer family’s home where his responsibilities included cleaning 9 rooms and preparing food for 15 members of the family. He somehow studied and acquired degrees by appearing in exams as private student. Whatever he learned, he learned in the school of hard knocks. He might be associated with rightist politics but his childhood was as full of struggle as that of the Russian writer Maxim Gorky. There is another crucial difference between Narendra and Nitish. Even as a chief minister, the former led a simple life. He maintained a safe distance from sycophants. He also avoided associating himself with tainted persons. All this is not true of Nitish Kumar. He once had a clean image but now he is embroiled in all sorts of controversies. His lifestyle has changed. According to information procured through RTI, he has spent crores of rupees from the state exchequer on his ancestral village and his official residence. He likes to be surrounded by sycophants, criminals and tainted persons. And he is just a bit behind Mayawati in erecting the statues of the members of his clan.

( Premkumar Mani is a leading Hindi writer,thinker and Political activist. Published in FORWARD Press, September,2012) Credits{ The Forward Press