Way back in 2002, the state of Gujarat witnessed what was to be the single biggest communal shame the Indian polity ever faced since the Babri incident. The minorities were trampled upon and their rights subdued into the darkness of the hour. What followed was an outpour of widespread anguish and nation-wide anger towards the civil and political establishment in Gujarat. The media and human rights activists took up the mantle of exposing one and all including the CM of Gujarat – Narendra Modi.
This was followed up with commissions and enquiries into the roles of who and who of Gujarat in the 2002 riots. The hatred continued but the people of Gujarat voted Modi back for a second term with a resounding victory.
Even as we grapple with the question of having Modi at the helm of the state, his performance as an administrator and as a CEO echo deep within the state of Gujarat. Where Modi has become a “what not be” icon for the human rights activists, corporate honchos hail him as the new development avatar. He may not know how to win national elections but he knows his stuff well enough to take Gujarat to unprecedented heights and has a proven potential for the country.
Modi has delivered and he has done it in style. A recent article in the Economic Times pointed out his “robot-like efficiency, financial probity and his handling of the government bureaucracy” as undeniable factors responsible for the growth of Gujarat. It went on to describe Vibrant Gujarat – Modi’s pet global investor’s summit – as “the only business activity happening in a frozen global economy at that time”. Investors from 40 countries pledged projects worth Rs. 12 lakh crore having a potential to create over 25 lakh jobs in Gujarat. Tourism, climate change, infrastructure – Modi has made a mark wherever and however he could.
On the back drop of 2002 communal riots, Azim Premji – the Wipro chief and a Muslim with Gujarati roots – had dismissed Gujarat as an investment destination. Recently, he stepped into the same state to meet Modi and discuss his investment options. Same is the case for UK industrialist Sir Ghulam Noon. It is hard to shelve off that this is symbolic of the change that Modi has ushered in. Gujarat riots was a shame but its time to forgive and forget, to move on. The newer generations have seen better times and 2002 is history. Are we ready to catch up?
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While I support Modi a lot for his efficiency, I do belive that his role in the Gujarat riots will not be forgiven by anyone affected. It is not because Premji has forgiven Modi, but because Gujarat offers good business, that he is seeking investments there. It is something like, Europe forming an European Union for the sake of better trade only 5 yrs after the devastating World War II . It was for the sake of money, and not based on forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteWell presented article! I agree there are both the sides to the coin. Credit must be given for the progress achieved, without forgetting the human costs. To be secular in the name of democracy is one thing, and to let terror be the decisive obstacle to progress is completely another, more akin to cowardly behavior.
ReplyDeleteComparing world war II and Gujarat riots is foolishness. Rioting over a few days killing a few hundred, and warring over a decade killing multi-millions are not the same. Formation of the EU is in fact a case in support of Modi. Time heals the worst of wounds, and wisdom is in moving on and correcting past mistakes. It will be in our best interests if the majority realizes that is indeed the case. Then maybe we can have a Modi like PM one day and see democratic success at the national level. Hats off to Gujarati voters!
Anupam
Dude, i just can't understand one thing, why are you so much obsessed with "MODI"? There are lot more political avenues which a guy of your intellect can visit but for last 3 years i have seen you stuck up with Modi. Get out of Gujrat,for once.
ReplyDelete@Anupam Completely agree. A balanced approach is very important for a responsive democracy.
ReplyDelete@Surd It was extremely disappointing to witness outright rejection of Modi by the national voters in the 2009 elections. This is not to say that Congress isn't fit for the job. People must have a balanced view and vote with the larger picture in mind.