After announcement of Narendra Modi as official PMship candidate
of BJP, the popular debate in the country has heated up further. The Congress
Party publically appeared dismissive in its response, while the response of
other parties has been mixed. The traditional rivals like communists & RJD
and recently divorced JDU have been expectedly extremely critical; whereas many
non-aligned parties like AIDMK, BJD, BSP, TMC and SP have either refused to
comment or were guarded in their response.
The response of media and political observers has also been
mixed at best. The electronic media has mostly focused on how arithmetically it
is improbable for Mr. Modi to achieve the goal. The intra party debate and
dissention over his appointment has also been highlighted. The observers and
commentators both in print and electronic media have so far appeared mostly
prejudiced by their political inclinations.
In our view, should the campaign of Mr. Modi be successful and
he eventually becomes the prime minister, it would mark a watershed in the
history of independence India, the same way as the ascent of Mrs. Indira Gandhi
to the post did more than four decades ago.
It is therefore important to understand what the candidature of
Mr. Modi means for BJP as a political party; for Indian politics; for Indian
economy; and for financial Markets.
Mr. Modi’s Delhi campaign started in right earnest only after
his third straight electoral victory in Gujarat last winter. Early this year,
we had made an attempt to assess his acceptability as the leader of the country
through a very small telephonic survey (see
here).
We followed up the February survey by a little larger and deeper
survey in past few days. We attempted in particular to explore what in popular
perception Modi will do to improve the sagging economic fortunes of the country
if he becomes prime minister. We also tried to assess what would it mean for
Indian political milieu.
The key findings of the survey are as follows:
(a)
Modi has gained tremendously in popularity since
February, particularly in smaller town and cities.
(b)
Much of his support amongst youth at present is
driven by a strong anti establishment sentiment. The affirmative support for
his views on social-economic policy is slender and confined to upper middle
class business community.
(c)
There are early signs of a wave building in his
favor, especially in the Hindi speaking belt. The mass contact program, in the
garb of “iron piece collection for Sardar Patel’s statue” beginning October
should accelerate the momentum.
(d)
A victory in this winter assembly elections
would win him more allies, especially in southern states.
We shall be publishing our detailed opinion based on the latest
survey in following few days.
Thought for the day
“Politicians and diapers must be changes often, and for the same reason.”
Mark Twain (American, 1835-1910)
Word of the day
Fleer (v)
To grin or laugh coarsely or mockingly.
(Source: Dictionary.com)
Shri Nārada Uvāca
Reports suggest that Nandan Nilekani may contest 2014 Lok sabha election from South Bangalore on a Congress Ticket.
Two questions:
1. Is UID project over?
2. Wouldn’t it be more professional that he contests as independent and joins the government of the day rather than binding himself to Congress Party?
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