Acche Din Aa Gaye! A tea seller, Narendra Modi has become the
Prime Minister. This astonishing rise will be written in bold letters in
the history books even after Modi ceases to be PM, whenever that happens.
NaMo demolished major and minor political opponents in one single blow.
Political analysts have listed many reasons for the unprecedented rise. A perfect
saffron campaign, all pervading corruption in the country, dwindling
Congress leadership and 'RTI and women empowerments' of Rahul Gandhi,
price rise, effective media management of Modi and yes, (again) RTI and
women empowerments of Rahul Gandhi etc have all been listed for the
'Modification' of the Nation. It depends upon who you choose to listen.
It is said that the 'Corporate' backed Modi to the hilt. But the same corporate,
in some measure, also supported the Congress, NCP and other players.
So no point complaining that corporates backed Modi alone. Any businessman
worth his salt in corrupt India will willingly give 'green Gandhiji' to anyone
who is in power. They need the government contracts, licenses, JVs, foreign
fund transfers. They need 'good' tax collectors who give the much needed
reliefs for a consideration, of course.
The Adani Group came under direct criticism from Congress Prince Rahul.
But what about Reliance - Mukesh and Anil, Tatas, Birlas, Ruhias, Jindals,
Modis, Singhanias. Who did they support?
Corporate houses have business interests. For them it makes sense only if
they have a regime this recognizes and appreciates this basic element of their
existence. Does it mean the Congress was not looking after the interest of the
interested?
Considering the scams and payoffs and corruption scandals that rocked the
headlines in the last five years, the correlation between happiness and business
seems missing. The Congress favoured the corporate and doled out huge
benefits to the big houses. So why were they unhappy and started pushing for
the BJP. Perhaps, the answer lies in favouritism.
One UPA Minister had evolved a novel method of bidding for big projects.
He got many corporate houses to form consortiums and each 'capable' businessman
got a percentage in the contracts awarded thus leaving all of them
satisfied. However, this exercise was not replicated in telecom sector - which
resulted in 2G scam or Coal sector where windfall gains were limited a select
few. In Commonwealth Games, only those who were ready to give huge considerations
were awarded the contracts. The individuals thereafter looted the
system. Reportedly a 150 year-old media house was left out of the loot. Suresh
Kalamdi could not give Rs 10 crore, and the Times changed for Kalmadi and
company. The result is out in the open.
The mantra for the BJP and the Modi Sarkar would be inclusive and mutual
growth. But Modi has to fine tune that delicate balance if he wants to stay
in power, for long.
editor@thecorrespondent.in
