Taking along everyone!

Acche Din Aa Gaye! It can happen only in India. A tea seller, Narendra Modi, has become the Prime Minister. This astonishing rise will continue to 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, lack of Congress leadership, price rise, effective media management of Modi etc have all been listed for the ‘Modification’ of the Nation. It is said that the ‘Corporate’ backed Modi to the hilt. But the same corporate that backed Modi, in some measure, also supported the Congress, NCP and other players. Nevertheless, they were all left applauding the winner Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on the historic day when he was sworn in as the Prime Minister. The Adani Group however stood apart and came in from direct criticism from Congress Prince Rahul Gandhi. But what Reliance – Mukesh and Anil, Tatas, Birlas, Ruhias, Jindals, Modis, Singhanias. Who did they support? Corporate houses have business interests. Period. 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 Minister had evolved a smart 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, and Coal sector 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 media house was left out of the loot. 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. M K Tayal Edit The Correspondent, Sept 2014