Monday, November 23, 2015

Is Communication Gap Developing Between Narendra Modi And People?

Obviously, Modi has a problem here, as he seems to lack such persons in adequate number in BJP. In such circumstances, he should not hesitate to look for such talent outside BJP. There are quite a number of persons outside BJP , who are admirers of policy measures and governance approach of Modi. Such persons can be persuaded to join BJP or even allowed to remain outside BJP and serve the cause of the country and act as spokespersons for Modi and his government.

by N.S.Venkataraman

( November 23, 2015, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) Probably, the determined anti Modi campaign by section of visual and print media and opposition parties appear to be sticking. This would be evident if one would speak to cross section of people at various education and income level in different states in India.

The Land Acquisition Bill proposed by Modi and then withdrawn was effectively used by Modi’s adversaries to paint him as anti farmer. While Modi has a number of valid points in defence of the land acquisition bill, it could not be explained to the farmers in simple and effective way by Modi’s spokesmen.

A number of poll promises made by Modi such as bringing back black money in one hundred days, rooting out corruption and bringing down prices of commodities have not been achieved yet and even look like not achieving in the immediate future. Modi’s promise of more governance and less government has not been seen in practice, as Modi expanded his cabinet to jumbo size just like Manmohan Singh after keeping small size cabinet for sometime. People are observing and are seeing such reality . Certainly, Modi is striving hard with great determination and there are genuine reasons for his inability to implement his pre poll assurances as fast as he promised . But, his case is not being presented in a convincing way and in simple style to the common man ,who appears to be getting dismayed now.

Of course, there are some elements in BJP itself, who often oblige the media persons by expressing their personal views and in the process cause considerable embarrassment to Modi and give a tool to section of media and opposition parties to question Modi’s secular credentials. Modi appears to be giving an impression that he is unable to put down such elements in a strong manner.

Modi’s frequent foreign visits are being severely criticised by his adversaries, some of whom have gone to the extent of describing Modi as “External Affairs Minister”. These are very unfair and uncharitable criticisms , as most world leaders like U S President, President of China, Prime Minister of Russia, German Chancellor and others are travelling across nations even more frequently than Modi , to attend conferences and summit meetings, which have become necessary in the present political and economic scenario in the world. Need for such frequent foreign visits by Modi has not been explained to the common man in India, in a manner that he can understand.

Obviously, Modi need knowledgeable and effective communicators, who can talk on economic, political ,social and development subjects in a convincing manner and in simple style. They need to have credible background also. Such communicators and spokesmen are not only required at national level but also at state level, particularly in the states like Tamil Nadu, U,P,.West Bengal , which would be going to poll in the next few months.

Since in Indian democracy, most people still do not understand the issues facing the governance and want quick results, perspectives of common man is very important and Modi should not ignore this vital need.