The great churning of India’s soul, the largest democratic exercise, is over and the BJP has unexpectedly made a clean sweep and Mr. Narendra Modi is firmly in the saddle. A big responsibility and stupendous task indeed. It pays to be optimistic and expects “good days” ahead. One should graciously accept the mandate and allow the BJP to sail smoothly and take India forward. But, to be realistic, the apprehensions of large sections of India cannot be brushed aside.
One moves his good foot forward. BJP has done it in the past with Mr. Vajpayee. They should have done it the same thing this time. Many people are rightly asking the question why a person, whose credentials have not been above board, has been brought forward by the party. It is not a party matter but an issue of national importance which will have a bearing upon the future of India.
India is emerging as a big player and economic giant. It spite of all odds we are bound to come up with greater economic and political clout. At this juncture it is important that the Idea of India as a multi-cultural and multi-religious society is not discarded or harmed. Let us hope that our next Prime Minister Mr. Modi and his party will always keep this before their mind’s eye, before devising their policies. It is imperative to keep the extremist elements of parivar at bay and avoid all contentious, communal and parochial issues.
Nobody should be made to feel alienated and marginalised. In this respect, the Muslims, who form one-seventh of India, have been always marginalised, and were at the receiving end. It is time for the ruling party to make sincere efforts to mitigate their sufferings, address their problems and give them their due share in every aspect of national life. They have seen the long period of mere lip service during Congress and UPA’s rules. If the present ruling party makes amends, accommodates everyone and preserves the policy of justice for one and all, there is no doubt why it will not earn the support of every section of Indian population.
Let there be a new dawn, new hope so that the old hatchet of narrow thinking is buried for ever to make a broad-based, all inclusive India with assurance of peace, progress and prosperity for one and all. This is the need of the hour, and those who have been given the mandate of ruling India can certainly do it. God speed to them if they are well-intended and worthy of a great country and a great task.