Modi on right track, no need to learn from Macron

Recently, Pavan K Verma asked in a national daily: Can India do a Macron? More than that, he hoped for an emergence in Indian polity, of a new proactive leader who would be a centrist like Macron and should hold out promises of economic growth, good governance, equity, ethics, tolerance and social stability. Further, this proactive leader would win the elections at the appropriate time by selling the aforesaid promises to the Indian electorate like Macron has done in France.

Political leaders in India, of every hue, before elections have always held out, at the least, these promises. That they have not fulfilled is another matter. Even Modi has won his election essentially on these promises: Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

After three years of Narendra Modi government, 61 per cent people are happy. This is as per the survey results based on over 2,00,000 votes collated from over 200 places, which included tier-I, II and III cities as well as rural areas. The average age of the participants was 32. Thus 61 per cent respondents say that their expectations are met.

Now let us look at the performance of Modi in terms of the above promises. The first one is economic growth. Maintaining reasonable growth momentum, despite a fall in the last quarter and economic measures like speeding up of infrastructure projects, improving the business climate and introduction of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and Aadhaar law, reduction of fiscal deficit, proper exchange management, control of inflation and increase in FDI inflows are good measures of his success. Good work has been done on housing and rural development and social spending, asset construction under MGNREGA, closure of sick units and privatisation of PSUs. However, one area of worry is job creation which still lags behind the target, despite considerable employment boost through MUDRA financing, Stand-Up India scheme, Skill Development programme and large investments in Roads and other infrastructure projects.

Next is good governance, which would inter alia mean eradicating corruption. Modi took about three years to unlock the decision-making process, streamline the bureaucracy and the administrative system. He also executed demonetisation as (inter alia), a strong anti-corruption measure.

Next, we discuss equity, ethics and social stability together. These all are interrelated. An ethical approach ensures equitable considerations which, in turn, gives social stability. Good governance as described above was due to ethical approach, among others. It is to be noted that all administrative actions till now have been ‘proven’ to be ethical as not a single case of corruption has so far been alleged.

Now we come to another survey conducted by a national TV channel. As per this survey, 81 per cent of respondents held NDA government to be better than Congress government; 80 per cent considered Modi as preferred PM; more than 70 per cent felt Achhe Din have come or will come during present rule and 61 per cent  see hard Hindutva elements under control, whereas 23 per cent felt fringe elements could not be controlled. The last finding underscores an area of concern as cow vigilante groups appear to be getting away with their misdeeds.

After Modi government came to power, the intolerance debate raged for quite some time and eventually died out.

One significant highlight of the TV channel survey is that 95 per cent want Uniform Civil Code. This is perhaps a good omen for social stability. What is perhaps more important in this connection is whether the spirit of federalism is being followed or not. The Centre’s recent notification banning the sale of cattle for the purpose of slaughter has come in for criticism from certain states and the leather industry. Livestock regulation being a state subject, this cannot be unilaterally decided by the Centre.

All these indicate that with proper criticism and appreciation of and support for the proactive Modi government, we can bring in and perpetuate Achhe Din. In such a scenario when the present government is doing all the right things that an unbiased liberal can ask for, is there any space for a Macron?

The writer is a commentator on contemporary issues