DNA Edit: Looking ahead – PM’s outreach programme continues

The country is still mourning the loss of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. While Vajpayee’s skills as a statesman and politician have shown the way for his successors, it is now the turn of PM Narendra Modi to guide the nation to prosperity. In that context, it is important to review his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. PM Modi used this wonderful opportunity – millions of Indians had switched on their TV sets to listen to the PM – to showcase his four-year-old government’s achievements. 

This would be his last I-Day speech before completing a full term in office and, hence, a very important occasion to reach out to the people. A seasoned politician, PM Modi understands the power of words and their ability to fill the hearts of people with optimism. He tailored his speech in such a way that it did not appear like a listing out of the government’s flagship programmes. Though he laid stress on GST, rural electrification, healthcare schemes and the new insolvency and benami property laws, the PM also fired the nation’s imagination with the promise of sending Indians to space. That was no mean achievement. 

Interestingly, he made the ordinary taxpayer feel special by linking his contribution to nation-building and social welfare. The I-Day speech was a clear indication that the PM is already in election mode. He had reached out to different sections of voters and struck a chord with them. Seen in the overall context, the PM’s speech was a continuation of his outreach programme through apps and Mann ki Baat. To measure the progress of the country in the last four years under his stewardship, he had to recall the policy paralysis during the UPA-II regime. And, in doing such a comparative presentation, he was urging the voters to choose wisely. PM Modi played to the gallery by offering a set of binaries. The choice was simple: While the previous dispensations were lazy, corrupt or inefficient, this government is active, honest, efficient and unafraid of taking on vested interests. 

The PM insisted that India was changing for the better after years of misgovernance and lack of accountability. He underscored the fact that his government is working for the betterment of the poor and that it aims to be more inclusive in its outlook and policies. The two big announcements – the launch of a mammoth government-funded healthcare programme in September and permanent commission for women in the Army – had given a big push to the BJP’s campaign initiatives. PM Modi appeared confident of coming back for a second term. He dropped enough hints to drive home that message to the Opposition camp – as among his audience were several Congress heavyweights. Next year, one can expect to see another presidential-style campaign spearheaded by Narendra Modi. However, the opposition is yet to rise to the challenge. Its hoping to counter the effects of another Modi wave at the hustings by showing up the government’s failures. In the next few months, the dance of democracy will assume feverish proportions.