Narendra Modi vs the Dynasty: Contrasting Ideas of India

[vivek.rao]

^^ made my day Sir!

[member_26255]

The interview is up on youtube.

[ramana]

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinio ... s-eyes/99/

Pakistan, in Modi’s eyes
C. Rajamohan

If he becomes PM, Pak policy will define his room for manoeuvre at home and abroad.

If the rednecks in the BJP want to banish the critics of Narendra Modi to Pakistan, the only ones going across the western border right now seem to be aides to the party’s prime ministerial candidate. A report published in the Sunday edition of The Hindu cited official sources in Islamabad to say that unnamed advisors of Modi had travelled recently to Pakistan to meet the leaders of the Muslim League, which runs the federal government as well as the provincial government in West Punjab.

As Pakistan-bashing gains some traction in the BJP’s election campaign, Modi has sought to calm the fears it has generated in the region and beyond. In his interview to ANI last week, Modi suggested that there would be no radical departures in India’s foreign policy, especially towards Pakistan, under a government led by him. He underlined, instead, the importance of engaging Pakistan and insisted that “anger” can’t be the basis for a policy towards our western neighbour.

If the reports that Modi has sent emissaries to Pakistan are true, they indicate a recognition of the need to reassure leaders across the border that, were he to become prime minister, he would not be throwing a grenade at the bilateral relationship. Equally important is Modi’s reported outreach to separatist leaders in Kashmir and his decision to clear the confusion on India’s nuclear policy created by the BJP manifesto.

The claims of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the hardline Hurriyat leader in Kashmir, about meeting Modi’s “emissaries” have been formally denied by the BJP. But it makes eminent political sense for Modi to suggest he is open to engaging everyone in Kashmir, including separatists, in his quest for peace in the state that has endured so much suffering.

Modi also appears to have understood the need to address the widespread international concern that a government led by him might abandon India’s traditional nuclear restraint and adopt the more risky approaches. If the BJP manifesto talked about revising the nuclear doctrine, Modi made it absolutely clear there was no question of changing India’s policy on the no first use of atomic weapons.

The government in Pakistan, like most others, has no problem in recognising that the BJP’s rhetoric during elections is not necessarily a reflection of the party’s policies when in government. Islamabad is putting out signals that it is eager to open a dialogue with the next government and is ready for formal political contact with it at the earliest. The deeply polarised Indian debate on secularism and the controversy over Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots have, however, reinforced fears in Pakistan about a BJP victory in these elections. The lower the political debate in India sinks, the greater the political discomfort in Pakistan will be with a Modi-led government.

At the same time, there is some hope in Pakistan that a strong leader like Modi might be better equipped than Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to move the bilateral relationship forward. Pakistani leaders across the political spectrum and in the military have been deeply disappointed with the UPA government, which repeatedly raised expectations of a big breakthrough in bilateral relations over the last decade but did not have the political courage to follow through.

India’s political passions on secularism and communalism make little sense in Pakistan, which is a Muslim-majority state and an Islamic republic. Pakistan’s foreign policy establishment attaches little operational value to secularism in engaging India.

Islamabad remembers that Atal Bihari Vajpayee, representing a “Hindu nationalist” government, travelled to Pakistan twice. Under far more difficult circumstances, Vajpayee had kept the dialogue going with Pakistan and launched bold initiatives. Pakistan is acutely aware that the “secular” Congress would not even let Manmohan Singh travel across the border, despite repeated requests from General Pervez Musharraf, former President Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif. Nor is it a secret that the champions of secularism in the cabinet, like Arjun Singh and A.K. Antony, were the most vociferous opponents of any reasonable accommodation with Pakistan.


{Modi type nationalists cant forget that despite ABV's two visits TSP back-stabbed him with Kargil and repeated terrorist attacks on J7K Assy and Lok Sabha}

What matters to Islamabad is not the political label attached to Modi, but the kind of policies he might pursue if he comes to power. If Modi embarks on a confrontation with the Muslim minority at home and adopts an adventurous policy towards Pakistan, his government would quickly be weakened and become vulnerable to multiple pressures — regional and international.

On the other hand, if Modi addresses the genuine fears of the Muslim minority at home and begins an engagement with Pakistan, his room for manoeuvre at home and abroad will significantly improve. Given the unprecedented negative international image Modi has acquired, a sensible and pragmatic approach to Pakistan could bring him extraordinary diplomatic rewards. His recent statements do underline an awareness of the imperative for political moderation at home and abroad. His problems in pursuing moderate policies if he comes to power are likely to come from within his own camp.

{The writer deserves the maximum accomodationist label I gave him. First of all he equates Indian Muslims with Pakistan and then he wants pragmatic policy towards a faliling terrorist nation. This is the US line that he is advocating.}

Like the Congress, the BJP too is very conservative in its worldview. With his stature in the BJP, Vajpayee managed to keep the party at a distance from the making of foreign policy. Yet, when it came to Pakistan, Vajpayee had to constantly fend off sniping from his seniormost colleague in the party and the cabinet, L.K. Advani.

{Again ritual equivalanec of Congress and BJP!}


Modi is likely to encounter resistance from the BJP’s old guard in a broad range of policy areas. If he does become the next prime minister, he can develop a sensible policy towards Pakistan and effectively pursue India’s larger regional and global interests only if he is able to quickly establish unrivalled political authority over the BJP after the elections and win full freedom to conduct India’s foreign policy.

{Too many ifs to consider this a serious article. It should not have been written and once submitted should not have been printed!}

The writer, a distinguished fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, Delhi, is contributing editor of ‘The Indian Express’

I dont get how he can justify all those high sounded titles after his name!!!

What an idiot.

[member_28397]

arjun, this interview went excellent for modi. the 3 idiots weren't overtly friendly (except in last part where they were asking personal questions like how do you relax etc) and that is actually good. it showed that he came through with flying colours even when the questioning is hostile. the underlying hostility itself allowed modi to display his strong character and conviction as well as provide informed views and data on many important issues.

Thanks saar, just wanted the reassurance. Allll izzz well

[RajeshA]

Does the Indian election commission consist of Indian patriots or uber "secularists".

With the tsunamo that seems to be forming, tinkering with a few machines in a few locations will have the same effect as a faart in a hurricane.

<snip>

Expecting a close enough match in 2014, Kejriwal was activated to queer the pitch, soak up and deflect anti-congress sentiment and help achieve a fractured vote to hobble Modi. But he too turned out to be merely a puppy p!ssing in a monsoon downpour.

Interesting use of language!

Having said that, AAP is more dangerous than Congress IMO as its only mandate is to create anarchy, stall progress and invite foreign "human rights" and other assorted MC/BCs to cause trouble. This is deadly for India at this juncture and Modi must find a way to squash them like bugs.

Starting of December, I myself was alarmed how the media focus had shifted to Kejriwal and AAP and even after the wins in Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh under NaMo's leadership and active involvement, it hardly even registered as a blip in the media.

January and February were indeed AAP-centric days.

That is now so far away! It seems AAP proved to be a damp squib despite all the efforts. Americans just could not model the complexities of Indian politics or they just didn't have their full heart in it! Perhaps they were earlier on not really convinced by the quality of their assets in India.

Anyway, AAP is winning ZERO seats in Lok Sabha, and hopefully ZERO seats in Odisha Assembly as well as in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Assemblies.

They may get a chance in Haryana, later on in the year.

AAP seems to be strongest in Punjab, where they seem to have taken over some of the base of BSP, Congress and some anti-Hindu Sikh groups/Khalistanis. This time they may not be able to open their account in Punjab and the assembly elections in Punjab are still some time away, in 2017.

But if AAP gets ZERO seats in Lok Sabha, their maverick charm fades away as a serious contender in the Indian political landscape. So their support in Assembly elections would also suffer.

[RamaY]

Ramanaji..

We have 5 more election phases to go & you already called two guys idiots

I hope we identify all these idiots and have a secular hall of shame thread along with their farticles.

They need to be reminded about their idiocy.

My contribution to that thread will be what I wrote in jan 2012 about an idiot from no less than United Nations!
http://bharata-bhuti.blogspot.com/2012/ ... r-inc.html

[Prem Kumar]

Any sufficiently advanced incompetence or ignorance is indistinguishable from malice

Lovely & tweetable!

[arminius]

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinio ... s-eyes/99/

Pakistan, in Modi’s eyes
C. Rajamohan



The writer, a distinguished fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, Delhi, is contributing editor of ‘The Indian Express’

I dont get how he can justify all those high sounded titles after his name!!!

What an idiot.

<OT>
Sanjaya Baru, in his latest book, mentioned that, he thought Rajamohan could chair NSC.
That makes me wonder --a bit far-fetched right now-- who would be NSA in Modi adminstration.
</OT>

[Suraj]

If Modi is elected, he will have to face the press as a matter of routine. He's calibrating his opening up to the press carefully, waiting until the poll process gathers momentum and realization builds from multiple polls that he has a fighting chance to win. This puts him in a stronger position against interviewers, who would otherwise treat him as an unpleasant upstart who shouldn't even be trying.

Instead you have interviewers caught in their own cognitive dissonance or dilemma as to whether or not to pursue their pet anti-Modi line of questioning, or whether to be careful because the man sitting in front of them has a good likelihood of being the next PM. The result is the uncouth interviewing approach we see now.

Back during the New Delhi elections I had an AAP-pasand friend ask me why Modi doesn't give interviews or state his positions publicly, while AK49 was thrown fulltosses and patted on his back as he hit sixers. I told him that at the time his approach was to talk at rallies where he could be heard out, and build a groundswell of support, and that Modi would then speak to the press when he had that backing, on his terms. That's essentially what's happening now.

Nothing wrong with the ABP interview at all. My main concern is for the guys health. 3.5hrs of sleep isn't anywhere near enough, no matter how much of yoga and healthy living he otherwise follows. I hope he can dial down his own punishing personal regimen in the next few weeks. The man has worked harder than any of his challengers for the position he aspires to.

[ramana]

G Parthasarathy.

I prefer a poltical appointment like Amit Shah.

[IndraD]

A (Narendra Modi): 2014 poll has brought hope. There is distrust, stagnancy and immense corruption around. On one hand people are hugely disappointed and on the other hand people are thinking whether there is a place where such dirty politics doesn’t exist? Will the country run with a squabble (tu tu main main). BJP with its track record has developed a trust among the people. This is on the basis of good governance and other is of development. Country needs a change and even the poor people now realise it now. This election is not of arithmetic calculation but of the chemistry feeling of 125 crore people. 232 seats which have gone to polls has exposed the body language of Congress, you can see the kind of language they use. Due to these reasons, people will make BJP & NDA victorious.



Q SZ: Will NDA attain the majority? You may get seats but what if some parties refuse to give support, then your seat count would be reduced?



A: This is good arithmetic point of view. But this election is not of arithmetic calculations and is of chemistry. Prediction of lot of political pundits would go wrong this time. I have been directly involved with people in this poll; have travelled all over the country. I was a political science student. So I believe BJP will get the clear cut mandate and come to power. With NDA we will grow stronger. In India ‘perception politics’ happens. We have a pre poll alliance of 25 parties. First time in history it has happened.



Q Rajiv Khandekar (Editor – ABP Majha): You have good relation with Mamata, Jayalalithaa but you are making personal attacks on them which you didn’t in your initial campaigning. BJP didn’t have such confidence to attack then? There were talks in Maharashtra that you and Sharad Pawar are good friends and are coming together in this election?



A: If we used such kind of a language earlier then we would have been labeled of having an arrogant approach. It could have affected us. That’s why our strategy was placid and then there was a progressive enfoldment. In the next 10 days more of such will happen which is a part of our strategy.



Q RK: Yeda Bankar Peda Khao…



A: When I will go to Maharashtra will talk about Sharad Pawar. When in Tamil Nadu I will talk about Jayalalithaa. In West Bengal will talk bout Mamata. In Orissa about Naveen Patnaik. Whichever state I go for the first time I express my thoughts. It’s not that the situation changed so our strategy changed. In elections BJP should be clear cut in their thoughts portrayed to people. We do not want to create confusion or else confusion in masses will grow. Why this hypocrisy? In elections we are actually facing a challenge from Mamata and Patnaik. So why mislead the nation?



Q RK: Is there truth that you and Shard Pawar had plans to come together?



A: No it’s not true. As far as friendship is concerned you will be surprised to know that I have friendly relations with Lalu Yadav (RJD chief). We are in a political life and due to our ideologies our stands are different. But we are all a big family and we are not enemies.



Q Suman De (Editor, ABP Ananda) : When you were sure that Mamataji would not enter NDA you became a strict your softened approach turned into a strict Masterji.?



A: We knew well in hand that Mamaji would not enter NDA. There were no doubts about it. I said the way the LEFT conditioned this state; Mamataji is taking a very long time to bring the state out of it. The symptoms are not to be seen. More than being angry I am disappointed with the condition of the state.



Q SZ: In your initial campaign your tone was not like this but now it has shifted to personal attacks, why?



A: See nobody wants to make personal attacks but during heat of election such attacks do happen. You call it personal or public. But you tell me if Wall Street Journal has published then is it personal? 2G scam happened, Raja had this role, PM had this role, and so would we call it personal? Some news traders are used by them to divert the issue. I remember during Mumbai attacks these news traders refrained us from commenting on Congress. There should be political satire in the country. Once in Parliament debate, Sharad Pawar gave a speech then Sushmaji also spoke. Sushmaji said she didn’t know if it’s Sharad Pawar speaking or Lalita Pawar. All enjoyed this in Parliament, so did Sharad Pawar. If it would have happened today then news traders would have taken this joke in a completely different direction. There has to be humour, happiness, satire.



Q SZ: You called Robert Vadra jijaji (brother-in-law)



A: We have to identify the person; he is related to a family. If I had another word for it would have said that.



Q SZ: You are also in public life, personal attack on you also?



A: Country will decide if my allegations or allegation on me are true?



Q RK: Till when this allegation will continue you must have thought



A: Until I don’t lose, until I am not defeated such allegations will continue. People who have been trying to defeat me for the past 12 years have been using all their strength. They couldn’t give me even a scratch. This is their ego problem.



Q RK: Ever thought such a debate and criticism you will have to face over your marital status?



A: I am not surprised about it. Talks also happen of things which are not related to me also. They don’t have anybody so what to do? They will keep on doing it.



Q SD: Mamata Banerjee is going to every district talking about your marital status on your affidavit. How do you feel?



A: I don’t feel anything about it. The ploy they have let them use it. Why should I think so much about the criticism? Let people judge.



Q SZ: There are lots of talks inside & outside BJP. Even about Murli Manohar Joshi issue. With your candidature do lots of people think doors are closed for them?



A: I never proposed my candidature for anything or for any post since I have been born. Decision of me is taken by BJP. I have never asked for my position, never snatched or done any kind of scheming. Whenever I have been bestowed a work I do it with full dedication, hard work and have sacrifice my life for it.



Q RK: Is the RSS fighting election or the BJP? What’s your take on it?



A: Not any candidate, party or organisation is fighting elections. It’s being fought by people and the entire country.



Q SD: Do you think you have won if you become PM?



A: What is our aim, aim of the people is to eradicate this current government. That happens then the aim is fulfilled or else there is no win.



Q RK: You have been associated with RSS. Will reflection of RSS be seen in your future tasks if you become the PM?



A: I have to run the country. There is only one religion that is “India first” and we work according to the constitution. We have to take everyone together for development and that’s my only prayer.



Q RK: You and Mohan Bhagwat are both 1950 born. You have benefitted from him for what you are today?



A: His father has benefitted me a lot. His father was a pracharak in Gujarat. Lot of love I got from him.



Q SZ: Important question are Muslims scared of you? You look at people who support you and the one ones who don’t from the same lens. BJP leader Giriraj Singh said Modi’s critics should go to Pakistan. What do you have to say about that?



A: Nobody can agree to those (Giriraj) comments. My 2002 speech after winning polls would be in your library. After 2002 victory, in Maninagar that evening I thanked the electorate. I thanked people who voted, who didn’t. This government is for the people who voted, who didn’t and who voted against. My government’s mantra is abhayam, abhayam and abhayam. You can check the 2002 tape.



Q RK: In Bunch of thoughts it’s mentioned that minorities should accept culture of majority and it will then solve a lot of problems. What’s your say?



A: Programme of Bunch of thoughts book review should be organized. Experts should be called. The country would benefit we call these experts who are for and against it. It should be aired on ABP News.



Q: SZ: Your are fighting on issue of development. But there is a communal stand on your Pink revolution comments. Your comments.



A: I don’t understand why communalism angle is infused into it. Somebody just make me understand. Ones who do cattle breeding should not lose their animals. The cattle which are not in good circumstances give 1.5 litre and not 4 litre. In many states and villages farmers are dying and their cattle is also destroyed. We need to worry about milk productivity. Need to think in a scientific manner. In India it is difficult for a person to undergo cataract operation. In my state cattle are undergoing cataract operations, dental treatment. I sent team of veterinary team of doctor to US. The cattle should not lose blood. Now with their study these doctors came and now these animals are undergoing laser operation technique. We cannot neglect them; it is unfortunate that people are calling it communal.



Q SZ: Lot of families are run due to slaughter houses. Another question is the meat export during NDA rule. Why didn’t your government do anything then?



A: I will see what problems they had then. I don’t have much initial detail of it, could be that cattle which didn’t produce milk were in huge number. Today the situation is more serious. It is not right to say that just one community is linked to it. My Jain brothers are in this profession as well. If due to environment businesses flop then we don’t look at religion involved in it right? We worry about environment; similarly we have to look at the rural economy. So country’s problem is not Modi but a “stagnated perverted mindset”. They want to take every issue to that one corner.



Q SD: When you talk of Delhi sultanat, Shehzada…people say it targets a specific community? You never say Rajkumar.



A: We used to read the word Shehzada in our history books. For Soniaji I used to call her Rajmata.



Q SZ: You have been questioned a lot about riots and taking responsibility for it, your court cases and puppy remark. My question is a little different, a person loses his/her life in a state, CM takes accountability for it, and do you take responsibility for it?



A: From Day 1 I have taken. In my State Assembly speeches, in all my interviews, everything is available.



Q SZ: It feels like you are trying to increase your rapport with the Muslim community



A: My responsibility is to reach out to 6 crore Gujaratis in the state. I am trying my best to reach out to 100 cr. This is part of my responsibility and I must do it. Primary job is to reach out to every citizen from every state.



Q SZ: In that even the Muslim community is there?



A: I understand only one language that they are Indians and are my brothers. You can look at it from any colour. This kind of language what is being used has ruined the nation. I don’t care if I lose elections but will never own such kind of a mindset. I would request you to stop attacking me on my swatantrata.



Q: RK: Whenever 2002 question is put up, you say you have talked about it earlier.



A: Till 2007 I have responded to everyone to all questions asked. You can read it in print media, electronic media. Yes, in 2007 when UPA again tried to take all legal routes to drag me to court then I stopped talking as I didn’t want it to influence the issue because of Supreme Court ruling. Has any CM been grilled for 9 hours? SC has seen the tape as it ordered the questioning. I have been through all those hurdles and I am ready for it. Modi won’t surrender to such false political intentions.





Q RK: The demands that are asked to you are politically motivated?



A: That you decide whose agenda you have brought forward.



QSZ: How will good days come? I have read your manifesto, lot of claims and promises are not mentioned in it, so how will it happen and when?



A: Everywhere is there an expiry date on it? Some tasks are there which are primary and some need to be addressed soon, some take 5 years. This manifesto is not for the entire century but is for a government’s 5 year tenure.



Q SZ: Will black money really come back to India? Are you raising a hope which would never be fulfilled?



A: There is a debate in the country that black money in foreign banks and no dispute about it. Lot of information channels which say there are hundreds of crores, some say thousands of crores. We will set up framework of legal team, with international relations and in accordance with international law.



Q SD: Inflation is the biggest problem which has been witnessed in our survey. How will your government control it and which sector you will give priority?



A: There are different set of problems. There is no real time data of our agriculture produce. We export pulses and then at four times the price we import pulses. Similarly we do it for sugar. In eight rupees we first export and in 80 rupees we import. This is a mess. If we have real time data we know how much wheat we have in stock, how much the requirement is? We can then analyse that if South India has started consuming wheat we should transfer then and in storage houses.



Q. SD But this is a longer term plan?



A: No this is not long term. This is done immediately. Secondly Food Corporation of India has failed miserably. They should be divided in three parts. One is farmers’ cultivation, second is storage. Our grains are being eaten by rats & gets damp. Third is distribution. In Railways marble is being loaded first and tomatoes are being ignored which get rotten. Agriculture has to be given priority. Farmer’s produce has to reach people in time. It’s about applying mind and then only can find a solution to it.



Q SZ: I head you called us news trader.

A: Didn’t say to you



Q SZ: Ok, Thank You

A: You decide if you come in the news trader category or media. Why would I charge you?



Q SZ: If you form government, should media be afraid of you?



A: If any media org is scared of somebody then they should leave the industry itself. We don’t want a media which cornered by any force, we need media which is stronger & projects the truth. If someone is running away due to fear let me know, I will help.



Q RK: Media will be scared if a big leader in the country gives it a stamp of being a news trader.



A: Again again verify. I only talk of news trader and not the media. I respect the media & it is your job to hunt such news traders. Media is the strength of democracy and should run in any kind of fear.



Q SZ: Your government will be of Ambani and Adani?



A: This is not your question. This is a myth spread by political parties which is being carried by you. We don’t expect this from you. Since 14 years people are talking about my government, that’s my identity. No middlemen roam in our corridor people say. My track record says. People say this government cannot be rushed or works under influence.



Q SZ: Rahul toffee remark. You haven’t responded to his Adani allegations?



A: I don’t have full details with me but want to tell you. Congress ruled between 1985-95 and at what price they gave away land is available. In 1997 Shankar Singh Vaghela government was there. Land was given is 25 paise and some land in 5 paise. We came and set parameters. SC has said other states should follow our policies in land issue. Its upto you to belive Rahul or SC. I request you should send a reporter to do research and then prove that this leader is lying.





Q SD: Rahul Gandhi, your political opponent, has said that if your government is formed, it will be a government of rich people. What is your response?



A: See, you should judge this in accordance with my track record. I hold a Vibrant Gujarat Summit every year to promote investment in my state, and it has been so successful that every state is doing it now. So in a way we have set a trend. But I do this only once in two years, for two days. But every year in June, on 13, 14 and 15, when the temperature in Gujarat is 45 degrees and it is next to impossible to step out of the house; the Chief Minister, with all the ministers, all IAS officers, all IPS officers and all officials of the forest service, all of us go to the villages, from house to house, sweating in the heat to get girls to go to school, and this is the reason that today my state has 100% enrolment. Thousands of cattle camps are organised at my place, and it is the result of this that milk production has increased 85-90%. There used to be minus agricultural growth in my state, we are not an agricultural state at all, there is no water source, but every year we have a month long agricultural festival every year, that too, before the rainy season. Meaning that in the heat of May and June, the 800 agricultural colleges of the university, nearly thousand progressive farmers of the state, the government’s whole agriculture department, irrigation department, animal husbandry department, and the ministers and chief minister himself, all of us go to the villages for a whole month. We sit with the farmers and discuss how old methods can be discarded and ne ones adopted, what fertilizers and pesticides should be used, what shouldn’t be used. We are the first in India who started the soil health card. In India people don’t have health cards, but in our state farmers have a soil health card. The soil health card tells him what the deficiencies of his land for his crop are and what is needed. As a result, while the agricultural growth of India is not going beyond 2.5%, Gujarat, which has never been an agricultural state, has an average of over 10% of the last 10 years. Do you call all this work, the work of the rich?



Number 2, the growth of small and medium scale industries in our country is 19%, but in Gujarat it is 85%, do you call this the work of the riche?



When I came to power in Gujarat there were 11 universities, today there are 43, do you call this the work of the rich?



When I came to Gujarat there were 13 thousand engineering college seats, now there are 1 lakh 13 thousand, do you call this the work of the rich?



When I came to Gujarat, cotton growers used to produce 23 lakh bales, today it is 1 crore 23 lakh bales, is this the work of the rich?



This politics should end; these balloons of lies should end. The country will not accept these toffee sellers now.



Q SZ: A question about your image now. Those who like you, they like you so much that they wear masks of your face when they step out, while those who don’t like you say that your face itself is a mask. What do you say?



A: If god had given me the power to know and understand myself, then I could have scaled unknown heights, which is way God has probably not given me that power to understand myself. I try to understand myself through friends like you. Sometimes you like me, sometimes you don’t, but I respect them all. Weather it is bitter criticism or blind love, I respect them all. I try to turn the criticism and opposition to love, and show truth to those who blindly love. I will not live a double faced life, I will not face the nation like a mask, I will try to live as I am.



Q RK: Modi ji, the love for you has led to a new problem in Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray is supporting you, he says that he was the first one to say that you should be Prime Minister, but now the senior leaders of your party are calling him an uninvited guest and saying that if he wants to support then he should come in, or just leave. What is your response to all these exchanges?



A: When the results come on May 16, I am confident that we will not need any such support to form the government. But to run the country we will need everybody’s support, and I believe that in a democracy we need to rise above politics and take everyone’s cooperation to run the country. For running the government we won’t be needing any support, the people will give enough of it. But to run the country, everybody’s support should be taken. If Rahul Gandhi wins from Amethi, even though chances are slim, but if he does and sits as leader of Opposition, then his support should also be taken, that is my opinion. A country does not run like this, everybody has to be taken together to run the country. To run a government it is ok to take the verdict given by people.



Q SZ: There seems to be a difference of opinion within the party on whether action will be taken against Robert Vadra or not?





A: I think this is a very dirty question. On one hand, no one is above the law. Suppose there is an allegation against Narendra Modi, and suppose tomorrow Narendra Modi become the Prime Minister, then should the case against him be initiated or not; just because I became the Prime Minister everything be closed. It cannot be like that, right? I am not above anyone. But I am talking about myself here, not the person you asked about, don’t mix it up, I am sure you won’t play the news trader gimmick. I have 14 years to experience of running a government. I tell you, I have never opened anyone’s file ever. It is my opinion that I had gotten involved in all that then I would just have gotten more lost in it and would have been unable to do any good work. This is my personal opinion, I am not telling this as a government policy. I have separated myself from all this in 14 years and gave support only to new positive initiatives. I am not even aware of them, they are old things and must be in progress, the government knows it’s work. We come in for five years, if we start lugging this garbage around then when will we do some good work. So it is my opinion that my energies not be wasted in garbage. My energies should be directed towards good constructive work. Five years is very little time, if we get caught elsewhere then how will we do any good for the country. Rest the law should take its own course.



Q SZ: This question came up, and I asked this question, because voices within your party said that ‘the son-in-law will go to jail.’



A: See, you asked the wrong question. What is good or bad is not my issue. If you pick up things from every nook and cranny and demand answers from me, then aise kaam kaise chalega (how will we manage). Whatever my party’s official stand is, I will reflect that only.



Q SZ: Now an important national question. Is it true that you initiated a dialogue with a separatist leader?



A: I am just astounded since I heard. Where did this come from? Either way I haven’t kept track of the media today, but I think this had been cleared up, they have stated they are not Modi’s ambassadors. I don’t even know their names; these stories come on the news just like that.



Q SZ: Your party has accused UPA of having a weak stand over Pakistan. What is your definition of a tough stand towards Pakistan?



A: First of all, we want to run the country such, to make the country such, that koi hume aanken na dikhay, and hum bhi duniya kea age aanken dikha kar vyawahar nahi kar sakte hain. The world can neither function with glaring at each other, nor with keeping our eyes down. The conversations should be carried out looking into each others eyes, in international groupings; it is reciprocating and the best way.



Q: Did you take any initiative to talk to Kashmiri separatists as Geelani had claimed recently that two persons met him on his behalf?





A: I am surprised. Where did it come from? I do not even know their names...Now it seems it has been clarified by the persons concerned that they were not my representatives



Q SZ: Another question related to this is, will you go to America if elected Prime Minister?



A: This is a very loaded question. The country’s people have selected me for doing the country’s work.



Q SZ: There is one aspect of your personality that we all see. The face that is visible here and on stage. But there must be another Narendra Modi as well. Once the official work ends, what does Narendra Modi do?



A: My work never ends. I am a workaholic. Other than sleeping and eating, I spend all my time working for the people. Even today, I have just come from the airport, the whole day I was in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. I held three meetings but when I left Jalgaon I found out that there is a huge storm. So started to check from there itself, what the condition is, if there were any casualties, if there had been any loss. This I why also got late in reaching here. So you see, I cannot sit still. To me I am a worshipper and the people are my god.



Q SD: Modi ji, the moment you stepped in here it was obvious that you are a bhakt of Swami Vivekananda, and he also figures in your speeches. We have heard that you are very attached to the Bellur Math and at one time you even went there to become a sadhu. Will you share that part of your life with us?



A: Swami Apasthanand is still there, he is very old now, but I had gone to see him and stayed with him for quite some time. But it is a different world, why get into it here.



Q SD: Do you miss those days now?



A: I am still much attached to them, but now since I am unable to go, it pains me to think of them. So I just stay busy with this work.



Q SD: Now a few questions about West Bengal. The TMC has accused you of trying to break the state, that for the one seat of Darjeeling, you have assured the people that you will view the demand for Gorkhaland with sympathy.



A: In a country this big, if you try to suppress regional expressions, then it will only inflame tensions. Their emotions should be viewed with sympathy and an effort should be made to understand them. Dialogue can open up a way; I thought I should say this publically so I did.



Q SD: So you will talk away the demand for Gorkhaland?



A: No no, I am explaining the meaning of my speech, if someone has challenged it.



Q SZ: A question on your manifesto. Ram Mandir and Uniform Civil Code have been on your party’s agenda for a long time, but has never been fulfilled. You are known as a sharp leader, do you think you can fulfill these?



A: The country does not function with sharpness, it functions according to the constitution, and it will continue to function according to constitutional integrity. Sharpness is for elections only, not for running the country.



Q RK: Shiv Sena and MNS both are supporting you in Maharashtra. People believe that it will be good if their two leaders, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, come together. So, have you ever tried to do something to bring the two together?



A: See, it is not right to weight personal relations and a political scale. Which is why I have never crossed my limits. I kept things confined to friendship only and never taken an initiative in this issue; nor has anyone ever given me this task, so why should I get involved in such things.



Q SZ: Has Bollywood gotten divided over support to you?



A: I have very little familiarity with Bollywood, I don’t know that world. A few people have come to meet me since I became CM, but that too for business reasons. I don’t really know that world. Rest, people continue to take their personal positions.



Everyone has a right to their own opinions. Do we ever discuss weather there is a division in IITians or the media? 6 media in favour of Modi, 8 against, we never do a debate like that, do we



Q SZ: If you are given the option right now of watching wither an Aamir Khan movie or Salman Khan movie, which will you choose?



A: First of all pray that I get time to watch a movie. When I do, I’ll watch the first one I get. But watching both would not be possible.



Q RK: So you don’t watch movies at all?



A: I just don’t get the time, earlier I used to watch. Once I saw Paa on its launching with Amitabh ji, and once with Anupam ji I saw A Wednesday. These two films in the past 10 years, and a film on made on Swami Vivekanand on his 150 anniversary, that I saw because I also worked to make it successful.



Q RK: So how did u like the film on Vivekanand?



A: It was good. It is good for giving a message to the young generation, on an international level too. I liked that they did not show any miracles but kept it simple, the story of a social worker.



Q SZ: So Narendra Modi never relaxes?



A: My work is my relaxation, I don’t need anything extra.



Q When does your day start?



A: Usually I get up at 5, it’s a habit I have had since I was in the RSS. I don’t need much sleep, three hours is enough for me. My friends and my doctors complain that it is too less, but it is sufficient for me. You can see, I have worked all day but even now I am sitting here easily talking to you.



Q SD: The biggest issue in West Bengal right now is the Saradha scam. You raie3d this issue in you Siliguri rally too. So do you think there should be a CBI inquiry?



A: A lot of very poor people have lost money in this chit fund issue. Many even went to the extent of suicide. In such a situation, steps should be taken to reinforce people’s trust, it doesn’t matter what for it takes.

English transcript of interview, while he did well, I suggest sending emmissary like Amit Shah to these chindi chors, what is aukat of those asking Qs?

[Saral]

Lack of sleep is a potential killer. If someone on this forum can get this message through where it can be heard, please do. NaMo needs serious R&R and take his step off the gas pedal after May 12. The last thing we need is a health setback now.

[rajithn]

I firmly believe the interview with ABP had nothing to cause a dent to NaMo. Rather, it only increased the respect for the profile of his person. As Suraj point out rightly, he is calibrating his opening up to the media (and he himself says that in a wider context in the interview when he says he answered everyone's questions from 2002 until 2007 and then stopped answering the media questions after 2007). And he has clearly laid the ground for how he expects the media to choose the roles they want to play: media or news traders.

All through the interview he was a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y in control and highlighted his displeasure at times too - calling out one of the interviewers by saying "Don't expect Modi to be brow-beaten..". Yes, there was annoyance visible at times but he never lost composure.

Coming to his 3.5 hour sleep patterns..I personally don't believe this is a concern. I do know people (people I work with and people in my social circle) who have for decades been known to sleep only for such short hours - with no visible ill-effect on health. And one of these people I am referring to is presently 78 years old (and still smokes 20 cigarettes a day and has a good amount of single malt each week! The redeeming feature of this gentleman's life being his absolute discipline to daily routine, dietary habits and yoga.). AND he's fitter than I can claim to be!!

[Paul]

Ramana, I agree with your assessment on RajaMohan's article.

He makes an equal equal between MMS and ABV while conveniently forgetting that ABV's overtures were a sincere attempt in finding a solution between the two countries while MMS idea was a complete sellout to Pakistan as evidenced by SeS.

He should stay in SIngapore.

[ramana]

Sandhya Jain in Pioneer:

http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/ ... power.html

Pluck out the thorns in his path to power
Tuesday, 22 April 2014 | Sandhya Jain | in Edit
12345 5

The BJP owes it to Narendra Modi and the people rallying around him to soothe the rising disquiet over the appointment of the new Army Chief and its so-called emissaries to separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani

Even as Mr Narendra Modi’s march to Delhi seems unstoppable, two unnecessary irritants threaten to take the sheen off his triumph, the like of which independent India has never seen. The Gujarat Chief Minister is resented in some circles not for his non-Congress background, but because he represents the first break in continuity with the elite bequeathed by the colonial Raj and nurtured by the Congress Raj. This patronage covered every sphere of life, from the professions/academics to the performing arts and the noisy dissidence of well-funded activists. Soon, as their gravy train vapourises, they will seek to discredit the new regime. Their ranks will be swelled by those who jumped off the sinking Congress ship and do not get the coveted advantages from the new regime.

Hence, it would be in order for Mr Modi to soothe the rising disquiet over the appointment of the new Army Chief and the so-called emissaries to separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The proposed Chief of Army Staff is the next in line. To supersede him in favour of a close relation of a former chief-cum-BJP star, especially after the controversy in the appointment of the new Navy chief, would taint the incoming regime, demoralise the Armed Forces and upset the veterans whose unstinted support gave an early boost to the Modi juggernaut.

The so-called problem of Jammu & Kashmir is not the top priority of the incoming regime. Yet a senior leader from an allied organisation was reputedly present in the State around the time that two Kashmiri Pandits met Mr Geelani. As neither belongs to the BJP, which was not in the loop, the party denied sending feelers to the separatist leader. As the news has upset the uprooted minority, the initiative must be unequivocally disowned.

Nothing should tarnish the most epochal moment in our modern history. As Mr Modi gives interviews to television channels with varying footprints, he outclasses the arrogant and inarticulate dynasty, leapfrogs the muck-raking over his distant marriage, and mesmerises the nation with the promise of ending the stagnation and decay of the past 10 years. This is where he must retain national attention.

A fundamental takeaway from Mr Modi’s interviews is that despite his corporate-friendly image (invoked to malign him), there will be no de-construction of the public sector, no sale of loss-making public sector units. In Gujarat, he ended political interference and exploitation that caused loss-making units and turned them around through professional management and technological upgradation. His assertion will bring relief to organisations like Coal India, which was the target of intense hostility for ‘non-performance’ after ‘Coal-gate’ revealed massive irregularities in the allotment of coal blocks to large industrial houses and sundry cronies.

The most disturbing facet of crony capitalism is when the State helps private capital to acquire monopoly over an industry, service, or natural resource. The Sheila Dikshit regime gave two private firms monopoly over power distribution in the capital, though they did not produce the electricity or even upgrade the transmission network, but twice changed the electronic meters.

Electricity bills went through the roof with official complicity, and Delhi Electric Supply Undertaking workers were replaced with casual labour, even as the firms acquired real estate worth thousands of crores of rupees, free. The Aam Aadmi Party rose on the crest of public anger over this loot and the lethargy of Delhi-based BJP leaders. Ms Dikshit also planned to privatise a natural resource like water and resisted harvesting the abundant rains during her 15-year tenure. Nor did she promote solar power.

Mr Modi lays emphasis on the promotion of small and medium industries which form the backbone of industrial development, and cooperatives to empower farmers in marketing their produce. Farmers and traders could similarly take the cooperative route for setting up cold chains and warehouses for agricultural produce. Should this happen in tandem with the proposed expansion of roadways and railways, employment generation across the nation could be exponential. Possibly as a response to the huge mining scams in several States, he feels India must stop exporting raw materials (for example, iron-ore) and set up manufacturing units and create jobs at local level in States with raw materials, rather than crowding the big cities.

One of his most promising initiatives involves changing the tenor of Centre-State relations, to respect regional aspirations, and give States flexibility in deciding their developmental priorities. A surprising fact revealed during interviews is that Mr Modi did not apply the ‘Gujarat model’ uniformly in every district in his State, but tweaked it according to the ground reality. It is not rocket science that uniform planning has been a disaster, but it has taken Mr Modi to insist that Himalayan regions, deserts, coastal States, urban, rural and landlocked regions, flood or drought prone regions, must be treated differently.

To his credit, despite hysterical ranting by the Congress and others, he has not swerved from his endeavour to craft a new grammar of politics, speaking of the people as a whole (six crore Gujaratis, 125 crore Indians) and addressing national constituencies on a non-partisan basis as youth, farmers, women, aged parents (senior citizens). Breaking away from the politics of caste arithmetic (KHAM, MY, et al), he has also resisted hints to appease minorities. This is as it should be. As Muslims mainly wear the skull cap during prayer, it is a mockery of Islam for non-Muslims to flaunt the cap to harness votes. More pertinently, however, as he explained, “I have to respect my own tradition as well although I respect all traditions”. Hitherto, no politician has had the courage to be so guileless.

Treating rape with the gravity it deserves, he refrained from criticising Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav’s statement that rape is a minor offense for which capital punishment is not justified, saying it is not an issue for scoring political points. Instead, the need is for greater sensitivity, to feel that every daughter of India is one’s own.

To conclude, the BJP election campaign is Modi-centric because the people will not have it any other way, as attested by the thin, even negligible, audiences at the meetings of other leaders. As people rally around the Gujarat veteran as the symbol of their hope and aspirations to salvage the 21st century, the BJP owes it to him and to them to ensure that there are no thorns on the road to South Block.

Wise advise but should be implemented by BJP stalwarts.

[Paul]

Only way AAP can survive is to model itself as a regional party for Delhi and sell itself to Delhites who are fed up of migration from other states.

[RajeshA]

Lack of sleep is a potential killer. If someone on this forum can get this message through where it can be heard, please do. NaMo needs serious R&R and take his step off the gas pedal after May 12. The last thing we need is a health setback now.

Rama: Nov29,12240BCE ‏@DharmicFundoo 21m
If you want @narendramodi to get some rest b/w May 12-15, at least 2 days full sleep

Plz RT

#NaMoTakeSomeRest

#GhoshanapatraWithModi

[gandharva]

Lack of sleep is a potential killer. If someone on this forum can get this message through where it can be heard, please do. NaMo needs serious R&R and take his step off the gas pedal after May 12. The last thing we need is a health setback now.

If your sacred fluid is not "Adhogami" than it's not a big concern. And i am not talking about fake bachelors like ABV. I mean avoiding 8 "Maithunas" described by Manu.

[SaiK]

Only way AAP can survive is to model itself as a regional party for Delhi and sell itself to Delhites who are fed up of migration from other states.

jee.. elementary mr. watson! check their funds and routes. [of course not elementary to nail and get it].. no criminal organization with established capabilities of kala angrez can be that easily busted. they hire (ill)legal experts to cover their crimes.

aap will survive as long as kala angrez does their kala business. shut their business, aap will be kaaput!

[chaanakya]

First time in a very long time, there will be a PM who has real connect to people and not to DieNasty. He will restore the balance and prestige that is given to the post.

Incidentally , heard that North is clean seep. Lot of big trees are uprooted in already completed phases.

[Suraj]

rajithn: there will always be outliers, but their examples are not relevant for the purpose of general advice. Further, Modi's current routine is not one he's been physiologically accustomed to for a lifetime. Rather, it's due to the circumstances of the moment that he's been compelled to push himself to do - he has almost singlehandedly worked to revive the fortunes of his party, which a year ago did not look likely to mount a huge challenge in GE2014 under the octogenarian leader they previously had. Lack of sleep has a tendency to bring out nasty dormant cardiovascular issues to the surface without warning.

[Gus]

I dont get how he can justify all those high sounded titles after his name!!!

What an idiot.

and what is with inane americanisms that has no relevance/context with india?

he starts with throwing the word redneck like that means something to indians (excluding US based nri/pio etc)

[jamwal]

Most of Dilli locals are 2nd or 3rd generation migrants.

[Gus]

If Modi is elected, he will have to face the press as a matter of routine. He's calibrating his opening up to the press carefully, waiting until the poll process gathers momentum and realization builds from multiple polls that he has a fighting chance to win. ...

His handling of the press has been very astute and shows that he is not only playing the game well, he understands the game in and out and is two, three steps ahead - almost as if he is going through the motions and knows exactly what to do at every step. There is no flustering at any question or filler,vague and weasel words and minimal stump speech.

by starting with vernacular press, he has set the example of how his interviews should be conducted and the loudmouths in ELM are clueless as to how to react. if they don't follow the pattern, modi does not have to give them interviews...he can reach people through vernacular media.

[putnanja]

Rajamohan is the voice of his US masters. I have read his articles for quite some years now, and he is always batting for US interests and most of his ideas are aligned with US.

I am thankful that he didn't become the NSA!

PS: Don't confuse him with a retired vice admiral with similar name!

[Chandragupta]

Most of Dilli locals are 2nd or 3rd generation migrants.

True, less than 5% would be 'natives' who have lived there for more than 100-150 years. Rest all are 2nd-3rd generation migrants from UP, Punjab, Bihar & Haryana, in that order. Unlike Mumbai, Delhi can't brag about having any particular or distinct 'character'.

[Rahul M]

>> All through the interview he was a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y in control and highlighted his displeasure at times too - calling out one of the interviewers by saying "Don't expect Modi to be brow-beaten..". Yes, there was annoyance visible at times but he never lost composure.

@rajithn, even those instances felt deliberate to me. an annoyed and irritated person can't maintain the level of discourse that he did. he was carefully laying down boundaries and masterfully reinforced his persona of an understanding but strong leader.

[Suraj]

Gus: the same has also been the case with his handling of the bureaucrats and administrative framework, as the otherwise ugly Viswanathan articles in Deccan Chronicle indicate. He spends time to figure out the power dynamics and calibrate his response to maximize utility. This is something than even the yumbeeyay-giri and supportive press backing the Dienasty has never come close to accomplishing.

This is what I feel is his most outstanding attribute as a leader and administrator - the ability to think through a situation and respond effectively. There's a huge premium on having someone with this skill lead the country, because the positive consequences of such a leader managing the economy are extraordinary. I desperately wish for him to be involved closely with the task of directing economic policy and coordinating ministries for the purpose - they'll coordinate in a manner that's seldom been seen in the history of the country.

[KLNMurthy]

whaat an interview ! full family watched including my grandmother. (I had to translate for her)

modi's performance reminded me of INS Vikrant's motto : Jayme Sam Yuddhi Sprdhah (I defeat all who dare fight me)

unimaginable loss for the nation if he doesn't become PM. and if he does, it would be the most important event in our history since 1947.

I thought it was a good interview. His human qualities come across very well. He is a man worth emulating. I believe he is truly without rancor or hatred in his heart, at the same time he will never be a doormat.

If this is the quality of people RSS turns out, then that's an excellent commentary on that organization.

[harbans]

For those shivering in their veshti/dhoti's/lungi's there are some shivering in their 3 piece suits:

Dread Modi coming to power: Indian "Intellectuals"

The more i read this stuff, makes me determined i do everything to get Modi as PM!

[harbans]

Pics NM-CBN..just another day for NM in the fight to oust the dynasty..

http://www.eenadu.net/district/inner.as ... fo=mbn-b12

[member_22733]

For those shivering in their veshti/dhoti's/lungi's there are some shivering in their 3 piece suits:

Dread Modi coming to power: Indian "Intellectuals"

The more i read this stuff, makes me determined i do everything to get Modi as PM!

Do you have a link to that letter? Its going to be a long list of house slaves in Briturdia. Could be a very handy reference later on.

Found it:

Prof. Chetan Bhatt, London School of Economics
Dr. Rashmi Varma, University of Warwick
Dr. Murad Banaji, University of Portsmouth
Dr. Leena Kumarappan, London Metropolitan University
Dr. Subir Sinha, School of Oriental and African Studies
Prof. Phiroze Vasunia, University College London
Prof. Srirupa Roy, University of Göttingen
Prof. Shirin Rai, University of Warwick
Dr. Kalpana Wilson, London School of Economics
Dr. Sumi Madhok, London School of Economics
Dr. Bishnupriya Gupta, University of Warwick
Dr. Amrita Shodhan, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Navtej Purewal, University of Manchester
Dr. Anandi Ramamurthy, University of Central Lancashire
Dr. Brenna Bhandar, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Amit S. Rai, Queen Mary, University of London
Dr. Priyamvada Gopal, University of Cambridge
Dr. Meena Dhanda, University of Wolverhampton
Dr. Hugo Gorringe, University of Edinburgh
Prof. Gargi Bhattacharyya, University of East London
Prof. Barbara Harriss-White, University of Oxford
Prof. Pritam Singh, Oxford Brookes University
Dr. Dwijen Rangnekar, University of Warwick
Rohit K Dasgupta, University of the Arts London
Prof. Gautam Appa, London School of Economics
Prof. Patricia Jeffery, University of Edinburgh
Prof. Jairus Banaji, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Goldie Osuri, University of Warwick
Prof. Gurminder Bhambra, University of Warwick
Dr. Shamira A. Meghani, University of Leeds
Prof. Amrita Dhillon, King’s College London
Dr. Rachel Harrison, School of Oriental and African Studies
Prof. Pablo Mukherjee, University of Warwick
Dr. Srila Roy, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr. Vedita Cowaloosur, Stellenbosch University
Dr. Alessandra Mezzadri, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Dibyesh Anand, University of Westminster
Dr. Nitasha Kaul, University of Westminster
Dr. Bhabani Shankar Nayak, Glasgow Caledonian University
Dr. Talat Ahmed, University of Edinburgh
Karthikeyan Damodaran, University of Edinburgh
Nilina Deb Lal, University of Edinburgh
Nikki Dunne, University of Edinburgh
Prof. Bashabi Fraser, Edinburgh Napier University
Dr. Radhika Govinda, University of Edinburgh
Mary F. Hanlon, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Christopher Harding, University of Edinburgh
Gaia von Hatzfeldt, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Delwar Hussain, University of Edinburgh
Bethany Jennings, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Shishir Nagaraja, University of Birmingham
Daniel O’Connor, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Kanchana N. Ruwanpura, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Eurig Scandrett, Queen Margaret University
Lauren Wilks, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Richard Whitecross, University of Edinburgh
Prof. Gilbert Achcar, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Sharad Chari, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr. Steve Taylor, Northumbria University
Dr. Shakuntala Banaji, London School of Economics
Dr. Sukhwant Dhaliwal, University of Bedfordshire
Supurna Banerjee, University of Edinburgh
Catriona Ellis, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Rowan Ellis, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Anderson Jeremiah, University of Lancaster
Maggie Morrison, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Anindya Raychaudhuri, University of St Andrews
Dr. Sharika Thiranagama, Stanford University
Dr. Joya Chatterji, University of Cambridge
Ravi Hensman, University of Manchester
Dr. Maan Barua, University of Oxford
Dr. Rahul Rao, School of Oriental and African Studies
Prof. Nandini Gooptu, University of Oxford
Dr. Nayanika Mookherjee, Durham University
Dr. Uday Chandra, MPI-MMG, Göttingen

[bhargava]

^^
Letters: The idea of Modi in power fills us with dread

[member_22733]

Half of them are white sounding names, I am not sure what kind of stuff rrrrNDTV reporter is smoking but all of them are not Indian origin. They are cogs in the wheel of western liberal (aka neo-colonial) structure. The white ones at the center and their house slave at the outside.

[Karan M]

I dont get how he can justify all those high sounded titles after his name!!!

What an idiot.

and what is with inane americanisms that has no relevance/context with india?

he starts with throwing the word redneck like that means something to indians (excluding US based nri/pio etc)

ha! i noticed the same thing.

also, did anyone notice how all the khan friendly GOI babus end up in singapore in cushy positions?

[Mort Walker]

^^^There is no Free Speech Amendment to the Indian Constitution. These individuals should be investigated to find their links to terrorists, naxalites and communalists. If found, the GoI can sue them and seize their assets in India. Further, they may arrested or visa to India revoked.

[Karan M]

For those shivering in their veshti/dhoti's/lungi's there are some shivering in their 3 piece suits:

Dread Modi coming to power: Indian "Intellectuals"

The more i read this stuff, makes me determined i do everything to get Modi as PM!

Do you have a link to that letter? Its going to be a long list of house slaves in Briturdia. Could be a very handy reference later on.

Found it:

Prof. Chetan Bhatt, London School of Economics
Dr. Rashmi Varma, University of Warwick
Dr. Murad Banaji, University of Portsmouth
Dr. Leena Kumarappan, London Metropolitan University
Dr. Subir Sinha, School of Oriental and African Studies
Prof. Phiroze Vasunia, University College London
Prof. Srirupa Roy, University of Göttingen
Prof. Shirin Rai, University of Warwick
Dr. Kalpana Wilson, London School of Economics
Dr. Sumi Madhok, London School of Economics
Dr. Bishnupriya Gupta, University of Warwick
Dr. Amrita Shodhan, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Navtej Purewal, University of Manchester
Dr. Anandi Ramamurthy, University of Central Lancashire
Dr. Brenna Bhandar, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Amit S. Rai, Queen Mary, University of London
Dr. Priyamvada Gopal, University of Cambridge
Dr. Meena Dhanda, University of Wolverhampton
Dr. Hugo Gorringe, University of Edinburgh
Prof. Gargi Bhattacharyya, University of East London
Prof. Barbara Harriss-White, University of Oxford
Prof. Pritam Singh, Oxford Brookes University
Dr. Dwijen Rangnekar, University of Warwick
Rohit K Dasgupta, University of the Arts London
Prof. Gautam Appa, London School of Economics
Prof. Patricia Jeffery, University of Edinburgh
Prof. Jairus Banaji, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Goldie Osuri, University of Warwick
Prof. Gurminder Bhambra, University of Warwick
Dr. Shamira A. Meghani, University of Leeds
Prof. Amrita Dhillon, King’s College London
Dr. Rachel Harrison, School of Oriental and African Studies
Prof. Pablo Mukherjee, University of Warwick
Dr. Srila Roy, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr. Vedita Cowaloosur, Stellenbosch University
Dr. Alessandra Mezzadri, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Dibyesh Anand, University of Westminster
Dr. Nitasha Kaul, University of Westminster
Dr. Bhabani Shankar Nayak, Glasgow Caledonian University
Dr. Talat Ahmed, University of Edinburgh
Karthikeyan Damodaran, University of Edinburgh
Nilina Deb Lal, University of Edinburgh
Nikki Dunne, University of Edinburgh
Prof. Bashabi Fraser, Edinburgh Napier University
Dr. Radhika Govinda, University of Edinburgh
Mary F. Hanlon, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Christopher Harding, University of Edinburgh
Gaia von Hatzfeldt, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Delwar Hussain, University of Edinburgh
Bethany Jennings, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Shishir Nagaraja, University of Birmingham
Daniel O’Connor, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Kanchana N. Ruwanpura, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Eurig Scandrett, Queen Margaret University
Lauren Wilks, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Richard Whitecross, University of Edinburgh
Prof. Gilbert Achcar, School of Oriental and African Studies
Dr. Sharad Chari, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr. Steve Taylor, Northumbria University
Dr. Shakuntala Banaji, London School of Economics
Dr. Sukhwant Dhaliwal, University of Bedfordshire
Supurna Banerjee, University of Edinburgh
Catriona Ellis, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Rowan Ellis, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Anderson Jeremiah, University of Lancaster
Maggie Morrison, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Anindya Raychaudhuri, University of St Andrews
Dr. Sharika Thiranagama, Stanford University
Dr. Joya Chatterji, University of Cambridge
Ravi Hensman, University of Manchester
Dr. Maan Barua, University of Oxford
Dr. Rahul Rao, School of Oriental and African Studies
Prof. Nandini Gooptu, University of Oxford
Dr. Nayanika Mookherjee, Durham University
Dr. Uday Chandra, MPI-MMG, Göttingen

all seek cushy opportunities abroad type who are sitting elswhere and making moolah. and the dutty SDRE brown people must listen to these high falutin' types? of course NRIs who disagree with these jerks will be dismissed as low brow, non intellectual, fasceests. worst of them would be labeled hindootva commooonal fascceests!!

also, guess there must be a high proportion of the liberal arts/"creative writing" types in the above list, all from JNU etc.

all of khan/queendoms investment in local flora and fauna and grade A coconut development may end up wasted. no more links from these worthies to NAC etc and local levers of influence.

so all of them are being pulled out.

[RajeshA]

also, did anyone notice how all the khan friendly GOI babus end up in singapore in cushy positions?

Madripoor!

[SaiK]

it is pipty:pipty -> did-e-firang:dread-e-rung

[Karan M]

also, did anyone notice how all the khan friendly GOI babus end up in singapore in cushy positions?

Madripoor!

you said it, and perhaps Modi needs to send in a "patch" to clean it out.