L.K. Advani attempted to shift the focus away from Mr. Modi by saying that Sushma Swaraj with her brilliant speech on the way ahead has left him with nothing to say.
In a blistering attack on the Congress, the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the party had sacrificed national interests at the altar of “the family” — an obvious reference to the Nehru-Gandhi clan.
Declaring that the time has come to get rid of the ‘termite’ — the Congress — Mr. Modi, however, told the enthusiastic delegates at the BJP National Council meeting that talk of who would be the party’s prime ministerial candidate is futile. Nevertheless, in the course of his 45-minute speech, he chose not to restrain the delegates who repeatedly cheered with the slogan ‘desh ke neta kaisa ho, modi jaise ho’ (nation’s leader should be like Modi).
L.K. Advani, who was billed to wind up the session with his guidance message to the rank and file, attempted to shift the focus away from Mr. Modi by saying that the Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj with her brilliant speech on the way ahead has left him with nothing to say.
Mr. Advani almost compared her to the former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and said he [Advani] always hesitated to speak in public after Mr. Vajpayee’s speech. The former Deputy Prime Minister also praised the Gujarat Chief Minister and in equal terms the Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Chauhan. Mr. Advani said some speeches by the leaders are so captivating that those who follow them end up as victims.
On the Deputy Leader of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad, who moved the political resolution immediately after Mr. Modi finished his speech, Mr. Advani quipped amid laughter, “Prasadji is a good speaker but no one in the auditorium was interested…Sometimes this happens in Parliament also. Only those who make noises end up making headlines”.
In his attack on ‘the family’, Mr. Modi said that it never allowed anyone who posed a threat to grow and compared Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to a “nightwatchman”.
“Once Sitaram Kesri was Congress President. We felt as if a nightwatchman was sitting. Because if a competent person comes, what happens to the family? And I remember the time Kesri was thrown out of office. Is such democracy seen anywhere? Then when the time came to form government, they chose a PM who can do what the family wants, so another nightwatchman. The nation never thought the night will be so long and dark. As a buffer, they appointed an economist to the post”, he said to thundering applause.
He went on to praise former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee. “If Pranab Mukherjee was PM, so much ruin would not have happened. But then, if Pranab Da is successful what will happen to the family? So this culture of nightwatchman.”
Keywords: BJP National Council meet, Congress, UPA government, Narendra Modi
More than the written contents of the post, its picture captivates me. Advani is seen as the least interested BJP leader in Modi's speech! Despite the fact that he single-handedly lifted BJP on the national scene, he has reached this state - ignored and lost. Why? When people empowered him, he acted as a confused leader - sometimes praising Jinnah, sometimes supporting Modi (when Vajpayee criticised Gujarat Govt after 2002 riots), sometimes regretting the demolition of the disputed structure(conveniently forgetting the promise to build Ram Mandir for which many voted BJP), etc. A leader can be wrong but he must not be confused. He has lately been opposing moves to project Modi as BJP's PM candidate after confirming that he was being kept out of the race. He is advising people at the top in BJP to remain united, when he himself is sowing the seed of discord! But, age, you know, adds confusion and wisdom together! Dr MMS too demonstrates the age effects occasionally! Good souls!
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre
minds. Personality bashing is Modi's way. He has no respect for
humankind's intelligence. Our Prime Minister's accomplishments are
acknowledged worldwide (except for Modi's Nation). Modi needs to show
respect. Sorry for him and pity the BJP for supporting him.
Modi's inept choice of words are in poor taste. His verbosity
might prove counter-productive to achieve what he is led to
believe, he might.
We all know what Modi says is true but the way he becomes hysterical over the facts shows that he too has something to hide. I personally know many die hard BJP loyalista and can honestly say that they are secular to the core. Unfortunately they have to tow the BJP line like the sane Congressites I know, have to know tow before Sonia. But fac facts, Modi is far from secular. If he becomes PM his burnings an killings of Muslims will be justified by a secular people and that is what he wants. This is one fear that even Advani has and hence his overtures to Sushma Swaraj.
This is how democracy corrupts. Do you see what is important for them politicians? Do you see how they blame and fight? Do you see how they celebrate the failure of other parties? Do you see that this is a mere medium for entertainment for them?
What is wrong with us? Why don't we just work together for the benefit of the nation? Why don't political parties present their ideas for the development and betterment of the nation rather than just craving for power and killing and insulting each other? Where is the dream for a better India? Are we working for a better India or are we working for our pockets? Why doesn't Modi say what he is going to do when he becomes the PM in concrete terms? Does he want credit for his work, or he wants a better nation? Why is he hiding the trump card in his pocket? Why can't he present good arguments now about how some plans that he suggests can be good? Why is he not presenting the analysis now itself for his future plans? Rather than waiting for power...
What we are witnessing today is a crisis in the political system and a stranded–democracy in India. Alternative to the corruption-ridden-dynastic Congress is neither the BJP nor Mr. Narendra Modi, but a Third Front containing the Left and other progressive political parties. What are valid reasons to argue that the BJP is the only alternative to ‘C’? Nothing more than a mirage of economic growth in Gujarat! Having failed to generate ‘raw materials’ for the construction of its avowed Hindutva projects, the BJP is projecting Mr. Modi as a Democratic-development-Messiah. It is same like the ‘India Shining’ slogan floated in 2004. Why do not Indians consider the Left parties as alternative to the communal and dynastic ones? Why have we failed to notice some of the leaders like D. Raja (the poorest People’s representatives in the Parliament)? After 7 decades of familiarity and practice with the family-dominated political system, why cannot we strive for a People’s democracy in India?
Virtual rule of the country through constitutional functionaries by those who are
outside of the constitutionally mandated governance set-up has gone on for too long.
Modi has done the right thing by pointing this out in a forceful manner. Someone had
to do it someday. Modi happens to be that one.
What others afraid to say in Public, Mr Modi has the courage to tell the
same.This can be due to the fact that he keeps the country's interest at
the top of his goal.
The blind anti Congress stance of Modi cannot hide the four points
which are the biggest black spots for the BJP. They are:
1. The BJP (Sangh Parivar) did not participate in India's freedom
struggle,
2. The assassination of Mathama Gandhi by Sangh Parivar man,
3. The destruction of the Babri Mosque by the Sangh Parivar and
4. The post Godhra anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat.
It is very simple who is supporting UPA from inside or outside, they are Mulayam, Maya and
Karunanidhi. Every one knows what is common between these parties and Congress. It is
scam or corruption. Can you deny it? It is mutually protecting (quid pro quo) arrangement to loot the nation in the name of secularism. Modi highlighlighted that NAC headed by Sonia had crippled decision making powers of PM. And his cabinet configuration was also usurped by the Chairperson. So what is wrong if people of India conclude that Manmohanji is only a proxy for the first family until Rahul is ready and until then PM should have only a facade for the real power center. You cannot fool the people all the time.
Modi is utterly wrong and disdainful to Indian public. This same public routed BJP and voted in MM Singh in 2009. Instaed of respecting the verdict, Modi calls it a "night watchman" being voted in?? Shame on Modi. He does not have the stature, wisdom or language of a National politician. good that BJP will use him, as once and for all, they will be shown that Country does not vote for divissive politics nor divissive , crude politicians
One thing is for sure.. Our country needs a well deserved change in the coming elections and only WE THE PEOPLE can make it happen!!
This has been the identification of the congress taking steps forward
towards the political personal growth. I agree to Mr.Modi up to some
extent but our PM is not only a nightwatchman , he is the best
politician that congress ever had. Making Mr.Pranab Indian PREZ was a
step forward towards future elections.Mr. Modi is not a meddler but
Advani is doing so,to seek the attention. He is meddling into Mr. Modi
talks ,as a party it should be avoided .
Whereas praising the past leaders of India is not going to work for
BJP . If future elections is their priority then this superiority
complex should be eradicated .
Though Mr. Modi seems to have used some rough language to describe the PM and the Congress, one is more inclined to agree with him. Look at the series of scams unfolding day after day, in this regime and the silence (acceptance ?) of the "honest" PM for such dark deeds. Look at the way the Congress is totally silent on the terrible inflation that is plaguing our Country. Congress and MMS are more concerned with FDI, the bottom line of Oil Companies, the stock exchanges etc, having no time for the great majority of the suffering population. The great tragedy in Delhi recently which shook the entire nation, took more than a week to sink in to the closed mind of our PM before he came on the TV, only to commit a faux pax at the end. The performance of this Government, if you can call it that, has been very very bitterly disappointing.
While his record of thrice being elected is commendable, however his continued personal attacks on the opposition may get cheers but is debasing. He has mentioned Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee who never resorted to such methods during electioneering or in the Parliament. What the electorate are interested in hearing from Modi is what can he do as a PM ( if elected) and not his negative attitude. Achievements in Gujarat may be good but can he get the same support of his favoured industrialists in the country at large. After all each State has its own problems. n the same session, Mr Advani has rightly reminded the party of its own record of corruption as also the need for getting support of minorities and all sections of people! Modi should not just talk of suraj but dharm raj as defined by Vajpayee.
In 1991, India's foreign exchange worth was megre 1 or 2 million dollars.Today it is worth more than $290 million.How and when it is
happened? It is all because of Dr.ManmoganSingh.During NDA'S six year rule, they followed only his reform policies.What is their achievement in BOFOR's case during their rule?What actions were taken to eradicate corruption and to sieze the black money within the country and abroad during NSA rule?By Babur Masjid demolition, India lost 1000 crores worth properties and 1000 lives. Again in 2002,India lost 1000 crores properties and 1000 lives in Gujrath.Who is responsible? No such thing happened during night watchman's rule.
BJP compares Congress to termites and the congress in turn compares them to snakes and scorpions. While we understand your eagerness to lead us in 2014 and take us to new heights of glory and greatness, at least show that you are worth to be our leaders, by showing some degree of decency in your speeches.
The difference between India and Pakistan is our plurality. A person
like Modi stands for something else. And what world are the folks saying
heil Modi living in? It was Manmohan Singh who ushered in the economic
revolution, social revolution (raising the wages), information
revolution (RTI). Modi might be acceptable to some, but to a true Indian
he is a side character like Trishanku or Tantulus who will be close to
his goal but never reach it. Amen.
Continuing with the cricket metaphors, everyone knows that the game cannot be won just because you think you have a good captain. Especially in a situation where the captain cannot choose all the members of his own team, does the BJP's new captain have the ability to pull a team together? Not on current form.
BJP's self inflicted injury seems to be snowballing into irreparable cancerous wound that is likely to eat into its vitals. Thanks to smart intra party manoeuvrings by Shri.Modiji. BJP, in it has better mettle in many a stalwarts and new age leaders who are better placed, moderate and worthy of looking up to as some body who the nation can be trusted than a rabble rouser whose myopic (so called) vision is building concrete jungle at the expense of human development.
Its high time the nation call it bluffs, get the realties known to one and all.
Its a pity that Shri.Modi seems to be forgetting the nation building by the freedomfighters, the original congress leaders which includes Patel, BJP's (savings grace) mascot...Its equally sad that the quality of discussion is degenerating into name calling of the nation's highest office and erudite occupant in Dr.Singh.
It would be unbefetting of India to even consider this sort of self appointed leaders in the age of 21st century.
As usual the show portraying political parties ripping apart each other for the winning seat has begun. However, these political parties should show some intelligence in dealing with the issues of national interest more. Sadly, that maturity in politics is nowhere to be seen in India. At least I expected Mr. Modi, assuming his rate of success in Gujarat, to deal with ways to tackle the burning issues of the country.
i dont agree with the welcoming of MOdi, in the name of high economic
growth. he promotes the interests of the capitalists. the subaltern
section is always excluded from such progress. All the poltics is
nothing today but a fine co-operation with the businessmen and
capitalists. i do not want capitalism and neither Modi. what i would
like to see is "welfare of all" without costing any section of society.
The UPA rule has been filled by scams and misgovernance. Our democracy functions,under 24X7 Media glare.The citizem is well-informed. And he needs a Change. Modi represents,this broad section's anxiety. Words and language,sometimes fail to convey where all these political transacctions will lead us to. Let us Hope for a better India. So that it does not remain a dream only.
Night watchman is not sent for 10 years.
No family can rule in democracy for long if the people don't want it.India is not Pakistan.
The Congress itself eroded the constitutional authority of the Prime
Minister. It has created the national advisory council(NAC) and can be
said as super cabinet which decide what policy should be implemented. PM
Manmohan Singh never addresses the nation on important issues barring
few. Everyone knows there is two power centre one is constitutional and
other is unconstitutional.
Choices are, dynasty or democracy and they are mutually exclusive. A grownup India has to be more prudent to take the nation forward by getting out of the feudalistic remnants that is plaguing the system of democracy in India,currently. The current establishment and the supporters and beneficiaries of the existing system may find it inconvenient and unacceptable to make those necessary and healthy changes. Ordinary people, thus far, saw themselves as subjects of their rulers and have now come to a point of self-realization that they are citizens of a large democratic nation and no longer want dynasties to keep the inheritance model of power transfer. People like Modi are offering only such needed challenges to the establishment. It is that time in the life of the nation that one has to surgically remove a gangrene from the politics of the country! And that gangrene is inheritance politics!
Imagine a State government gives uninterrupted power to its Common man
including farmers for 365 days with out even increasing even 1 paisa
tariff for the last many years.On the same time making the Electricity
Company making profits.
Or turning the Budget deficit of 6000 crores to a surplus of 400
crores.
Not the least giving the dry land of Gujarat the much needed water for
cultivation all round the year.
Yes India wants Leaders from those successful class.Not from the
ridiculous cover up class of five star Leaders.
I
The kind of low the keepers of 'Bhartiya Parampara' sink to, in their
public utterances, brings to fore their double-speak and bigotry. They
tend to cater to the basest of political audience. In all these years
of 'Modi-speak' i have still to hear him talk of an inclusive, multi-
cultural and tolerant India. But for the vision and fortitude of
Jawahar Lal Nehru this nation that took birth with a bloodied hate-
ridden tragedy of Partition would have either Balkanised or turned
into a Basket-case economy. Having said that it is no doubt that the
current UPA regime has lost its track and created a political vacuum
which Modi-types are trying to fill.
In the contemporary political scenario Ms. Sushma Swaraj is best fit as President or a cabinet minister and not as a Prime Minister who needs a strong vision, will and strategy to uplift most of the toiling countrymen to above poverty line.
The remarks by Mr Modi that the time has come to get rid of the 'termite' is relevant today in the context of the confused state of affairs in the country. The Congress is literally scared of the growing popularity of Mr.Modi to the extent of becoming night-marish. Realizing that they have no tangible achievements to their credit, they have seized upon the only alternative namely Modi-bashing through a spate of articles in the media but this is not going to stick. Now it is also becoming clear that Rahul Gandhi who is being projected to succeed 'the gaddi' has proved himself totally incompetent for the post except for road side gimmicks, travel in the peoples' class to the accompaniment of a posy of media men to gain cheap publicity. Mr. Modi has rightly pointed out that this is not the time to mention the prospective candidate for PMship in spite of vociferous support he received from the audience. The nation should unanimously give a fitting farewell to UPAII in the 2014 elections.
During the run up to elections of 2004, the Loh Purush Advani
stated that the contest between NDA and Congress will be like a
one day cricket match between Australia and Bangladesh. During 2009 election campaign, the BJP chief declared that his party (NDA) is certain form the Government at the Center and the Congress seats will be reduced to less than 100.
Now, 2014 elections are atleast 13 months away; I do not think the Congress will do the same mistake that the BJP did during 2004 (dissolving the Parliament about 8 months earlier). Already speaker after speaker, parrot like are showering praises on
Narendra Modi. As if no one can stop NDA's victory and Narendra Modi becoming the PM.
The BJP learn to count the chickens only after they are hatched.
There has been no Prime Minster from Nehru-Gandhi family since 1989. So it is unfair to target Sonia Gandhi and her family. We as well need to remember Sonia Gandhi is the wife of a former Prime Minister and that needs to be respected. The country needs to know Janata-Dal(United) views about their choice of the leader who is best fit to lead the NDA, or at least whom they would not accept to lead NDA.
Everyone knows about Ganga action plan & Yamuna action plan,lakhs of rupees are invested in this but still Ganga and Yamuna looks like a dirty broomstick.
In Gujrat,Due to the efforts of Narendra Modi,Sabarmati becomes the cleanest river among all the rivers of state.
This is the best example of good governance.
If India has to progress more powers have to be given to the states, and the central government should step in only when needed. However, the Congress party which wants to hold on to power at the Centre wants maximum control over the states.
Every state has unique problems and the central cannot solve those problems. Also, We don't have leaders who are impartial to all states.
I wish BJP makes federalism their plank for 2014 elections.
Mr. RK, Who says India is not a Hindu nation? 80% of population is Hindu and then
how can India not be a Hindu nation? US is a Christian nation and Israel is Jewish
sate, yet they are democratic nations. The meaning of democracy is majority rule and
the minorities rights are protected. By the way, where were these "minorities" 1500
years ago.
You seem to be out of touch and like to see what you want to see! Open your eyes to
truth and read "HISTORY"!
The so called FAMILY should step aside and let new leaders take over. Corruption and political nepotism is playing a major role in India. We need to focus on training the needy not just giving free food etc. Follow the old saying"Teach how to fish in lieu of feeding the fish". The well to do are becoming more selfish and are not focusing on the society that well. The common man is not respecting current regulations, even simple traffic rules. Govt does not have adequate resources to enforce traffic rules. Most striking example is having religious buildings etc right on main roads and not yielding to Govt requests to move them to a safer place. I sincerely request the clergy of all religions to be more generous in yieklding to Govt requests - not to have prayer buildings in the middle of road. Indian Citizens have to focus on things which in their control and then follow-up with which are not in their control.
Growth in India cannot and should not be attributed to one person. It
is the fruit of our hardworking people. Extremism cannot be combated
by extremism as some believe. Extremism breeds extremism. It is sad
we compete with Pakistan on all fronts, including promoting extremism.
Here is a excerpt from a Chomsky interview:
"In India and Pakistan there is a very dangerous development. One of
the roots of the BJP is a quasi-fascist Hindu extremist movement. And
for India that is extremely dangerous, as is Muslim extremism, as is
Christian extremism in the United States. These are very dangerous
movements. They are not inherently destructive. They could take a
constructive path but that’s not the way they usually develop.
How do you combat them? The same way you combat any other dangerous
movement: education, organization, looking at the issues that make
them arise. Often they arise out of real or perceived oppression, as a
reaction to it. "
Dear Sir,
I Don't find anything wrong in the term Night watchman, In Cricket the
night watchman's job is to hold the wicket till the morning when a
regular batsman takes over, in this case it's obvious who the batsman in
waiting is. One thing is clear the more Congress bash Modi the more
popular he becomes. If at all Modi becomes the Prime minister of this
country only Congress Should take credit, no one else.
Under the guidance of Nehru and Congress, independent India, forged ahead.
The five year plans, created a huge industrial base, green revolution and white
revolution. Famines ended, democracy established foothold, multiculturalism
flourished.
India established itself as the largest vibrant democracy in the world, with a
functioning judiciary, independent election commission.
India showed the world, that religion as a basis of creating nations is not valid any
more. Pakistan didn't last for even 24 years.
Democracy is will of the people. Leaders get elected when people choose them.
George W Bush senior and junior together ruled USA for a total period of '12', years.
India is not a Hindu nation. India is not Gujarat.
If development means a few high speed roads and buildings, at the expense of
sacrificing the lives of thousands of minorities, India didn't progress during the
Congress era.
Congress played its role in the Independence movement and free India.
Modi should say his plans
Is there any doubt what Modi said is incorrect? The truth is that for
three generations post Independence Indians have been denied the
opportunities of free enterprise and economic growth. Even devastated
countries such as Japan and Germany grew into economic powerhouses
from the ashes of the World War. We Indians, in spite of of all our
natural resources and business acumen continued to grovel at the feet
of members of the Nehru-Gandhi family and their continued misrule
through vote-bank politics and the slavish political culture promoted
by the Congress party. It is high time that all Indians move on and
make the country a superpower that it deserves to be. No wonder Modi
is gaining in popularity day-by-day to the utter confusion and chagrin
of the UPA.
India is suffering due to C. Get rid of the C for the benifit
future,once for all. Let India face new problems if God so desires. Let
India get rid of the known enemies
The congress must throw some light through the press and media what
they have achieved in various aspects of growth and prosperity in
India like growth of economy, social and economic up lifting of poor
and downtrodden, religious minorities, and employment generation if
any! They should, instead of making vague statements, should
establish with facts and figures and graphical representation and
pictures their achievements in the last 20 years. If they do not do
that they have nothing to counter on the allegation of Mr. Modi and
other opposition. Are they afraid to counter the allegations? Do they
not have statics ready to make projection? If not why are they mute?
They can use government funds or congress funds to design proper
advertisements and reach the mass media.
The kind of language used to attack political opponents has sunk to new low. Furthermore, India is not sinking as Mr. Modi and BJP wants us to believe. Be proud of the fact that, India is the second most favored investment destination. The economic policies have provided lakhs of youngsters with jobs and lifted them to the middle class income group.
Yes Congress is a termite for our country. They have ruled for about 50
years in our 60 year modern history and now where are we? In the dump.
Look at China and look at us. Still cannot remove a corrupt termite
family from top. I hope Modi ji goes to PM position and remove that junk
congress and SP and BSP govt. from the face of India.
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