The sober Editorial, “ >Preserve the Idea of India ” (May 17), was a wonderful expression of the import of the occasion, the immensity of Narendra Modi’s achievement and what it means to the nation. Perhaps the only area which some of us may not agree with are the references to the trust deficit regarding the minorities. Indians across language, caste and creed have by and large voted for stability, and the fact that they have overcome this to vote for a right-wing outfit makes it clear that all of us want development.
K. Venkataramani,
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The reminder given to the new BJP government that India is not Gujarat and that there is much more to be done for the country as a whole, is welcome. The Congress needs to examine why its electoral script ended in disaster. There is now a need to look forward to ensuring internal peace and a scam-free and scandal-free government that focusses on inclusive development and growth.
M.Y. Shariff,
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The Editorial was thought- provoking. While the note of caution cannot be ignored, it must be remembered that people across the length and breadth of the country voted with enthusiasm and hope for Mr. Modi. However, the Editorial could have been even more comprehensive if it had captured the humiliating rejection of casteist forces. The Congress frittered away the mandate given to it while the Left parties have failed to reinvent themselves. If the Left concludes that it is only “electoral malpractices” and the media that were responsible for the drubbing, it would be doing so at its own peril. In sum, the mandate given to Mr. Modi is extremely positive.
Venkatesh Parthasarathi,
Chennai
Negative thoughts must be put aside at this juncture with the moment being used to ask why secular parties failed so miserably. If Mr. Modi’s agenda is all about “governance and economic growth”, then all Indians including minorities will benefit from this. While we wish Mr. Modi the best, the hope is that a vigilant media will keep an eye on him in case he strays.
G. Kesavan,
Madurai
The otherwise wonderful Editorial appears to hold out an element of doubt about Mr. Modi’s credentials. However, I do not think the people of India gave him a stupendous mandate to govern the country for the next five years without having given a thought to all this. What was the alternative? Putting up with a UPA which was paralysed?
Ravi Mannethu,
Pullad, Kerala
The astonishing rise of the BJP and the way Mr. Modi has been received in public shows that he has immense charisma. It is this, his track record and perhaps the addition of 100 million new and young voters who voted emphatically for “change”, that did it. However, a multitude of challenges await Mr. Modi. The new Parliament will have only four per cent representation from the Muslim community. Therefore, the minorities need to be reassured of their being equal stakeholders in the Idea of India. It is only after India secures a pluralist and an inclusive space for its minorities and when they feel safe and enjoy equal rights, that we can truly and safely proclaim the idea of India to have won.
Amritpal Singh,
New Delhi
Thirty per cent of the electorate has endorsed Mr. Modi as being fit to become the Prime Minister, a fact that has prompted even Mr. Nawaz Sharif and President Barack Obama to acknowledge him as the undisputed leader of the next government.
P.R. Mahesh Kumar,
Chennai
The Modi machete has cut the Congress’ chord and ensured that people have a chance now to hope for the sort of governance they want. The Modi wave was the result of the poor and lacklustre performance by the Congress. Only time will tell whether Mr. Modi can deliver on his promises.
Kanishka Pathak,
Dhanbad