Four years under the Narendra Modi government have not disappointed in comparison to the scam-tainted rule under the United Progressive Alliance. Under Mr. Modi, there have been remarkable schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan which have at least created an awareness on the need for cleanliness; measures to bring back black money; a popularisation of yoga (and which was never attempted before) in the land of its birth; surgical strikes on an ever troublesome neighbour to put it in its place; development talks; standing up to China and reminding it that India cannot be taken for granted; a much berated exercise of demonetisation which is slowly proving itself; and the introduction of the GST which has definitely simplified things for the business community. As usual the Opposition has got to be negative and blinkered to Mr. Modi’s many achievements and image.
V.S. Ganeshan,
Bengaluru
When one looks at the ground realities, Mr. Modi’s slogans, from “Achche Din” to the latest “Saaf Niyat, Sahi Vikas”, appear to be empty. While he has established India’s position in the global order by way of his extensive visits to different continents, one doubts whether the goodwill generated has translated itself into concrete results. In India, on the economic front, schemes on housing and health have showed promise. But the “two crore jobs” remain a mirage. The woes of farmers still continue while the common man suffers the ill-effects of inflation and a rising cost of living. The Centre has also grossly failed to enthuse the banking sector. However, what is most disturbing is the BJP’s questionable standard of ethics in politics. The minorities are also no longer taken in consideration by the Prime Minister, which should be cause for concern.
S.V. Venkatakrishnan,
San Jose, California, U.S.
It has been a mixed bag. Four years without the taint of corruption is by no means a small achievement. However, the general refrain seems to be that there is a huge gap between what was promised in 2014 and what has landed on the plate. Demonetisation and the GST have been major missteps. The failure to keep right-wing elements under check is a blot.
On the external front, relations with Pakistan have only deteriorated. The government deserves at least one more term but only if it takes corrective measures. The country too suffers from the TINA factor with the Opposition still in disarray.
V. Subramanian,
Chennai
As a party, the BJP has few peers when it comes to blowing its own trumpet (“Honest, decisive and sensitive govt.: Shah”, May 27). Although leaders within the BJP might be loath to admit it, the government’s score on social inclusiveness is bad. The efforts of the BJP to wean away legislators from the Congress and the JD(S) in its bid for power in Karnataka fly in the face of the honest image that it seeks to project. But it has been decisive with measures such as demonetisation, the introduction of the goods and services tax and its stand on triple talaq. While there have been no major scams, it has a lot to answer for in the case of defaulters such as Nirav Modi and and Mehul Choksi. The banking system is also on life support, which is cause for worry.
C.V. Aravind,
Bengaluru
The tussle between the BJP and the Congress is on expected lines. There will always be pluses and minuses in governance. The role of the Opposition should be to not only point out the negatives but also appreciate the positives. In turn, the ruling dispensation should also show grace while facing criticism that is directed toward it from the Opposition but also from well meaning institutions that include neutral media. The sad part is that we still have a long way to go before we show this quality.
Victor Frank A.,
Chennai
