India is the largest democracy in the world with all sorts of diversities. At present India is a critical associate and important market for most; the world is watching us. With this bag of expectation from everyone India is going through a transitional phase in its economic, social and political environment. The media agenda, public activism, youth force all are significantly driving this transition. With lot many scams, public protest, slowdown, inflation, development in recent past the political scenario is little different as it use to be always; today development, corruption, public image etc are prime issues in elections which earlier use to be sidelined. Recent U.P polls have also indicated an increased percentage in polling than ever before.
We are for sure the largest democracy in the world but this is also true that for few decades no party has got clear majority, which has led to compromised coalition governance which in turn has led to various irregularities and scams. In the midst of above there is a name which is often heard or seen almost everywhere in political arena. I am referring to current Gujarat Chief minister Mr. Narendra Modi, who is projected as one of the strong prospects of Prime ministerial candidacy.
In last decade or so Narendra Modi has emerged as top leaders in the country and has developed a model of governance that has become a brand in itself and is inspiring others too. Leadership is not an easy task and true leaders achieve goals consistently against the odds. In a country where states cry and blame central governance for negligence; the story of Gujarat’s development is exceptional and this is probably Narendra Modi’s greatest claim to fame. The consistency of performance and effectively handling of the core areas of administration provides him with the brand image which people associate with “growth & development”. His core competency in business of politics is his “brand value” arising out of his good governance and he seems to be focusing on it. This is evident from the fact that often his state governance receives praise even from opposition camps also. His interest and involvement in all levels of administration proves motivating for ground level workers.
His liberal trade policies and various initiatives have already attracted the major corporate towards Gujarat. I have travelled in the interiors and on different highways in Gujarat and spend good time in Gujarat, and believe me the roads in Gujarat stand out any other state. It is evident from the fact that the state has highest number of industrial areas, top performing ports; availability of electricity & water throughout the state has made Gujarat a “Role model for development”.
However it is also undeniable that the brand “Modi” has some negative aspects too. He has strains of Godhra on his collars; his lack of governance during riots is constantly brought under focus. This has dented his image in terms of national acceptability, particularly among few communities, secular allies and the US. This is not the only problem for Modi in roads to Delhi, the fact that there are many senior leaders in his own the party who are waiting to grab the top most position in the political arena makes it difficult, Above that his headlocks with senior party leaders and his bulldozing decisions also makes roads difficult for him. His too firm decisions and conflicts with other bodies are not adding to his pleasure.
Modi has lately gone into overdrive to affect a massive image makeover with his “Sadbhawna fast” for communal harmony. He has put in efforts to change his image from Hindu nationalist politician to an able administrator; he wears business suits and drastically improved on his command over English language, has a website on his name in order to reach out masses.
Modi is a strong character and had been a strategist in the past, surely he will devise strategies for himself that will help him overcome these hurdles and make his road clear. Politics is a strange game and only time will tell us who leads the chair in center in 2014 but one thing is for sure that Modi has brought in consistent development in almost every section and created a brand for himself and his state.
