Modi has miles to go before he can be premier
Modi is still viewed with deep suspicion by the minorities
The selection of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to head the opposition BJP’s poll campaign has given his supporters reason to rejoice. However, that euphoria has been stymied by the resignation of veteran politician L.K. Advani, exposing deep rifts within the party.
Modi’s elevation was greeted with such epithets as “anointing” and “blessing”, phrases meant to portray him as a saint. However, many within the party itself fear he is too divisive a figure to be the face of the party’s campaign.
Modi has a long road to tread before he achieves his goal of becoming India’s prime minister.
First, he must prove his secular credentials in a country where people of different castes and creeds live side by side. Modi is still viewed with deep suspicion by the minorities, who say he did not do enough to stop religious riots in 2002. The court may have let Modi off lightly, but the calls for an apology have not stopped. The wounds have not healed, the scars are still visible, but the balm has always been one of pride and arrogance.
Modi must show that he is sincere about bringing one billion people together to deliver growth and development for the country.
Secondly, he must set his own house in order. The rift between Modi and Advani will further undercut the party’s position in many states. To lead a united country, Modi must first lead a party that speaks in one voice.
