Beginning
Narendra Modi was attracted by the ideology and activities of the RSS from the teenage. He dedicated his life to RSS and abandoned his family and wife. In course of time, he established his position amongst the youth and the workers of the RSS. He joined post- graduate studies to improve his credentials. He joined the post-graduate School of Social Science (SAMAJVIDYABHAVAN) of Gujarat University, as a student of Political Science. He came in my contact as I was a teacher there. During NAVANIRMAN movement and, when I was the coordinator of the election campaign of Janata Front candidate Bhimabhai Rathod from DASADA constituency, he used his influence with RSS workers to help that campaign. During Indira-Emergency he went underground, grew beard, to appear like a SARDARJI.
Ideology
During emergency he used to visit my place. It was clear that Narendra and his party hold the inheritance and attitudes of Nazism/Fascism. It is believed that if they declare emergency they would not jail their opponents but finish them in every way. Narendra, his party and RSS subscribe to a particular ideology whose basis is aggressive Hindu nationalism. This type of ideology gives more importance to power and dominance than human values. They try to capture power by instigating people’s feelings. They acquire enthusiastic support by fomenting communal hatred. They reject human, rational or scientific approach. Further, by advocating a return to the illusory mythical image of an ancient golden age. They built up a powerful organization of ideologically committed youth, emphasizing loyalty. When required they can come in the streets and create an atmosphere of terror.
Craving for Power
Craving for power is the greatest motivating force. A person aiming to capture power holds no bar. To achieve his goals he takes help of any person, organization, norms, values etcetera, and utilizes them. For his personal goal, but, as soon as they are not needed or found obstructive, he does not hesitate or feel ashamed in abandoning them or removing them like a chewed bone. His only aim and value is power. This type of unfettering endeavor to acquire power is evident in Narendra. He wants to get power by any means – using SAM, DAM, BHED and DANDA. (Persuasion, Money, Divisive methods and Force.)
Removal of Obstructions
In the initial stage, Narendra, utilizing his position in the RSS, tried to establish himself in Gujarat and his ascendency in the BJP government of Keshubhai. Upset by his activity the party (BJP) exiled him from Gujarat to Delhi. In Delhi he solicited the good offices of one influential Guajarati, who had access to Advani, and got the permission to return to Gujarat. (Keshubhai has revealed that, he threatened Advani to go to fast unto death before his house if he is not given the permission to go to Gujarat) As soon as he got entry into Gujarat, he started his game. He started forming a group of his supporters and marginalizing those who were not helpful or obstructive to his plan. By removing Keshubhai, Suresh Mehta, Kashiram Rana and such other veteran leaders he cleared his path. He, also, tried to create a feeling that he is a loyal follower of Advani by supporting him in election and his RATHYATRA. At this stage he acted as if he is the protégée of Advani but now he is trying to belittle Advani, cut him to size, as he seems to be one hurdle in his goal to become the prime minister of India.
Manipulation
All the gates were now open for him as he enthroned himself and removed the veteran leaders of RSS-Jansangh-BJP. As he ascended in the power grid he started avoiding the common workers, who had helped and supported him, as their utility was over. Now he needed followers, who did not know the earlier Narendra and treat him as equal, but would be daunted by him. He wanted pigmies, who would be his sycophants, yes-men, accept his words, working according to his wish, would not be a challenge to his power. And, such people are available in dimes a dozen.
'Neither Eat nor Allow to Eat'
When he came to power, he declared that I will 'Neither eat nor allow to eat'. At this time there was no constraint to go on fasting programme, this was a promise for non-corrupt governance. After becoming the chief minister he got the opportunity to establish his control over bureaucracy, police and other officers. He acquired the power to take decisions which may be beneficial to his supporters or obtain more supporters. During some investigations it is revealed that some of his ministers or officers systematically collected tributes (KHANDANI). There are officers in bureaucracy and police who try to please men in power for their own benefits as well as, wedded to the ideology of ruling power, in this case communalism.
In the earlier period Narendra created an impression by his simplicity and honesty. But if you look at his new sense of dress and makeover, his life style does not match with the life style of old Narendra. Further, his ministers, administrators and police officers are accused of corruption and he himself is accused of giving benefits to some business houses. Recently Narendra has launched a campaign for donation (DHANDAN) to collect funds for coming assembly elections expenditure. It is alleged that some unscrupulous means are used to collect money for this fund.
Misuse of Rhetoric
Narendra is a good orator. He is skilled in rhetoric. He knows how to play with words and use them effectively. He has the dexterity for populist lectures. He possess the skill to instigate the feelings of jealousy, prejudices and the sense of self-pride (ASMITA) prevalent in the masses. With the crafty use of rhetoric he plays the game of avoiding uncomfortable questions or problems and distracting people’s mind. Also, after getting power he got the opportunity to utilize government propaganda machinery and funds to build his charisma. Frequently, numbers of advertisements are issued on various occasions in newspapers and magazines praising Gujarat government and his efforts or announcing some projects or benefits to this or that group. In these advertisements his photo is always larger than anyone else’s. He has acquired the leeway to control his supporters as well as opponents by using the intelligence services.
Utilizing these capabilities, he has tried to erode the legitimacy of supporters of communal harmony, intellectuals, secularists, rationalist, humanists and liberals by branding them as enemy of Gujarat, opponents of Hindus and supporters of appeasement. Due to this strategy the growth of liberal and rational forces have received a setback In this atmosphere the attitudes necessary for nation building like communal harmony and secularism are at receiving end. It seems that Narendra is trying to push back Gujarat in the era of the seventeenth century ethos.
Reign of Terror
Depicting Jews as villains, Hitler provided an easy target and a sucking stick (a pacifier) to the German people. Similarly, by depicting Muslims as villains Narendra has given a sucking stick to the people of Gujarat. He got an opportunity to spread the atmosphere of hatred towards Muslims and allowing their killing in 2002 (post-Godhara) riots in the wake of the arson of the coach of Sabarmati Express, carrying the KARSEVAKS. Similarly, he is accused of resorting to the killings of Muslims or other obstreperous persons under the guise of encounters. He was accused by the father of Haren Pandya, one of his colleague and a rival. Further, number of cases has come to light where persons, agitating against some of his minister’s corruption, by means of public interest litigation and/or right to information, are attacked or murdered. It seems that by the tactic of spreading the atmosphere of fear and terror, a technique of silencing the critics is implemented. Also, Hindu oriented organizations related to his party try to deter the rationalist and protagonist of scientific temperament against superstition, blind faith and miracle mongers. (ref: my article, Fascism Knocks at the Door, in RH).
It seems that he has tried to produce an environment of terror in Gujarat. It is a blessing that the central government is not under his power and he has no control over military. Also, there are still some spirited individuals and voluntary organizations in Gujarat, freedom of press, some fearless officers and free judiciary who are committed to the values of democracy. This provides some curbs on his autocratic rule, and hope for the survival of freedom and democracy here.
Image
Narendra has succeeded in creating a true or false, good or bad image of himself within his party and/or other parties and people. It is necessary to understand this impression or image of, or a myth regarding Narendra. (Psycho-socio-political analyst like Dr. Ashish Nandi, who has interviewed him, could give a more penetrating appraisal of Narendra.)
1) He is a good orator and organizer which are helpful in winning elections. Actually, his campaign in some areas failed and one leader of NDA, Nitishkumar of Bihar, opposed against the BJP’s plan of sending him to Bihar for election campaign.
2) Before giving him the certificate of an efficient administrator it is necessary to answer that, for whose benefit that efficiency is applied –whether in the interest of people, his party, his supporters, a few capitalists?
3) He is expert in finding the pulse of the people. Actually, all populist leaders have this capacity. Without providing any concrete benefits to the people they are proficient in making statements which would please them, excite their feelings and satisfy their pride. They desist from giving bitter pills to the people even if necessary for progress. They are not interested in the advancement of the people but intend to take advantage of their feelings.
4) He advocates aggressive Hinduism to attract majority Hindu votes as well as remaining faithful to the legacy of RSS. He supports the approach of considering Muslims as second class citizens, enemy of India, violent and terrorist. However, now, as he is aiming to be a national leader and also to get Muslim votes, he is trying to entice them. The fast undertaken in the name of SADBHAVNA mission is an example of such gimmicks and tactics. (These seven star fasts where organized at various places and crores of rupees from government funds were spent for propaganda, luxurious arrangements etc.). Also, now he has started talking in the name of billions of Hindustanis (not Indians) instead of five crore Guajaratis. This shows that as an adept politician, he can change direction according to wind, or pretend to have changed and produce an illusion. Along with these SADBHAVNA fasts, by skillfully using the propaganda machinery, he projected himself as the future prime minister of India. Albeit, this has resulted in displeasing other aspirants including the RATHYATRA fame Advani, known as minister in waiting. The NDA leaders were placed in embarrassing situation while explain their position in this context.
5) Narendra has tried to fashion an impression that he has the capability to curb terrorism in Gujarat and the whole nation. His rush to Mumbai during terrorist attack, to declare compensation for the killed policemen – which was rejected, to encourage encounters in Gujarat, make statements about Kashmir, Pakistan and estranged Indians in the other nations, are part thereof.
6) Narendra exhibits traits of an authoritarian personality and paranoia related with it. He does not tolerate opposition or rivals like a paranoid person he might believe that his person and position is in danger. That may be the reason for his manipulation to remove any rival who may challenge his supremacy. Also, number of commandos for his protection and elaborate security during his travel or public appearances suggests that he is obsessed by fear. This set of mind may result in a disproportionate response to a critical situation. (his response to Godhara carnage and its aftermath.) It is advisable that for the treatment of such psychological disorder he should have counseling sessions with a psychiatrist, in the interest of himself and others,
7) He is smart enough to understand that by simply promoting communalism, riots, encounters and the politics of hatred he cannot be a national leader. Hence he has tried to project himself as the pioneer and promoter of the development in Gujarat. He has tried to create an illusion that the NARMADA project, industrialization of Gujarat, coming of various industries to Gujarat is due to his efforts.
First, no large project or industrial development is achieved in five-ten years. (Rome was not built in a day.) Work on NARMADA project was going on since two-three decades and so many areas and villages in Gujarat are waiting for water.
Second, industrial development requires an infrastructure which is the contribution of many public and private sector efforts during the whole century. No one leader or party can claim it as their sole achievement. (And, still, Gujarat is number ten, even behind Bihar, on the list of rate of growth). Getting promises for intentions to establish industries in Gujarat by organizing expensive fairs, conferences, meetings and conventions has not proved successful as hardly ten percent of promises have been realized.
Third, on the other hand, some favoured industrialists are given lakhs of hectares of land at very-very low price. Unrestrained and illegal mining is pursued by his collaborators. A few people have become wealthy by grabbing pastures, farmland, underground wealth and polluting the environment. This is not development. One of his party member and MLA, Dr. Kanubhai Kalsaria is spear heading a movement against such gift of land to one industrialist. (He also fought PANCHAYAT elections in this area, floating his own candidates against the BJP and they won. He has also declared to oppose Narendra in the coming elections. Also, ref: article, Farmers’ Survival March, by Indukumar Jani in RH of June 2011, no. 495)
The question is: whose development ….His his teammates, his collaborators a few capitalists or the people? Some people amassing wealth by sacrifice of pastures, fertile farmland, minerals and environment, by mortgaging the future of the coming generations is not development for progress but the devilish face of worst form of capitalism.
Need for Vigilance
From this analysis it could be seen that how potent a danger Narendra poses against democratic system and values. Actually, his style reminds one of Hitler, a nightmare for Germany and the world. Narendra also exhibits frugality, lust for power, amoral manipulation, rhetoric, populist exhortations, communal instigation (in case of Hitler Jews), propaganda machinery for misinformation, method of eliminating rivals and opponents, terrorize people by the use of special voluntary force (in case of Hitler Nazi SS), etc., similar to Hitler. A person having this type of mental frame is not conducive to egalitarian social or economic system and progressive, democratic, liberal, secular, rational or scientific attitude or approach. Let us remember: ‘eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.’
—
[“The Radical Humanist”, September 2012; vol. 76, no. 6; pages : 20-23]