The Indian population’s verdict as far as deciding their leadership is concerned has been a resounding YES for the NaMo wave. The BJP has created history by being the first ever political party other than the Indian National Congress to get a clear majority in the Parliament. But all this is already known to the people not only in India but around the world. The world had its eyes on India as the largest democracy elected its leader in these times of turmoil. But what matters now is what’s next for India. Our country is in a period of low economic growth. Its defence and foreign affairs policies are weaker than ever before. As many believe, in this time, Narendra Modi’s soft authoritarianism is exactly what this country needs. The PM designate’s schedule is jam packed from Tuesday, 27th May itself after being sworn in as India’s 14th Prime Minister on the 26th of May. Let us take a look at what it holds for the Nation.
- Foreign Affairs– Modi has already kick-started his foreign policy with the master stroke of inviting heads of SAARC nations to his Oath ceremony. His step forward now is to strengthen ties with US with regards to economic diplomacy and exploit the opportunity which China offers, overcoming the fear and anxiety with regard to the Asian giant, something which he is in a better position to do than any other leader before him.
- Home Affairs– With Modi having always showcased zero tolerance for internal disturbance factors such as the Indian Mujahedeen and the Maoists, his goal of elimination of IM and revamping the country’s Union Home Ministry is one to which everyone keenly looks forward.
- Agriculture– More than two-thirds of the nation population might be involved in agriculture yet the GDP from this sector is only about 14%. The next goal proposed to be taken up by the Modi government is the increase in investment, both private and public, in agriculture and to increase the yield and make this sector more remunerative for the farmers.
- Human Resource Development– India needs to increase not only job opportunities but also increase the employability factor of the youth of the country. The challenges and initiatives of the Modi government shall include spending on education which amounts to at least 6% of the GDP, which is the globally accepted standard along with ensuring access to quality education and opportunities.
Thus our next PM has his work cut out for him. He has to deliver on his promises which lead him to this exalting victory along with taking India where it deserves to reach. Along the way he has to fight demons such as his image of a highly intolerant leader and the resulting public concerns and social media out pours which were recently portrayed in the case of a Goan man who posted a comment on Facebook stating that electing Modi as PM will lead to a “threat of holocaust” which has landed him in police custody.
Issues such as these haven’t marred the faith of the people in this man’s ability to turnaround India. And the next 5 years will tell us whether the government is capable of delivering what they promised.
About the Author
Sonakshi is a first year law student at Symbiosis Law School, Pune. She completed her schooling from CJM Convent St. Anthony’s Junior College, Agra, where she was the Head Girl of the student council. Her interests include reading, writing and debating and she enjoys good music, appreciates humour, thrives on sarcasm and generally annoys the hell out of her friends (that last bit is unintentional, well most times anyway). Currently, she is experiencing and surviving through the first year of law school and is extremely excited about the opportunity to share her views on the platform provided by Model Governance Foundation.