This is a golden opportunity for the BJP and its partners in the North-East. Assam should not be betrayed. The belief of its people in the economic vision of the BJP-led NDA has to be realised for the nation to transform for better
The stupendous victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam is indicative of the people endorsing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic programmes. The hope he has kindled is reflected in the mandate. Merely to say that the result is due to the polarisation of votes is to over-simplify a myriad picture. During elections, polarisation does not take place merely because people want to jump to one side. The hopes parties generates lead to the final result.
Assam, where the BJP-led NDA has swept the poll, indicates the rejection of the Congress’s Manmohanomics on all fronts. It is not only at the social or political plain but also that the aspirations for better economic conditions, jobs, agriculture and industrial growth have changed the equation. The Prime Minister’s catch-line, ‘Gramoday to Bharat Uday’ has created an appeal. This has helped the party leave its stamp on other States as well, though electoral gains in the number of seats may have been for now minimal. Opening an account in difficult terrain itself is an indication that the party is making inroads into virgin pastures.
This is also the challenge for the Prime Minister, who is completing two years in office. His numerous programmes — from Make in India to Stand Up India to Start-Up India — reviving agriculture, eliminating corruption, providing direct benefit transfers etc — have been able to win the people’s trust. It is no less than a miracle amid sharp non-cooperation by a combined Congress-left opposition. The Opposition did not leave a chance to heckle the Government, stall land and GST Bills and cause ruckus at the slightest opportunity.
The Modi Government also has had to suffer for the non-performance of the predecessor UPA on several counts. It inherited an economy, which has a severe cash crunch; banks were denuded by reckless loans taken by large houses; jobs had dwindled owing to severe mechanisation and corporate apathy in recruiting people. Despite this, the Prime Minister went on to announce new programmes like Ujjawla, that gives free gas connection to poor families. In the short tenure of two years so far, the vision for electricity has also changed. There is improvement in power generation; and overall improvement in relations with Bangladesh and Sri lanka. Bangladesh’s relationship with the Modi Government is particularly cordial, especially given its ability to seal the land swap deal (to finally demarcate the India-Bangladesh border).
It is also important to note that, only because Bangladesh agreed to allow India to use its fibre optic cables, Tripura has been able to get Internet connectivity. It generated many jobs.
Much of the current dismal economic scenario at the Central level and the States are the result of populism. In Assam, no populist slogan was given. There is an undercurrent that once the BJP-led Government is in power, the Bangladeshis would be sent out. The BJP’s partner, the Asom Gana Parishad, has been demanding this since the 1985 accord with Rajiv Gandhi. The issue is ticklish. But for that, the BJP did not in the poll campaign make any populist projection.
The situation is challenging. The Union Government would have to make efforts to solve the issue not only because it has made a promise. The new State Government and the Centre would be of the same party. As the economy of Assam and the North-East progresses, the Prime Minister would have to look for amicable solutions to various irritants without disturbing either the social fibre or relations with our neighbours.
The Modi Government is on a critical path. Its goodwill in Assam and the North-East depends on diplomatic solutions to issues that were kept pending for long by Congress Governments in the State. It has to strive hard not only to create new highs but also to ensure that the economy in all the parts of the country takes a new turn. The hope it has generated should not be belied.
The Opposition is keen on upsetting the applecart on issues like prices and jobs. But Prime Minister Modi has to go beyond. The hurdles being created by the National Green Tribunal and similar other organisations to delay projects and create an unfriendly industrial scenario have to be solved to give economy the necessary boost. The curbs on diesel cars, high taxes in the name of so-called pollution and similar issues are not helping. Auto giant Mercedes put its Indian investment on hold over the quixotic orders on 2000cc diesel cars. Toyota, M&M and Tata’s Jaguar have also been heavily hit. With Euro IV-plus standards, vehicular pollution should not be an issue.
But, whatever the growth may be, it does not seem to be translating into jobs. Possibly, the growth is not in employment-oriented sectors or overall growth is overstated. Prime Minister Modi has to reorient the economy. Perception about his programmes and reality has to match.
Assam should not be betrayed. The belief of its people in the economic vision of the BJP-led NDA has to be realised for the nation to transform.