Some weeks ago I wrote what some felt were scathing bolgs on Modi titled Modi: A Madari or A Nation Builder? on January 1, 2015 and Mr. Modi The Great Orator: Please Break Your Silence! on January 5, 2015. In both of them I expressed the hope that the smart politician Modi is must know that he must bring the forces of extremism within the Hindituva fold under control for his development agenda to be fulfilled.
For the first time since he has been the Prime Minister he has openly admonished the merchants of religious hate in India. He did so while attending a Christian event in Delhi. I reproduce some of his remarks:
"I condemn all incidents of violence where religious minorities were targeted."
"No religious group can incite violence...My government will ensure there is complete freedom of faith."
"My government will not allow any religious group...to incite hatred against others."
In his remarks I saw for the first time a glimpse of the nation builder he can be. Economy is crucial but economy alone does not a great nation make. Modi's words rekindled in my heart the hope that the acceptance of the immense and ancient Indian diversity will be at the heart of India's continuing march on the path of economic progress. Modi can still and for the sake of India he must reclaim his development agenda. But he must ensure that the economic progress of India includes economic and social justice for all, not just the corporate elite. If he keeps faith with the aspirations of ordinary Indians, all of us well wishers of India all over the world will cheer him on. Otherwise intellectual honesty will demand his rigorous censure and I shall not hesitate.