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Strategy, not bullying, will give Modi government its legacy

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Pia Kahol
Pia KaholApr 16, 2015 | 20:05

Strategy, not bullying, will give Modi government its legacy

This time around NDA government seems fully intent in creating a lasting legacy in its favour. From renaming streets to granting national awards to its own, it hopes to be at the helm of a strong right wing in India. But their efforts are marred by extremists who are overshadowing NDA's efforts. Moreover, the government's use of brawn rather than brain to implement policies that reflect the conservative view is an imposition that will be blow over just as soon as the tide turns.

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Cultural change cannot be achieved through bans. It signals a misguided assumption that there is a strong opposition to begin with and that it will cower under pressure. If anything, there are plenty who support NDA's version of nationalism and endorse its main stay: the Indian culture.

A strong conservative party would have provided teeth to current political landscape. Most people want a lasting alternative to the Congress rule and the BJP has been well within reach to provide one. But through rash action, our conservatives are losing the good will of their voters. They are coming off as bullies rather than strategists. The supposition seems to be that unless they use their muscle, no one will pay heed to them.

Their conduct is setting a wrong precedent. An opportunity for a strong conservative movement is being squandered through bullying and buffoonery.

Instead the leaders must use the theories of persuasion and nudge people into thinking that this is what they want. An atmosphere that supports conservative principles must be actively created. The people on the other side should be challenged to come up with effective arguments against the conservative stand. Ultimately, the goal should be to elevate the discourse and let people decide. The conservatives ought to take their chance. If they believe truthfully that this is what India wants, then they have a winning hand. Why throw away the good game for the lack of patience?

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Free speech is not a hindrance. In an open democratic atmosphere, there are several civilised means of propagating one's point of view. Those in power could fund think tanks that support and build arguments in their favour. They can use public forums to convince people why their idea has merit. All the ideas may not fly, but they will be fighting for their cause the right way. It will make winning worthwhile. It will build their legacy.

The current stratagem of bullying the other side into submission is self-defeating. For example, promoting Marathi cinema is actually not such a bad idea. But the way it was played out, it alienated many in the audience. The people behind it could have involved directors of independent as well as regional cinema to talk about its importance and lobby for theatres and time slots that give support to it. In USA, there are already successful cinema theatres that run off-beat movies and see a regular crowd of literati and regulars alike. What's more, nobody would have minded if the theatre served vada pao with Marathi movies, and khandvi with Gujarati movies. It would have given the right ambience.

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The beef ban also is again faultily realised. In today's world, can one really expect to treat its citizens like children and instruct them on what they can eat and what they cannot? Instead, why not launch a public health campaign against red meat. Sponsor movies that depict horrific treatment of animals along with the pain and suffering of cows. Argue for better health of the public and evoke their compassion. Even the most staunch beef eater might think twice after the campaign. The result would be doubly effective: A massive reduction in consumption of beef, improvement in public health, and alleviation of suffering of animals. One would think the supporters of beef ban had these ideals at the first place but they were lost in rashness of the execution.

In fact, if the conservatives become really good at it, they will force the liberals to dig deep for their causes. It may even test the loyalty of those who consider themselves liberal but may switch sides when faced with irrefutable arguments.

As in USA and UK, a strong right wing movement in India will help in delineating policies with regards to the two inevitable camps enabling the voters to choose effectively. What will emerge is the need for bipartisan partnership that will help decipher fundamental ideas that are necessary for the nation's progress.

We must not see it as a fight between good and evil. In a thriving democracy such as ours, it is vital that we defend our right to be different. A proper respectful dialogue between conservatives and liberals indicates evolution of a nation's sense of self. Whether it is America's Rush Limbaugh or India's Prachi Sadhvi, the key is to not give them more importance than they deserve. They add to the theatrics, but the real debate happens elsewhere.

Last updated: April 16, 2015 | 20:05
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