Some Indian opposition leaders will rejoice after posting pictures of PM Modi left alone and staring at others after a photoshoot during the G7 summit in Japan. While a few felt great over the discomfiture of Modi, on the other side were images of our country’s global recognition. ‘Modi is the boss,’ stated the Australian PM, Anthony Albanese, before a record crowd of Indian Diaspora after his address. Modi spoke from his heart, not having a teleprompter, and frankly, I have never seen any leader engage with the masses in this fashion. While I cannot comment on Modi’s 56-inch chest, I can guarantee that every Indian present in the Sydney stadium grew to 56 inches. It was magical!
Joe Biden, the U.S. President, said, ‘I need Modi’s autograph,” acknowledging his popularity. Then there was the incident of James Marape, the PM of Papua New Guinea, who touched Modi’s feet, taking even Modi by surprise. Both Fiji and P&NG honoured Modi with their highest civilian award. If India is newly respected, the Modi factor in its growth cannot be rejected outright. Obviously, it is an antacid moment for most opposition parties, who had to forget the glorious moments for India, even if Modi, in their view, was not instrumental but only incidental.
Arvind Kejriwal, the chief conspirator, whose several cabinet colleagues are cooling their heels in Tihar Jail, rushes to another similarly affected and Modi baiter, Mamata Banerjee. Arvind has no love lost for any other leader with prime ministerial ambitions but is now pals with Didi because, right at this juncture, an enemy’s enemy is a friend, and Didi cannot cause much trouble for him in 2024. The boycott of the inauguration of the New Parliament, which the UPA government mooted, is chosen as the best target, and soon the listless opposition joins hands, all 19 of them, to boycott the inauguration.
While I appreciate the opposition’s demand that the President, as the head of the Indian government and the keeper of its constitution, inaugurate the new edifice, their chorus that the PM must not inaugurate sends a jarring note. Next is the episode on ‘Sengol,’ meaning the sceptre or the staff of good governance placed near the throne of ancient kings. A staff, though not golden, is also carried by saints and acharyas in India and is not strange. Though it reflects a bit of Hinduism, it shows the good parts of the religion and tradition and not anything critical. However, sovereign symbols like the sceptre, crown, or throne must not have a place in a parliament, a hall of people’s representation, and a symbol of democracy.
Between now and 2024, there will be many opportunities for protests and boycotts, but the inauguration of the Parliament must not fall victim to the opposition parties’ ire against Modi. I hope the leaders, for the sake of a larger image of India and their faith in democratic values, brush aside all aberrations and take part in the inaugural function.
After all, we are the largest democracy in the world.
Jai Hind.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
