Decoding NaMo : From a Classical Liberal perspective

Starting with this one, I will run a series of short posts on Narendra Modi (NaMo). No, it is not about promoting Narendra Modi or supporting his candidature for the future Prime Minister of India. It is about taking a stand; and a response to many people who have asked my opinion on NaMo, whether I support him, and if so, why?

The enigma of NaMo needs to be viewed, discussed and understood from different planes and angles. It would be impossible to cover everything in one single post, so for the sake of brevity and focus, I try to cover it in a series of short ones.

In this post, let us try to understand NaMo purely from a Classical Liberal perspective.

He is the only elected representative in the current political space in India, of course except JP of LSP, who in the capacity of a CM and now as PM designate, has explicitly, consistently and openly talked about some of the most fundamental aspects of governance, that draw straight from the Classical Liberal ideology – also the ideology that is most identifiable with “Swatantra Party”.

“Government should have only one religion: India First,

Government should have only one holy book: The Constitution” 

 ~ Shri Narendra Modi

• “Minimum Government with Maximum Governance” - Quoting him in his own word: “I believe government has no business to do business. Minimum government, maximum governance.” This is the fundamental core of Classical Liberal idea of Government. India is still waiting to hear something on these lines from any other politician.
  
  
• “First Order Function” - His views on dealing with neighbouring countries and practicing international diplomacy from the position of strength clearly show his determination and firm resolve towards fulfilling what is called the “first order function” of the Government, of securing & protecting international borders.
  
  
• “Nation First” - No other politician to my memory has spoken of the idea of “Nation First” while still in the seat of power of a PM, CM or the member of Cabinet. Every single politician has only played the divisive and dirty politics of vote-bank. “Nation First” UNITES and celebrates the diversity of India, while the Vote-Bank politics DIVIDES.
  
  
• “No Appeasement & No Discrimination" - He says and I quote: "Justice to all and Appeasement to None". He is the only leader who talks about “6 Crore Gujaratis” and “125 Crore Indians” – never hyphenates or classifies them as Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Dalit etc.

• “Equality of Opportunity instead of Equality of Outcome” - His classic response to Minority Commission of Govt. Of India:

“I work only for the people of Gujarat without any distinction. A system of prejudice and hatred cannot flourish. Gujarat’s unprecedented growth is cherished equally by all regardless of religion.”

We are yet to hear similar words of wisdom with such clarity of thought from any CM, PM or any other Cabinet Minister of India. 

• Doles and Freebies - He criticises politics of giving away freebies in principle; and has openly opposed socialist welfare schemes such as MGNREGA & Food Security Bill.

• ‘Pro-people, Proactive Good Governance’ (P2G2):

  “Mere good governance is not enough; it has to be pro-people and pro-active. Good governance is putting people at the center of development process.” 

  ~ Shri Narendra Modi

  
  
• He supports “Federal Model of Governance” - which means more freedom & autonomy to States.
  
  
• His economic ideas and vision is based on free market enterprise, reforms and growth. SME (small & medium enterprise) is the lifeline of indian economy. Gujarati wisdom of doing business and individual entrepreneurship is known the world over and is unmatched. Who would understand the power of SME better than the people of Gujarat? If they elect NaMo to run their state as CM and that too three times in a row, with two-third majority, there must be some reason and logic in his economic ideas and policies.
  
  
• Finally, he opposes the very concept of “Nanny State” and “Intrusive Government”.

These are not some casual utterances or political narebaji for public consumption by stateless politicians (as Arun Shourie likes to call them). But these are coming straight from someone who has consistently won people's mandate for three consecutive terms to be CM, and to run one of India's top performing states.

“The same constitution, the same law, the same rules and regulations, the same files, the same workers and the same people can still bring about change. I can say this with conviction based on my experience in Gujarat”

~ Shri Narendra Modi at Shri Ram College of Commerce Delhi on 6th February 2013.

So, मित्रों (friends), here is our first ever Classical Liberal politician, who is determined to change the course of Indian Politics for good.

Pic Courtesy: REUTERS

He may not be the “Perfect” choice for India, but then - “Perfection is the enemy of Good”.

Let us settle with the Good for now, while we all continue to work towards Perfection!