Modi will take along Muslims, neighbours, says Pakistani daily

Last updated: May 18, 2014

Islamabad, Pakistan (BBN)-Given Narendra Modi's substantial experience as chief minister, it is unlikely that he will overtly antagonise either India's sizeable Muslim minority, or its neighbours, a Pakistani daily said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party also has a history of engaging with Pakistan more than the Congress and, therefore, only time will tell whether the new Indian prime minister follows the legacy, The Times of India reported quoting Daily Times editorial.

"The Indian Prime Minister (PM) in waiting has overcome the stain of communal violence, accusations of religious fundamentalism and the withering attacks of secular Indians to storm into power after netting the first full majority for any party since the 1984 elections put Rajiv Gandhi in power," the newspaper said.

"This is what a real 'tsunami' looks like, the result of numerous tectonic shifts in the bedrock of India's polity, manifested in a tidal wave of enthusiasm for Modi's perceived ability to deliver on his promises," it said.

The newspaper added the perception was based on 13 years of steady canvassing and image building by Modi, which has absorbed criticisms against him.

Bogged down in incumbency and dynastic policy, the ousted Congress party lost its forward-looking momentum to the BJP, it said.

However, the BJP's Hindutva ideology may be cause for concern for Indian Muslims, the newspaper said.

The newspaper also criticised Modi's capitalist policies in Gujarat.

It said Gujarat saw only eight percent growth over the last decade, which was less than Tamil Nadu's 8.6 percent and Bihar's 15 percent

BBN/SS/AF-18May14-2:30pm (BST)

Bangladesh Business News
BBN is the country's oldest Business News and Analysis platform, run by veteran business journalist and analyst that you can rely upon.
© Copyright 2024 - BBN - All Rights Reserved
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram