Hype vs Reality : Modi
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/hype-vs-reality/ SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013 PRAFUL BIDWAI COLUMN Hype vs reality PRAFUL BIDWAI MODI moves centre-stage!” “Modi storms in as the BJP’s PM candidate.” “It’s Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi!” “In PM mode, Modi spells out strategy on big issues.” Thus scream the headlines in leading Indian publications and TV channels — part of a systematic corporate blitzkrieg to build up Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as a messiah of “development,” who is destined to lead India. In contrast to this hype, unprecedented in Indian history, Mr. Modi remains a deeply polarising figure internationally, nationally, and even within the Sangh Parivar, which is reluctant to name him as its prime ministerial candidate. Nothing can remove the stigma he carries for Independent India’s worst anti-minority pogrom, in 2002. Mr. Modi continues to be an abomination to conscientious citizens globally — and to millions of Hindus and non-Hindus in India, who treasure po...