CITY CITY BANG BANG - The Modi Image: Uri And
After
The Uri incursion has seen, virtually for the
first time Narendra Modi's support base asking questions of him. Indeed, an
anticipatory disappointment has been haunting the by lanes of Twitter. At stake
is Modi's reputation as someone strong and clearheaded, who will brook no
nonsense from any quarter. Modi's speech in Kozhikode has made it clear that
the Indian government is unlikely to do anything precipitate. Instead of making
bellicose statements, Modi chose instead to outline what a daily has called a `tacit
acknowledgement of the long-standing principle of strategic restraint'. In
other words, deal with the issue with the maturity and restraint that is
expected of responsible governments.
It is
unlikely that the adoption of such a course of action will please the support
base; indeed nothing short of muscular military action of some kind would
appease the desire for revenge. TV anchors have already been using a variety of
nuclear devices on their shows and have in their unrestricted imaginations,
successfully annihilated Pakistan while the MNS has drawn the line at Pakistani
artistes, who have been asked to pack their bags and leave, egged on by an
enthusiastic audience. In comparison, Modi's reaction might be seen as being
disappointingly tame from the perspective of his supporters.
In spite
of this, it is extremely unlikely that Modi's image will take a beating amongst
his support base and that bears some examination.The recent PEW research puts
Narendra Modi's approval rating at 81%. Two years into his term, these numbers
are likely to be the envy of democratically elected leaders anywhere in the
world. Even those that disagree with the extent of Modi's popularity will be
hard put to deny the intensity of the following that he commands. At a time
when politicians have lost all respect, for a career politician to evoke such
feelings is quite remarkable.
At the
heart of Modi's appeal lies his ability to exude an aura of strength and
clarity. There is a strong sense that the weakness that many middle class Indians
fear in themselves, is wholly absent in Modi. This is the one quality that sets
Modi apart and gives his supporters a presumptive belief that makes it possible
for them to see strength and clarity even where none might be on display .
And yet,
a dispassionate examination of his actions since assuming office would show
that there is little rea son to believe that Modi is looking to change things
in any fundamental or radical way .That is not to say that his government has
not acted at all, but only that there is little to show by way of discontinuous
and bold change. On the economy , the changes have been present but the scale
of ambition has been modest. It has become clear that the Modi government will
govern in increments rather in leaps, that it will aim for rational continuity
rather than fundamental overhaul.
In terms
of foreign policy , while there has been a significant shift in the visibility
of India's engagement with the world, no fundamental realignment has taken
place, in large measure owing to the nature of international relations, where
change makes its way gradually . The big Modi initiative of trying to forge a
new kind of equation with Pakistan has clearly not paid dividends.
On the
cultural front there has been a discernible shift in the climate of the country
, with aggressive voices of a new kind holding sway . And yet, even here, the
actual shifts in policy have been not been dramatic. The government's intent of
driving a new cultural agenda has been signaled in many ways, but frontal
action through sweeping legislation is not the preferred mode that is employed.
Overall, even the larger items on BJP's long-term agenda--the introduction of
the Uniform Civil Code, the abrogation of Article 370 are nowhere to be seen on
the horizon.
The
strategy of adopting incremental change at an official level while allowing a
much unrulier discourse to prevail in the public domain helps creates a sense
of change without actually bringing it about. The lack of radical change,
whether it is in terms of electoral, economic or administrative reform, or in
terms of bringing traditional right-wing concerns to the fore, is managed by an
air of aggressive posturing and a careful shaping of perceptions. In the last
few months, the government's handling of media has become much more skilful,
and after the adoption of the nationalist narrative, it has managed to have a
sizeable chunk of media speaking aggressively on its behalf.
The
outwardly radical, inwardly incremental nature of this government created an
interesting pattern of responses. It serves to keep the polarisation in the
public discourse on the boil, without actually doing very much that is
different. It keeps the liberal sections of the country in a permanent state of
mobilisa tion, which in turn gives fodder to its own social media armies. Most
controversies have arisen out of actions taken by non-formal organisations and
individuals that have received tacit state approval. Many of our truly venomous
debates have to do with who-said-what issues that have been largely symbolic in
nature.
What
holds this pattern together is the unique ability of Modi to speak to a
powerful, if barely articulated, need to be led by someone who shows no signs
of doubt or weakness. By not engaging in any real dialogue or answering any
questions, by using the codes of authority and power extensively and speaking
on substantive issues only once in a while, Modi exudes an aura that now exists
as an independent entity , one that is virtually exempt from having any of his
actions seen as being connected to his image. His supporters are able to see in
him whatever they wish to; he needs to hold his pose and not to do anything
that would damage that aura.In other words, he needs to continue to look the
part of Narendra Modi.
(TOI)
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