The ‘stopover’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Pakistan on Christmas day should be read as a bold move. Mr. Modi was on his way to Kabul when he made a point to wish Mr. Nawaz Sharif on his birthday. Thanks to the December 25 ‘stopover,’ Mr. Modi’s 2015 ended on good note inspite of the bitter-sweet period he is going through. To some extent, this Pakistan ‘stopover’ has made up the loss he suffered this year—note that his growing popularity has been tarred by the brush that painted him to a commendable form.The abhorrent activities of the Hindu Right are getting in the way in a time when Narendra Modi government is giving a tremendous impression that it is getting practical with its agenda. In fact, this was foretold when the deck was cleared for Narendra Modi at 7, Race Course Road last year. Narendra Modi faces immense criticism when good things such as Rural Housing or Housing for all, Bullet train, Swach Bharat, Beti Bachao, 100 new cities, twin cities and satellite cities, Gas grid across the country, IITs-IIMs-AIIMS in every state, Make in India Campaign, bring back Black money campaign etc., etc., are making the NDA government to spiral upward. We may also note that after the Modi government the rupee is much stable. There has also been a GDP growth of 5.7 per cent. The relations Narendra Modi maintains with the foreign countries are exceptionally strong compared to the previous Congress party led UPA government. These things have come with the slogan Achche din. We should know that these are the high-sounding promises that have propelled sky high expectations. Until the middle of this year, Mr. Modi was marketing himself very well by doing things what the scam ridden previous UPA government was unable to do. However, the growing boldness of the Hindu Right is neutralizing this expedient moment of the NDA government. Feeling uncomfortable by the situation, Mr. Modi was looking for avenues to save his day…and the Christmas date with Mr Nawaz Sharif did magic for him—the world is applauding the Indian Prime Minister today for the act.
