"In 60 months from now, we should be able to say with confidence and pride that we have done it," President Pranab Mukherjee said in his address to the joint session of Parliament to mark the beginning of 16th Lok Sabha and present first policy statement of BJP government.
This sounded somewhat similar to the 60-month theme that Modi had been saying during his election campaign and what he said at same place, Central Hall of Parliament, on 20 May after becoming Prime Minister-elect, that he would present a report card five years later in 2019.
The concluding paragraph of the president's 55-minute speech ended with a punch that again sounded very similar to Modi’s campaign plank: "The people of India have given a clear mandate. They want to see a vibrant, dynamic and prosperous India. They want to see a resurgent India regaining the admiration and respect of the international community. Brimming with hope and expectation, they want quick results. We must rise to the occasion to fulfill these great expectations."
President Pranab Mukherjee. Image courtesy PIB
It is an established practice that the president reads the speech sent to him by the government of the day. The agenda outlined is that of the elected government, presented by the President with the words, "My government". President Pranab Mukherjee's speech today was in continuation with those norms but it appeared to have one difference.
While on other occasions, the presidential speech would become an amalgamation of points sent by various ministries, in this case inputs from all ministries were still there but someone at the top edited the whole speech to make it sound like Modi’s vision statement, picking up points and catchphrases from his speeches beginning with his speech at SRCC in Delhi to the one delivered a day ago at a book release function at his residence 7 Race Course Road.
Take for instance – "With three Ds of Democracy, Demography and Demand on our side, India is poised to actualize these aspirations… The government will revive Brand India riding on our strengths of 5T's Tradition, Talent, Tourism, Trade and Technology… transform ourselves into a globally competitive manufacturing hub powered by Skill, Scale and Speed... a united, strong, and modern India—Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat... Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas… government will function on the mantra of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance... My government will not be satisfied with mere 'poverty alleviation' and commits itself to the goal of poverty elimination."
The 55-minute-long president's speech had all the ingredients for a nice inaugural policy statement by the new government -- right sounding ideas, some innovative, some targeted at neglected regions, some addressing issues that need urgent attention. The speech referred to Mahatma Gandhi twice from the common man’s perspective. Three issues got the maximum attention in the speech -- tackling inflation, treatment of minority issues and employment avenues for youth.
Rising prices was one of the most important factors that caused a most humiliating defeat to the Congress. Modi government was conscious to list "containing food inflation" as "the topmost priority" and outline a broad roadmap -- improving the supply side of various agro and agro-based products. Focus would also be on to prevent hoarding, black marketing and reform the Public Distribution System. The Centre is also alert about the possibility of a subnormal monsoon this year and prepare contingency plans.
The presidential speech allayed to some of the fears of minority community, particularly the Muslims by devoting one full paragraph on issues of their concern. "A policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, extremism, riots and crime will be pursued," has been taken well by the members of minority community. Personal security in situations of communal tension has been the most critical issue. By putting riots at par with terrorism and extremism (left wing/religious), Modi has made a right beginning.
"It is unfortunate that even after several decades of Independence, sections of minority communities continue to suffer from poverty, as benefits of government schemes do not reach them. My government is committed to making all minorities equal partners in India’s progress. The government will especially strengthen measures to spread modern and technical education among minority communities and a National Madarsa Modernization Programme will be initiated."
The social constituency, youth, which overwhelmingly voted for Modi got special attention in the President’s speech. Apart from skill development catchphrase Har Haath Ko Hunar, plan to launch National Multi-skill Mission, opening of IITs and IIM in every state, the speech also dwelt at length how young India would like governance to be delivered – fair, transparent and faster delivery through digital modes. To emphasise the importance, Modi government attached to youth aspirations around 500 words were devoted on the subject including sports.
Since BJP got support from both urban and rural areas in equal measures, the President’s speech touched issues of both areas in equal measures. The servicemen, who supported Modi in large numbers will get a Veteran’s Commission, a war memorial and implementation of one rank one pension.
This has been an election of hope. It marks a turning point in the evolution of our democratic polity. The surge in aspirations and the belief that these could be realised through democratic processes, has been amply reflected in the record 66.4 percent participation by voters. A clear verdict in favour of a single political party came after a gap of nearly 30 years.
The surprise pick, a pleasant one, is hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the nation and the planned launch of "Swachh Bharat Mission" with pilgrimage destinations included in that. "This will be our tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary to be celebrated in the year 2019" but this wouldn’t be possible without the right kind of public awareness and participation.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will find it difficult to continue her politically adversarial position to Modi, if he delivers well on the promise made today that "highest priority will be accorded to bring eastern region of the country on par with western region in terms of physical and social infrastructure". Modi had spoken on same lines during his campaign, which now has been included in his government's first policy statement.
Next month, Arun Jaitley will present his maiden budget. Till then Modi government has done in making right noises in president's address. Modi's success or failure would lay in delivering these promises both in letter and in spirit.
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