Modi can now go ahead with reforms

There lies some irony in the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made no references in his post-victory speech at the BJP national headquarters in New Delhi on Monday to a need to address any of the issues that helped create a sense of political revolt among the people, sharply cutting into his party’s share of seats and votes.

Admittedly, it was only a sliver of a victory, but it was an electoral victory nevertheless and the people of the state can rightfully expect appropriate assurances from their Prime Minister who had campaigned as though this win mattered to him more than anything else in the world.

The PM’s speech had a policy point to underscore. While no assurances were forthcoming for the people of Gujarat, Mr Modi spoke, in unambiguous terms, on going ahead with economic reforms.

Essentially, this means opening up the markets more and facilitating industry and business, both national and international. Reacting to BJP’s narrow victory margin in Gujarat, the foreign media reflected the hope of international business when it said that the win does provide elbow room for Mr Modi to attempt greater reforms. A reversal of fortunes in Gujarat might have led to downing shutters on reforms, prominent sections of the western media speculated.

It is some of Mr Modi’s “reforms” that have created popular discontent, which created a downside for the BJP in Gujarat. With five more state polls looming in the coming year, it is hard to say precisely which reforms the BJP will proceed with under Mr Modi’s guidance.

In case labour reforms are contemplated, it is practically certain that the government should expect a lot of political mobilisation against it, including by sections of the BJP and its trade union body, the BMS.

Here on, after Gujarat, the political path for the BJP seems to be ridden with obstacles. The chances are that the multiplying of impediments can lead to an inner questioning within the ruling party on the broad issue of reforms since the next Lok Sabha election is also only just over a year away.

Reacting to the Gujarat verdict, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said that it amounted to a good result for his party. Non-BJP parties that have traditionally been Congress opponents have also reacted positively to the good showing of that party in Gujarat. They seem mighty pleased that the BJP was given a scare in Gujarat. The signs currently are that the re-energised look of the Congress will help accelerate the process of Opposition unity.

The BJP can help its own case if it adopts a more collegial stance now. The concentration of power in the hands of a coterie is clearly causing problems.