Popular English periodical The Economist created quite a storm on Social Media by featuring Narendra Modi in its last week’s lead article. Titled Can anyone stop Narendra Modi? the journal openly took sides in India’s 16th general elections, exhorting Indian voters to vote against Narendra Modi. “We do not find the prospect of a government led by Congress under Mr Gandhi an inspiring one. But we have to recommend it to Indians as the less disturbing option.” Writes the author. Most Indians were aghast at The Economist’s Holier than Thou attitude, which clearly demonstrated an ignorant and haughty attitude towards people of India. This acclaimed journal, which should have been happy at seeing the likely end of a governing arrangement badly bruised by ineptitude and inability to take decisions, instead decides to bat for UPA-3. However, Indian media (considered biased against BJP in general and Modi in particular), intelligentsia and secularists could not hide their glee and this article was the main topic of discussion in most ‘Cocktail Circuits’ for next several days. Expectedly, the journal was highly criticized by Modi supporters and Hindus for its ignorant, self-absorbed and baseless analysis.
But, is The Economist the only journal/news paper to display bias against Narendra Modi in recent times? The answer is an unequivocal NO. With India’s general elections attracting attention throughout the world for its sheer size and logistical complexities, international media has suddenly shown a keen interest in the person who is universally considered as the frontrunner to occupy the position of Prime Minister in May 2014. Newspapers and journals in democratic countries are sparing no efforts to write editorials and opinions on the prospects of a Narendra Modi led government coming to power in a few weeks’ time. Here are a few examples of what some of the highly respected and widely followed opinion makers say:
- New York Times which has always called Narendra Modi a ‘Polarizing Figure’ is apprehensive about what Modi will do to Muslims if he becomes prime minister. In an article titled India’s Muslims wary of rising political star it quotes known Modi baiters like Prof. Varshney who casts doubts on Modi’s serious efforts to moderate his decisive, no-nonsense persona in recent months.
- The Times, London writes that “Modi has shown himself to be a hard-edged Hindu nationalist” and is likely to polarize the world’s biggest democracy. “There is thus nothing anti-Indian in exercising healthy caution about Narendra Modi as he storms ahead in the Indian elections.” “Modi will bring trouble at home and abroad” says The times.
- Another respected British newspaper The Guardian published an open letter signed by well known artists, authors & academicians, mostly Indian but a few British MPs as well. The open letter warns Indians that if Modi becomes Prime Minister, it will portend disaster for the secular fabric of India. The letter also highlights the oft repeated charge about Modi’s refusal to accept responsibility and apologise for 2002 riots.
- Germany’s Deutsche Welle (DW) too harps on 2002 riots and analyses the impact Muslim community will have on the electoral fortunes. However, compared to its North American & British peers, DW comes out more balanced in its views on Narendra Modi. In an interview with a respected academician of Indian origin, DW says that though 2002 riots have been brought up repeatedly in election campaigns, much of India has moved on and is more consumed by issues of the economy and governance.
- It is also important to note that some of the journalists in foreign newspapers, whose reporting on Godhra tragedy was tantamount to blaming the victims are now in position to influence editorial policies. One name that immediately comes to mind is that of Rajiv Chandrasekaran who now National Editor of The Washington Post.
Why is the world so obsessed with Modi? Is it because Modi is perceived by world leaders as Anti-Muslim and communal? Particularly USA, where Presidential elections are always fought around contestant’s personality, his/her image and achievements, chides Modi for turning this election into a plebiscite over his leadership. Isn’t there an apparent dichotomy in a Western world, suffering from Islamophobia when it unleashes a slander campaign against a person who has won people’s mandate repeatedly and with ever higher margins? The answer, perhaps, lies in not what Modi is, but, what the western world would like an Indian leader to be. West would prefer an ambivalent and unassertive Prime Minister who is docile and yielding. Narendra Modi is none of these. Modi has a mind of his own, is highly focused on rapid growth and development of Indians, known for his decisive leadership & good governance and is totally incorruptible. Moreover, Modi, not molded in Macaulay’s education system, may not live up to the expectations of the diplomats & foreign scribes based in India who frequent the ‘Cocktail Circuit’ in Lutyen’s Delhi. What West fears is that, Modi is not expected to follow several Indian Prime Ministers who have helped perpetuate the ‘Colonial Culture’ in independent India. West finds it difficult to accept that a humble tea vendor without formal education, who has risen in India from an ordinary life to challenge the elite and claim Prime Minister’s office.
Another reason why West feels wary of a confident Hindu leading a multi cultural nation like India is its Hinduphobia. In the Western parochial perspective, Hindus are inherently fascist, communal and inferior people who have no right to self governance and empowerment. This ingrained Hinduphobia in the minds of Christian pressure groups who have considerable clout seem to be exerting ever more pressure on their governments. Largely Christian West is fearful of a Hindu under whose rule religious conversions have been legally banned causing a serious setback to a flourishing expansion program of Christian Missionaries. In this context, it is not mere co-incidence that Christian organizations have lately become overactive in their vilification campaign against Modi and cries for protection to Christian community in India. Earlier this month, Christian Today raised fears of insecurity in Christian community in India and raised apprehensions that chances of a BJP victory are stoking fears of violence against Christian community. On April 4, a well known Modi detractor John Dayal was invited to testify before Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of U.S. Congress.
Then, there are also fears of a geopolitical shift in power equation. Already, following the Crimea’s break-away from Ukraine, developed world is becoming increasingly apprehensive of the beginning of a new Cold War. Western nations have never liked strong leaders like Vladimir Putin and Hugo Chavez who have fostered developments in their countries and garnered huge support of its people for themselves. West is still coming to terms in dealing with a stronger Putin and the last thing it would want is another strong and assertive leader and that too from world’s largest democracy, rising in the East.
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I agree with author’s assessment…. Good article..Thank You ☺
When Congressional hearing on Human Rights started by US Human Rights Commission started two weeks back,Tulsi Gobbard,Democrat told the Panel that US wanted to influence Indian voters.Modi being firm,decisive and incorruptible,West are apprehensive that his arms can not be twisted.In the last years,they have become used to deal with a soft person like Man Mohan Singh a pliable PM.Now they will it difficult to deal with Modi.
You have beautifully outlined the problem.