The writer used to host a show on Express TV and works as a consulting editor at The Friday Times
Finally, the verdict is out. The Indian electorate has given a clear message by electing Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) precisely in this order. The 16th general election in the neighbouring state was contested around the issues of governance, corruption and development. The dismal performance of the Congress’s second term was compounded by a leadership crisis, the diarchic model of governance and highly mediatised incidence of corruption scandals. Mr Manmohan Singh, despite his personal reputation, seemed helpless and at times, directionless. Modi seems to have fully benefited from the public disenchantment with coalition politics and a decade of Congress rule. India is now ruled by a right-wing party with a thumping majority. Unlike the earlier terms, the BJP is in a position to form the government on its own and the opposition has been virtually reduced to naught.
Modi’s reputation as an efficient chief minister of Gujarat with better infrastructure, pro-investment policies, delivery of services is marred by his treatment of minorities and overplaying the Hindu nationalist card. For most Pakistanis, a BJP victory comes as a sort of validation of the contested Two Nation Theory. In public imagination, Modi is a Muslim-hater and a common Pakistani would secretly thank Mr Jinnah for creating a separate homeland. It is a separate matter that communalisation of politics since the early 1980s was fuelled by the Partition of 1947 and the trajectories of the two nation-states have turned them more and more exclusive in a political sense.
Many in Pakistan worry that there is much that BJP cadres and their ideological mentors — the zealots within the RSS and the VHP — would expect from a Modi win. It would mean ‘sounding’ and ‘acting’ tough on the ‘rogue’ neighbour. It might also mean that Kashmir’s special status may be reversed as the BJP manifesto suggests and that there may be the reversal of the ‘no-first-use’ doctrine with respect to nuclear weapons. This is what hyper-nationalism results in. The silver lining is that Modi’s focus is on reviving growth, investing in infrastructure and creating jobs for the huge numbers entering the job markets. During the election campaign, expanding trade also emerged as a priority of Mr Modi. Pakistan and India, despite the Herculean roadblocks and misgivings, have been working on that front with some success. During the last three years, trade volume has grown. Pakistan’s cabinet was considering granting of Non-Discriminatory Market Access to India and postponed its decision until there was a new government.
With a strong, Hindu nationalist government on its eastern border, what are the implications for Pakistan? Quite frankly, not more than what has been ailing the bilateral relations for the past decades. The unresolved disputes of Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and water-sharing will be there. Petty politics and point scoring over holding bilateral dialogue will also continue. The two bureaucratic structures on both sides will continue to prevent visa liberalisation. If anything, Pakistan’s earlier experience with the Vajpayee Administration (during previous Nawaz and Musharraf tenures) was not all that bad. Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif found an engaging counterpart in Vajpayee. The BJP even did business with General Musharraf who will be remembered as the architect of an unnecessary Kargil misadventure.
Having said that, Modi is not Vajpayee. This is not 1999 or 2002. The US and Nato are withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and India is keen to make strategic inroads into Afghanistan. India-Pakistan proxy wars in Afghanistan may intensify in the short term. Pakistan suspects that India is fuelling the insurgency in Balochistan. Mumbai memory and snail-paced trials prejudice the Indian public opinion and provide hawks with a perfect excuse to advocate limited engagement. One of the key challenges for Modi would be to rescue India’s Pakistan policy (if there is one) from the stranglehold of the bureaucratic machine and media gurus who define and influence public opinion and the state’s policy choices.
In Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif is struggling for civilian ascendancy. His policy framework, with trade as a central plank, ironically converges with the stated intent of the BJP and its PM-designate — Modi. Pakistan’s PM and his younger brother view development from the infrastructure lens. The promise of bullet trains is a shared goal between Modi and Sharif. Perhaps, (if and) when they meet, they should talk about the need for bullet trains rather than buying more bullets than required.
Is Pakistan ready for this major shift in India? Good intentions may just not work for Islamabad. First and foremost, Pakistan needs a capable and dynamic foreign minister who enjoys the full confidence of the cabinet. Given the situation, diplomacy will have to be intensified for initial parleys on Afghanistan. It is surprising that even after year of taking office, a full-time foreign minister is missing. The rise of Abdullah Abdullah, a strong critic of Pakistan and representing the pro-India public mood in Afghanistan, may be the country’s next president. Unlike past challenges, this is a purely political and diplomatic battle. The people of Afghanistan voted in large numbers reposing their confidence in the democratic future of the country. Even in Pakistan’s strategic circles, there is a growing realisation that Pakistan will have to contend with the changed dynamics of Afghanistan and the folly to help reinstall the Taliban would face resistance.
PM Sharif has already called Modi and invited him to Pakistan. But the PM can’t delay the appointment of a full-time minister to take charge. Similarly, non-state actors would require taming at home. Another Mumbai is not an option. Trading with India can boost economic growth and create more jobs. By stabilising Afghanistan instead of playing strategic games there both India and Pakistan can benefit from the energy supplies from Central Asia. Engagement with Pakistan will help allay the fears of Indian Muslims after the landslide win of a ‘Hindu’ BJP. Will Modi prove to be a secularist in exercising power? Only time will tell.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (103)
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You said pakistanis thanks jinnah for partion. It really astonished me . If there was no partion then current status of pakistan would be a 100% democratic and secular one like rest of india. And no people would be afraid of a activities like bomb blast which is noting but daily buisness there. lol.
Pakistan must see how minorities are treated in Pakistan. Everybody knows what is the conditon of minorities in pakistan.
@Raj:
The largest population of illetrates on this planet and the largest population of under nourished children are the statistics from the UNO watch, which are absolute numbers and speak for themselves and require no further analysis or comparisons to coin a Spin.
Rex Minor
@huma: "The two nation theory has stood the test of time " +++++++++++++++++++++++++ specially when it became three nation theory
ET Where is my comment. You are creating a wall between author & reader. Let us understand each other. If you can not publish feed back then what is the point to publish op-ed?
@G. Din: Can't you understand sarcasm?
@rex minor india's literacy rate is 74% while Pakistan's is 54%. While you speak for rights here do speak for rights for women in Pakistan too. As far as Saudi not providing oil to non believers dream on india Saudi relationship is based on religion but pure business partnership which will never perish.
Well, then do not be shy and tell us which country you are from.
ET, even some has the right to a reply;
To someone;
I am not sure if you know which country I come from? I am not trying to belittle any one; Mr Modi has promised more toilets for the Indians and not more temples! I would propose more education as well, since it has the largest illetrate population on this planet. You do not have to relatavise Modis ged on past actions, he is a grown up man and had plenty of time.to do so, but he will be judged on his actions as a Prime Minister. I do not speak for Pakistan or any other muslim country per say, but do not take it for granted that the Saudi oil will feed Indian industry for business reasons or the Gulf States will continue to provide unimpeded employment opportunites to non believers. He, Mr Modi better be good to women and demonstratively grant more rights and a respectable status to them in the hindtuwa society.
Rex Minor
@someone, Thats NYT who wrote that article not me bro..
Headlines "Pakistan is not afraid of Modi’s win"
That means Pakistan is afraid!
Pakistan is not afraid of Modi’s win ----------- Title says it all.........
Another Mumbai: Modi will teach pakistan a lesson....
@someone:
What you said and think is just media propaganda. In reality religious minorities in Pakistan enjoy the best of life if they come from an ethnic majority tribe. Pakistan is an ethnic society, whereas India is a religious society, hence indian muslims suffer day in day out. Mind you- at a country identity level, Pakistan is "Islamic" and India is "Secular". At a society Level Pakistan is "Ethnic" and India is "Religious Hindu".
Is the author trying to construct or should i say destruct History ???
This op-ed shows how even a thoughtful intellectual like Raza Rumi understands India so little and has such a warped idea of the history of the subcontinent. Pakistan has no one to fear but itself. India has moved on; Pakistan is irrelevant to it except as a nettlesome neighbor. No one even remembers or cares about this country except during terrorist attacks which eventually destroys Pakistan more than India. Pakistan needs to get a life and a vision and move on too without constant refrain to India, identity, the past etc.
Lastly, I respect the verdict of my brothers and sisters here in India. In our heart , India is more important than any political party. If modi does indulge in inclusive growth for all, I am with him but if not , we don't care about parties. He will fall, give him a grace period to form his cabinet and we will see. Indians are secular in our DNA. Modi is not a god but give him a chance and let action speak, otherwise he will be dumped like Sonia Gandhi. Manmohan Singh wanted to do a lot but got vetoed by them. Rahul Gandhi tore the recommendation by him in lok sabha in papers. Check in the internet. Manmohan Singh was a victim of partition, poor man from ayaz mirs ex constituency. India is better than 2004 but there is a world wide recession and congress lost. They could not convince the voters about the price hike just like bjp lost in 2004 over onion issue. We , Indians will survive and constitution is our holy book. Rab rakha.
PS jai hind also many my brothers and sisters may criticize me for not saying so. My fellow citizens, love "doesn't come slogan but from the heart" and I don't need certificate from anyone how much I love my motherland India.
@Sri Varahadev:
I haveo not have not talked about solidarity! You have zilch knowledge of the House of the Saud or their oil policy?
Rex Minor
I would give bjp a chance because my country brethren have spoken through ballot. The constitution of India is supreme and above modi and any party here. Election rhetoric is different from from running a country at the centre. He is our pm now and his actions will be watched and if he fails then he will fall too after 5 years. India is more important than modi and if a common man prospeand secularism prevail , I Indians don't mind. If he act like Hitler which is unrealistic in a country like India, he will fall . India is more important than bjp and modi. He delivers, hats off to him, if he fails, we lost Indians will not forgive him. Rab rakha
Pakistan should really be afraid of Modi if it fails to control its military and its agencies in venturing another Kargil/Mumbai as well as a major incursion across the LoC since the same would be an open invitation for a major response.
I have always respected Raza Rumi.. i am glad you are safe after the attack and in future.
...PM Sharif has already called Modi and invited him to Pakistan. But the PM can’t delay the appointment of a full-time minister to take charge. Similarly, non-state actors would require taming at home. Another Mumbai is not an option. Trading with India can boost economic growth and create more jobs. By stabilising Afghanistan instead of playing strategic games there both India and Pakistan can benefit from the energy supplies from Central Asia. Engagement with Pakistan will help allay the fears of Indian Muslims after the landslide win of a ‘Hindu’ BJP. Will Modi prove to be a secularist in exercising power? Only time will tell....
This is a real good summary. Unfortunately, the likes of Hafeez Sayed and ilk openly giving public speeches and media time does not inspire much confidence in pakistan.
If the state of pakistan wants to survive and thrive in future they HAVE to eliminate all the LeTs, JUD and 'brotherly' non-state actors. They are threat to india as well as pakistan, one mischief from them and the entire world is going to come down hard on pakistan.
Mr Rumi of all people should know that... ++++++++++++++ India Pakistan is not a bilateral relationship...its a triagnle: India Pakistan Civilian Govt amd Paikistani security Estabilishment.
Indians flocking over here. Raza you probably stepped on their tail. Haha!
ET: 2nd try
@Rakib: What's next, Rakib? Hold talks with Hafiz Saeed, LET & JeM so that they don't behead our soldiers or plan another Mumbai so that Indian Muslims' (or as you say IM) fears of retaliation are allayed. As you can see from the replies of Rehmat and Amina, Indian Muslim are much more mature than what you give them credit for. I think Indians of all hues have also wisened up to the fact that barring a few in places like UP and Bihar, the vast majority of Muslims have been brought up on secular values and hold no connection with Pakistan. Modi has come with the promise that he will treat all communities equally and that is good enough for a minority like me.
PS: I do wish you had not used the term IM for Indian Muslims as that is the well-known acronym of Indian Mujahideen, a terrorist group that carried out bomb-blasts in Bangalore, Hyderabad and other cities.
@Ali Tanoli: The Muslims in India are 100 times better than the best conditioned minorities in Pakistan. But of course blinded by Islamic blindfolds, Pakistanis can't see that. Pakistanis needs to take their green glasses off to see that.
When looking at the progress India has made in the various Industries, Pakistan is far behind and would need decades of investment to self sustain and to be part of a global developing world.
To do so, would mean spending a good part of your annual budget on basic infrastructure(Road and Transport, Healthcare, Social Welfare and security, Electricity, Food and Agriculture.....).
What has happened over the last decades, is Pakistan has spent 90%(figure might not be exactly correct) of the budget on Defence. The (>12 billion USD) aid given by USA have mostly been spent on Defence and creating problems in the Asian subcontinent. Creating problems in the backyard, as we have seen has not helped and the monster that has been created is eating its own. Also the amount required to maintain the nuclear assets is huge which instead could be spent on generation of electricity and other essential infrastructure.
The only way to come out of dire straits is to focus on bringing back your country on foot. a) First, control the internal menace. b) Second, Focus on Development. If instead, the focus is only to keep spending on budget - remember that the annual increase in budget spending by countries like China, India is more than the annual defence budget of Pakistan. These countries can without much strain keep spending more and more amount for years and years to come.
More the time taken to control this menace, this cancer would have spread that far.
A PEACEFUL subcontinent is essential for the rapid development of ALL.
@G.Din Hello, anyone in there? Neither “Pakistani liberals” nor “Pakistan’s silent majority” have a vote in the Indian elections. So, why should we care? Secularists everywhere seem to have gone bonkers
Sarcasm. I think that was sarcasm.
dear editor- this is a sensible article. China and taiwan have risen above petty politics to increase their trade and people-to-people contacts. Their annual trade is above 150 billion dollars which means that many millions of people have jobs and prosperity linked to peaceful relations between these two countries. The same should happen between india and pakistan- we have to increase our trade to over 20 billion dollars per year within a few years- it will bind millions of families in mutually beneficial relationship--- so less chance for a war. Let us hope modi-nawaz will together take india-pakistan ties to a higher level. Increase touristic traffic between both the countries . But please do not let the so-called non-state actors to try and repeat a mumbai 26/11- that will nullify all prospects for peace. The choice is with pakistan.
@Rakib: @Kamal: (When somebody has to write that “we are not afraid” that means he is really afraid.). Hate being sister of Fear if a person says I am not afraid of you he means I don’t need to hate you. Yours is a strange but surely contrived conclusion!
@Rakib: the biggest dilemma in front of Indian govts of different hues vis a vis treatment of Muslims has been the contradicting nature of various voices in this community.on one hand there are the advocates of personal law,who force a govt to amend constitution against supreme court orders if it threatens the orthodox point of view.there is also no dearth of modern Muslims who despise such acts.if however the govt takes a harsh decision as it has often taken in case of Hindus and other non Muslim sects,it becomes an untouchable,swiftly branded as communal and what not.these contradictory forces have kept Muslims in India away from an overall development,and a politics of appeasement on false issues has gained ground. Rajiv was a novice who couldn't find a correct solution despite an overwhelming majority at his disposal.hope Modi can find an amicable solution.
@Pak Secularist : *It is widely expected that if Modi remains in the office, Pakistani tourist dollars which used to go to India might flow to countries in the Middle east which are perceived in Pakistan to be more multicultural and pluralistic. Extremists like Modi who do not respect minorities have no place in South Asia. . Thank you Sir Jee. We look forward to not having any Pakistani Visitors to India and have them spend their Humongous amount TOURIST DOLLARS in Islamic Countries. . There will be one of two ruests : . 1. Indian Economy will be destroyed by the lack of Pakistani Tourist Dollars. In this case the Govrnment and People of India will beg Pakistani Tourists to some to India and spend their Tourist Dlooars in India so that the POOR PEOPLE OF INDIA can have amorsel or two at least once a day.
Lack of Pakistani Tourist Dollars may not even be noticed and thus have no effect on the Indian Economy. In addition India will have TIGHTENED INDIAN BORDER CONTROLS WITH PAKISTAN. Voilà. No more pakistani based "NON-STATE" ACTORS will perpetrate Terrorism in India. . PAKISTAN AND INDIA WILL LIVE IN ETERNAL PEACE. . VOW! FANTABULOUS!! Cheers!!!@huma: Sure. two nation theory has passed the test of time especially in 1971 when muslim Bangladesh separated from muslim Pakistan. People have no respect for reality.
@Kamal: I don't agree with the idea that Pakistan is afraid of Modi. In fact, we Indians are very much of Pakistan these days, earlier your official army acquired nuclear bomb to destroy us. Now, unofficial army (strategic assets) have invented another weapon of mass destruction called Polio Bomb. We are really afraid of your mighty powers, my dear friends.
Articles and editorials in Pakistan’s newspapers appear to suggest that there is some fresh thinking in Pakistan, which may mean that there is realization of the need for better India–Pakistan relations. At the outset it is perhaps in order to submit that it will not help to beat the drums about Kashmir. An ultra-nationalist government in India is unlikely to offer concessions on Kashmir. No basic re-drawing of boundaries is possible. Opinion makers and decision makers in Pakistan will do well not to encourage hopes among their people that Pakistan can wrest Kashmir from India. No one in India ever thought in aggressive terms about Pakistan. No one in Pakistan should ever think that there is danger, however remote or distant, of an Indian invasion of Pakistan: there is no thinking along those lines in India – under any conditions. Pakistan has been living beyond its means for an age, resulting in a state of things where a preponderating part of the revenues is spent on expenses of government and army and on payment of interest and principal of foreign loans, leaving rather meagre amount for development expenditure. This needs to be corrected, although this is entirely Pakistan’s internal matter. There seems to be realization in Pakistan that so-called asymmetrical warfare with India, that is, terrorism, has brought no benefit to Pakistan or destabilization in India. On the contrary, it has brought Pakistan an unenviable reputation with world powers that Pakistan has been indulgent towards terrorist outfits, euphemistically called non-state actors. Cessation of terror from Pakistan will be the pre-condition of improvement of relations. In fact, terror or violence has been favourite instrument of Islamist elements in Pakistan, even in matters that are purely internal matters of Pakistan. This is bound to undermine the foundations of Pakistan as a State, without a helping hand from outside. Some far seeing people in Pakistan seem to realize that terror has been harmful to Pakistan itself. It is hopeless to suggest that India has been encouraging disturbances in Baluchistan. If there is evidence on the subject, it should be produced in public – in order that the true face of India is seen by the rest of the world. Facts must be produced. Afghanistan has no reason to have grateful memories of Pakistan. Dr Abdullah is not likely to countenance close relations with Pakistan if it continues to support the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in Afghanistan. Indian role in Afghanistan has been wholly constructive. Pakistan is accustomed to talking unkindly about India. V. C. Bhutani, Edinburgh, 18 May 2014, 1755 GMT
One of the key challenges for Modi would be to rescue India’s Pakistan policy (if there is one) from the stranglehold of the bureaucratic machine and media gurus who define and influence public opinion and the state’s policy choices."" +++++++++++++++++++ And in case of Pakistn the challenge is to loosen the vice like grip that the security apparatus has on the India Policy.
"The unresolved disputes of Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and water-sharing will be there" ++++++++++++++++++ False. Water sharing is goverened by an international treaty with conflict resolving rmechanisms.
Modi is going to be the PM of India and his first and foremost priority will be to take care of the Indians who have (or not) voted for him expressing their desire for positive change leading to an improved life for them. In this equation, Pakistan must not be figured as it will only impede Modi's mandate. 5-years is nothing. Modi must ignore Pakistan and let the two countries live next to each other without impeding their natural progress to whichever way the people of respective countries opt to. Let do-nothing option take front seat for next five year. Too much hate and negative criticism can take no one no where.
People demanding that the relationship should continue even if another mumbai like event happens need to answer this - will the relationship continue if another Bangladesh happens to pakistan?
Raza Rumi:
We all have high regard for you but are greatly disappointed with this article. Many have raised questions. I think it is only fair that you comment yourself here or better still, write a follow-up column soon.
In India many Muslims vote for Hindus than fellow Muslim candidates, they feel Hindus deliver better than Muslims.
I wish as an Indian all the very best to Pakistan, Let Pakistan to wish the same and forget all the disputes between two countries.
Raza Rumi has to accept that Sunnis are majority in Pakistan. Pakistan not only has a religious tag but also a sectarian tag attached to it.
@Kamal: (When somebody has to write that “we are not afraid” that means he is really afraid.).
Hate being sister of Fear if a person says I am not afraid of you he means I don't need to hate you.
I know that Mr. Raza Rumi believes in Two Nation Theory but wants Pakistan to be Secular because under secularism minority rights are protected, which he feels can't be assured under theocracy.
@Pak Secularist: "He (Modi) is likely to win zero votes and endorsements among Pakistani liberals who want tolerance and respect for minorities in other places outside Pakistan and visa to those places to write books and a right to make money. Votes of Pakistani silent majority cannot be taken for granted by Indian politicians. " Hello, anyone in there? Neither "Pakistani liberals" nor "Pakistan's silent majority" have a vote in the Indian elections. So, why should we care? Secularists everywhere seem to have gone bonkers!
@Insaaf: We can defend your nuclear missiles mid air and our kids are vaccinated against Polio. Don't worry.
I think that number of Muslims killed in India due to communal clashes is less than that of Pakistan or Syria and with India being three largest Muslim population in the world just after Pakistan.
Great to know that Pakistani’s are not afraid of the Indian elections result which Pakistan could not have done dudley squat any how.
Can anyone in Pakistan or in rest of the world say the BJP without Hindu Nationalist Party. Here is a news flash for you, India is country with Hindu majority for ten’s of thousands of years, the longest surviving culture and philosophical leanings on this earth. Muslims in India are descendants of the forcibly converted by invaders who does not have an identity of their own.
Yes, I am an Indian, proud of it and BJP supporter all the way. I also believe the only way India is going to achieve its past glory with the tolerant Hindu teachings and philosophy, Santana dharma that is.
Least but not least, the author is a clueless bloviator who should be banned from journalism for life.
Both India and Pakistan after partition has made experiments to keep its people united, India tried to use Secularism to prove Hindus and Muslims can be united, Pakistan used Islam to unite people making it a Islamic society. The result after 67 years of experiments you know the results, neither experiment seemed to has been successful fully ,because India still has communal tensions and Pakistan has sectarian tensions.
All we have been in 67 years is abject failure. We are frequently referred to as failed state and international migraine. How does discussion of TNT help the daily misery of ordinary Pakistanis? All we do is confronting india in the diplomatic arena or writing articles to inflame Indians. Once again how does it in any way help the sinking ship called Pakistan? Does any Pakistani with a trace of honesty say RSS or BJP have anything g to do with the dire situation we are in?
When somebody has to write that "we are not afraid" that means he is really afraid..
They say Hindus and Muslims cannot coexist under Hindu rule but I want to ask you can Shias and Sunnis can co-exist under each others rule? Can you see Syria what is happening there?. Why can't Saudi Arabia and Iran be a single nation aren't they both muslims?
@sanjith menon: What's new about it? Kanpur Muslims have always elected Hindus of INC or BJP. Considering communist Suhasini Ali was not a Muslim, in the history only one Muslim was ever elected as MP. That was Arif Ahmed Khan. (He is brother in law of Shazia Ilmi of AAP). Arif was one of the finest & a rare politician. He quit Congress & Rajiv Gandhi's inner circle when Rajiv forced an amendment in the infamous Shah Bano maintenance case.
Nicely opined......but lets be honest, the sentiment in India must be ' ......is Pakistan worth bothering about except for its nuisance value '. Resolving this would require patience, firm resolve and resolute statesmanship......from both sides.
@Amina,Kerala: @Chulbul Pandey: (Please help me understand how Modi engaging Pakistan would help Indian Muslims allay any fears) Not to interpret Raza Rumi but to share my own understanding though I do not claim to speak for Muslims: Tension between India Pak can worry Indian Muslim (IM) families split across border, Western India & Urdu-speaking IM of areas that have a history of rioting. Almost unknown in Muslims of Malayalam, Konkani, Tamil or Bengali speaking areas. The fear is exaggerated but not totally unreal. It's of transferred anger; of being targeted by default. Times were when an Indo-Pak cricket or hockey match could lead to tension in some parts. Calcutta & Bombay Chinese faced severe suspicion in 1962. In 65 & 71 slightest doubt was enough to shut Muslims of sensitive areas under DIR or MISA. On the flip side, a mere rumour of Muslim seeking revenge against Burmese made youngsters of North East working in Bangalore to run. A bomb blast in a holy place by some "non-State actor" & IM could be in trouble. Mayn't happen at all (Akshardham temple/Parliament attack/Mumbai) but fear is always there that for sins of Pakistan IM may get rough end of the stick from over-enthu admin/lay public. A Pakistani's (even if he is Raza) claim to be a spokesman for IM is to be rejected flatly. But, Hindutvas make identical mistake of thinking IM to be Agents of Pakistan. See how many Hindutvas on this Website say that IM must go away to Pakistan. The rhetoric shows the vicious mindset. Yes, a positive engagement with Pakistan would alley IM fears of potential retaliation by hindutva goons on Muslim families..
@Insaaf: If this is the mindset how can relations between the countries ever improve.Pakistan is not the only nation with nuclear weapons and they do not flaunt it every time like a child which feels threatned.Let us get out of this moribund thinking.
Reading the comments on this article, mostly by Indians, it's clear that the Two-Nation Theory really ignites their backsides. I agree with the author, Modi's win not only validates but vindicates the Two-Nation Theory.
The two nation theory has stood the test of time again and again. It does not need modi's win for it to be 'validated'. Just yesterday, the parent newspaper of ET, NYtimes, carried an excellent article that described Muslims in India as being 'persecuted.'
JAI HIND
Pakistan is NOT a secular country. Minorities are treated as 2nd class citizen. Can a Ahmadi become the PM of Pakistan? What right have you got to lecture other countries on religious freedom?
Its illogical for a person like Rumi who is a citizen of a country whose foundation is based on communalism to blame a politician of another constitutionally secular country of communalism. Does Rumi believe in the communal constitution of Pakistan? If he does, then he is not in a position to lecture others about communalism.
dear Raza saab, without the involvement of Muslim votes such a resounding victory in UP, Rajasthan, Maharshtra, Karnataka, MP, Bihar and Assam not possible.
Kanpur has 60% Muslims, and Joshi won there with a 2 lakh plus votes?
so dont sell this joke that. by engaging with Pakistan, Modi will be able to assuage the fears of Muslims.
Modi will treat Pakistan with the clear meaning of the term, Benign Neglect.
Engagement with Pakistan will help allay the fears of Indian Muslims after the landslide win of a ‘Hindu’ BJP.
If at all things work this way...why India not engage with Bangladesh to ally the fears of Indian Muslims? Are Bangladeshis any lesser Muslims? Why is that the world should always engage with Pakistan for one or other reason to conduct their own affairs? EU should engage with Pakistan to offer trade concession so that Pakistan can fight war on terror, Saudis should engage with Pakistan to disengage with Iran....so far and so forth. Also, which sect of Indian Muslims the author is talking about? Does it include Sheas and Ahmedis too?
I am assuring my Pakistani brothers Modi is not fond of war. He worked very well in gujrat and we gave him a chance to do same as he did in Gujarat. He has good administrative qualities and rapid decision making mind and also he is very wise diplomat. He is not anti Pakistan but he is pro India. Both countries are in crucial situation and yes he is not vajpeyee. Any attack on Indian civilians will lead great destruction of entire subcontinent along with India and Pakistan. As I know him he is good for good and bad for bad.
Refer comment of Author : “For most Pakistanis, a BJP victory comes as a sort of validation of the contested Two Nation Theory”. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Every time a piece of Pakistan breaks away, as was the case in 1971 when East Pakistan broke away to form Bangladesh, the Two nation Theory is negated.
Every time a Shia Muslim Imambargah filled with worshippers is sucide bombed by a Sunni Muslim , the Two nation Theory is negated.
Every time a Sunni Muslim Barelvi shrine is blow up by a Sunni Muslim Deobandi, the Two nation Theory is negated.
Every time a Ahmadi Muslim is jailed for either displaying symbols of the Muslim faith or practicing the Muslim faith by an Islamic Court , the Two nation Theory is negated.
Bottom line is that manufactured external validity does not override internal negation of the Two Nation Theory.
@Rex Minor: Unlike your country, the politics in India is not controlled by Americans, Saudis or Chinese. If it were Americans controlling it, a person non grata by them, could not have been the PM of India, not that the US Visa matters. Indeed, Indians were tired of non competent government and needed to get rid of it which they did. Also it is a ritual of sort for people to graduate from CM to PM by public vote unlike in your country where army decided who is going to be the PM. It was a child marriage that he did not want and so did not continue it. As for love for Muslims, the guy said he did not do anything wrong. No matter how much other people wanted to put words in his mouth, he took his stand and did not apologies. As for the important of the leaders of the Middle east, well business is a two way street. They sell oil and gets food from the rest of the world, not to mention all the tools, technology and had it not been the technology of the west, the middles eastern could not even know what to do with that black mud called oil.
Only option for Pakistan is to accept status-quo on all territorial disputes such as Kashmir, Sir Creek and Siachen. Pakistan took part of Kashmir region from India but in order to protect it, Pakistan had to gift away part of the region to China. Not just that, but in order to get the remaining Kashmir from India, Pakistan nurtured terrorists and jihadi groups and these groups have taken away Swat Valley from Pakistan. Further following the same line, Pakistan has lost FATA and Waziristan. It is also costing Pakistan heavily in Baluchistan. To save the remaining Pakistan, Pakistan is now giving away Baluchistan to China. Did Pakistan gain any territory in pursuing its Kashmir policy? No, it only lost more of its territory. With Modi in power in India, China won't come to the rescue of Pakistan or even speak for it. Just two weeks ago, Nusrat Javed disclosed that China has officially complained very strongly to Pakistan government on ETIM terrorists it is nurturing and the terrorist problems these terrorists are causing in China. US is pulling out from Afghanistan and has its own bitter complaints on Pakistan. Iran and India have come very close and both have problems of terrorists infiltrating from Pakistan. On the Afghanistan side, Durand line is moving eastwards. Abdulla Abdulla has complaints on Pakistan but cordial relations with India.
Forget about another Mumbai. Pakistan or its state sponsored non-state actors will not even dare to attempt even a very minor infiltration in Kashmir.
Great piece Raza. Enjoyed reading it.
I congratulate Narendra Modi on his historic success in the Indian Lok Sabha elections. I firmly believe that Modi’s desire for development and economic growth can only materialize when there is peace and stability in the region. I hope PM Modi will be a different person than candidate Modi. The real achievement for him will be to resolve long standing issues of Kashmir, Siachen and Water accord that has been stressing relations between India and Pakistan. At the same time we Pakistanis must remember that internal unity and economic independence is the only way to protect sovereignty and command respect from all our neighbors.
Engagement with Pakistan will help allay the fears of Indian Muslims after the landslide win of a ‘Hindu’ BJP. I do not claim to speak on behalf of Indian Muslims, but I think they should be more scared of Pakistan and its 'non-state' actors meddling in their affairs than of the 'Hindu' BJP.
@Raza Rumi :"Engagement with Pakistan will help allay the fears of Indian Muslims after the landslide win of a ‘Hindu’ BJP."
As an Indian Muslim, I ask you how??? What has Pakistan to do with Indian Muslims....
" It is a separate matter that communalisation of politics since the early 1980s was fuelled by the Partition of 1947 and the trajectories of the two nation-states have turned them more and more exclusive in a political sense." This doesn't make much sense because the RSS was founded in 1925 long before partition with the explicit goal of turning India into 'RamRaj'
Dear Author,
I never miss any of your articles and am happy that you are safe. Your voice has always been a voice of sanity amidst the sad chaos in your country. That is why I am perturbed when you write that Modi's resounding victory validates the TNT.
For six decades the minorities in our country have been bamboozled by pathetic handouts by seemingly well intentioned leaders. For sixty years the majority have allowed it to happen. Now, if the nation wants to move forward on the promise of progress and good governance, we would expect each and every citizen to pull his weight. Most of us voted for Modi because he promised jobs, not because he is pro hindu. Rest assured, if he fails to keep his promises, he will be shown the door in 5 years. We waited patiently for long for things to change. Now we have voted most decisively for that big leap and the votes have come from all strata of society, rich and poor, rural and urban, educated and semi literate... Let us savour the results of this fantastic exercise in democracy. Our people have voted with their eyes wide open this time.
You say dear author that "common Pakistanis secretly thank Mr. Jinnah" (for etc etc...)... why be so timid (?)... from what I understand most Indians certainly the younger more forward-looking aspirational ones (those that largely voted for Narendra Modi) in fact openly thank Mr. Jinnah for doing the same (!) --- and given the trends of what is happening in Pakistan these days and the outlook for the future can you fault them? And this is not in their "public imagination", it is reality. Indians by and large have moved on... and this is symbolized by the fact that the next PM of India is going to be the first one born (in 1950) after Partition.. clearly (and sadly) even otherwise sensible people like yourself still seem stuck in the dreamy past... your choice! :-)
@ Rex Minor. RE: “Nevertheless, he will soon learn to know as a Prime Minister of the country, about the importance of the fifty odd leaders of the muslim majoriy countries for foreign relations, who provide energy to others in the world.”
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Your visions of Islamic Solidarity are overblown. Those 50 odd Muslim Majority countries are going to do nothing, nada,zip, zilch. Be very clear that no Arab country is going to risk their energy market in India and the resulting large revenue earned to support their life styles for “Miskeen” co-religionists. In sum the reality is Mammon trumps “Miskeen” Muslims every time.
"It is a separate matter that communalisation of politics since the early 1980s was fuelled by the Partition of 1947 and the trajectories of the two nation-states have turned them more and more exclusive in a political sense."
So your logic is that Gujrat massacres were only a continuation of 1947 Partition and had partition not happened, there would have been no Gujrat... Since we are assuming everything has a reason, what caused the massive event of partition 1947, may I ask?? Did it have no history etched into hundreds of years or was it only greed of power by the elite which managed to seperate?
And by the way, "Independence" is the word, not partition..
While some of points raised in the article are good for benefit of both counters but others like "“For most Pakistanis, a BJP victory comes as a sort of validation of the contested Two Nation Theory”" were totally illogical and lost credibility, seriousness of this article. FYI, Modi got votes from Muslims and even lower casts Indians. UP, Bihar is crystal clear example. So please come out of divelugence and do something clean and bring facts to public including your text books.
@Rehmat: I too fell off my chair when I read that line. I had to read it once again to make sure I didn't read it incorrectly the first time.
As a Christian, the equivalent would be that India must be subservient to say, the USA, to placate Indian Christians. What is the connection? There is none. I simply do not understand where Pakistanis get their sense of entitlement.
One fact that is obvious from this article is Pakistan's sense of entitlement. A new government has been voted to power in India, the Indians have not made any demands yet. And here we have not one, not two, but many Pakistani authors write what Modi should do for Pakistan. India has does not have only a single neighbour, but multiple neighbours all around. I have been following their news media too over the pass few days and no neighbour has built expectations in one guise or another except Pakistan.
As every Indian knows, Modi's focus for some time to come will be on domestic issues. It is doubtful whether he will look at any foreign relations beyond the prism of trade in the near term, if ever. Modi's hands are tied due to the Mumbai attacks for which Pakistan has done nothing. India does not have any regional aspirations, so there is zero incentive for him to placate anyone just because they are unable to set their own house in order.
great article. Really enjoyed it and agreed about the two-nation theory part.
How many times Pakistanis need to "prove" the validation of TNT? India moved well past partition. For most young Indians, Pakistan is a different country that is struggling to define itself and hold itself together. Every time there is religious riots in India, Pakistanis jump to thank Jinnah. But they ignore violence in their streets. If violence in india justify their existence, then equally violence in pakistan should justify their failed state.
The Americans wanted a change and got an imposter, the Indians were almost sick of the corrupt dynesty of Gandhi, and with the underdog Prime Minister of 83 Dr Who, and therefore voted for the provincialist Narendra Modi, who as a repeated premier of a province managed the affairs well. He has no appetite for a woman nor any love for muslims, who on his watch were massacred and their mosque destroyed. He has no regrets nor any apologies for actions of others. Nevertheless, he will soon learn to know as a Prime Minister of the country, about the importance of the fifty odd leaders of the muslim majoriy countries for foreign relations, who provide energy to others in the world.
Rex Minor
But the PM can’t delay the appointment of a full-time minister to take charge. Similarly, non-state actors would require taming at home. Another Mumbai is not an option . Foreign Minister doesn't mean much unless the Civilian govt controls foreign policy - it's one of those Elephant in the Room things that most learned authors seem to ignore. Another Mumbai would likely mean war .. the real shame is that your strategic assets are no longer controllable and may start a war that you don't want and likely can't win.
I cannot believe Modi was elevated as PM candidate in India. This demonstrates that BJP is not an inclusive party and does not care about the opinions and the sentiments of Pakistanis. Pakistanis who strive for pluralistic, multicultural and secular societies in other countries like India, USA and Europe have been ignored. Modi has absolutely no appeal among the critical constituency of Pakistani elite who value multiculturalism in India. He is likely to win zero votes and endorsements among Pakistani liberals who want tolerance and respect for minorities in other places outside Pakistan and visa to those places to write books and a right to make money. Votes of Pakistani silent majority cannot be taken for granted by Indian politicians. Brave voices calling for minority rights in places outside Pakistan can never be intimidated.
It is widely expected that if Modi remains in the office, Pakistani tourist dollars which used to go to India might flow to countries in the Middle east which are perceived in Pakistan to be more multicultural and pluralistic. Extremists like Modi who do not respect minorities have no place in South Asia
Almost 70 years later, you guys are still discussing the Two Nation Theory day in and day out. Looks like a colossal identity crisis to me. Most kids in India know of Pakistan as a neighboring country and many have no idea that it was once a part of India. That's how much India has moved on.
As far as Modi is concerned, you are welcome to your conjectures and myths. Once the country gets back on track and the minorities prosper along with the rest of India, you will have to come up with new myths. We can always rely on you for that.
Quote from the article - " Is Pakistan ready for this major shift in India? Good intentions may just not work for Islamabad." - unquote.
the people of India are waiting, for Pakistan to prosecute the Mumbai massacre masterminds, which would be taken as a measure of good intention.Modi administration must decisively push Pakistani establishment to dismantle terror sanctuaries once and for all. That any future adventure akin to Mumbai will be considered as an act of war.
Sir, India should realize that now we not only have nuclear weapons, but we can also use Polio as a bio-terrorism weapon. No need for us to be afraid of anyone.
The article shys away from analyzing India‘s plunge into rightist politics making it difficult to ascribe the win of BJP to its development slogan or hinduvta narrative. Yes, Sharifs believe in developing infrastructures, the mega symbols of economic boom and they love to open trade with our neighbouring countries. Will India be able to restrain under Modi incase of some eventuality like Mumbai 1993 or 2008, is a question of concern for the world. Because old habits die hard. Good piece by Raza Rumi.
Pakistan should be afraid of no one, except the militant cancer that is eating its soul from inside...all that India, Afghanistan, and Iran have to do is to wait patiently like vultures...and later swoop in on the carcass.
100% sure & truth is pakistan afraid of Modi
Very good article, only way forward for both countries is trade and cooperation in getting rid of terrorism.
"For most Pakistanis, a BJP victory comes as a sort of validation of the contested Two Nation Theory"
WOW! What a brainless logic.... so all these congress years were invalidation of Two Nation theory then??? S