Riots in UP happened not because of Modi but because the regional parties there wanted to consolidate minority votes.
BRIDGETOWN, NJ, USA: This is in response to Kamal Siddiqi’s piece “Modification on India” (October 21). Narendra Modi and the BJP simply lack the broad-based support and coalition partners to form the next government, unless a wave is generated to sweep it in. What he has done in Gujarat is what everyone wants — the same level of development — in their respective states as well. Gujarat also happens to be the safest state in the country — women can safely travel anywhere at any time of day or night, alone and without fear. No wonder women and the youth are his biggest supporters.
Riots in UP happened not because of Modi but because the regional parties there wanted to consolidate the minority votes by creating fear. Bihar is another state where it can happen because Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is losing ground and may resort to desperate measures. However, religious minorities are slowly understanding these dynamics better — on one side are secular parties, which harness their votes by creating and maintaining fear; on the other side is promising, unhindered economic development.
Feroz Daruwala
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2013.
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