Letters: Mrs. Gandhi vs Mr. Modi

This has reference to Shekhar Gupta’s “Burdened with Indiranomics” (December 17). As leaders, Narendra Modi appears to follow the same style and method as Indira Gandhi did. Both are viewed as strong, powerful and self-assured leaders with daring and self-importance. Their style is marked by centralisation of control exercised with the help of a loyal team. However, what distinguishes their political economy is the objective behind it. Mrs. Gandhi’s actions were guided by self-interest and a survival instinct. Her decision to nationalise major private sector banks and stop privy purse outlay for erstwhile princes were populist measures aimed at removing her image of being a “dumb doll” (“goongi gudiya” according to Ram Manohar Lohia) and appearing as a benefactor of the poor. Her imposition of internal emergency was for survival after she was unseated from her Lok Sabha seat by the Allahabad High Court.
 
In contrast, Modi’s decisions have been for the good of the Indian economy and not for self-aggrandisement. Labour law reforms, measures for ease of doing business in India, Jan Dhan Yojana, et al are substantially for improving the business environment and inclusive growth. Mrs. Gandhi was against demonetisation but Modi has opted for it although it is fraught with risky as a strategy to eliminate corruption — the principal factor in the public support for his drive. There was no compulsion for him do so when the economy was growing steadily. He did not need a quick move to save his position. It is calculated risk taken in the belief that it would be in people good.

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