This refers to T N Ninan's column "Unipolar no more" (Weekend Ruminations, May 2). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to accept the stark reality that the Opposition has all but succeeded in projecting the land acquisition Bill as anti-farmer. Any obduracy on the part of his government will only prove to be counter-productive. Modi must, therefore, hold his horses on this Bill for the time being. A strategic retreat is better than losing a bigger battle.
When the going becomes good for the government, some elements in the Sangh Parivar seem to embarrass the government on the cue with their controversial statements and acts. As a result, the government is seen to be more in damage-control mode because of their foolish activities than in the mode for the implementation of its policies and programmes.
For his own image and credibility, Modi must nip the impression in the bud that he has his own coterie and that he depends more on it than the collective leadership of the government and the party. To look poles apart from its predecessor, the National Democratic Alliance must learn from what proved to be the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)'s undoing.
Tarsem Singh Hoshiarpur
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