Cannot back Modi for PM, Congress the less disturbing option: The Economist
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In what could be taken as a considerable blow to the carefully constructed ‘internationally acclaimed’ image of Narendra Modi, Britian based newspaper ‘The Economist’ has categorically stated that it “cannot bring itself to back Mr Modi for India's highest office.”
In the editorial titled ‘Can anyone stop Narendra Modi?’ it cites Modi’s divisive politics as the reason for it’s reluctance to back the BJP PM nominee.
The Economist has given Modi’s reluctance to express remorse over the 2002 Gujarat riots, his failure to condemn the recent Muzaffarnagar riots, and his roots as an RSS cadet, wiping up Hindus against Muslims in his early speeches, as the basis of its argument.
In a choice between two evils, the newspaper has given a reluctant recommendation to the Congress as a lesser evil.
“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.”
Reading the current anti incumbency mood in the country right now, the publication states that it sees a Congress victory unlikely, but if it does it recommends that Rahul Gandhi should promote other leaders who bring in modernity. In case of a BJP win, the paper appeals to BJP’s coalition partners to get a Prime Minister other than Narendra Modi.
“If Congress wins, which is unlikely, it must strive to renew itself and to reform India. Mr Gandhi should make a virtue of his diffidence by stepping back from politics and promoting modernisers to the fore. There are plenty of them and modernity is what Indian voters increasingly demand. If, more probably, victory goes to the BJP, its coalition partners should hold out for a prime minister other than Mr Modi,” says The Economist.
