Yesterday was the much awaited election results day in India. It was a rare day spent almost entirely glued to the telly, watching election updates and listening to those who had won or lost. I had expected and hoped for Modi-led BJP to come to power. Yet the sheer scale of their victory and the annihilation of the ruling party was completely unexpected. I know that the expectations are sky-high with Modi and his government because there is not a promise in the book that he has not made to the electorate. The economy needs a boost — job creation, inflation, corruption, infrastructure development, and corporatization not crony capitalism. It will not be easy nor will it be achieved in little time. But a beginning has to be made. What remains to be seen is the team that is chosen by Modi and what their roadmap will be for the country’s future?
The mandate they have got is of frightening proportions. For the next 5 years, the countrymen and women have completely placed their trusts and fortunes in the hands of Modi and his partymen. On its own, BJP has absolute majority to just about do what they want. They have the power to legislate, to administer and govern the way they like. What will be seen is how efficiently they do it and what can they deliver?
Modi has come to power on the plank of development, and he knows very well that his performance will be the only parameter by which he will be judged. The country is no longer fooled by rhetoric and lofty talk. Action in words and action on the ground is what the population is thirsting for. As the Idea ad goes, “No ullu banaoing” (No fooling the people anymore)
Those who thought that their tirades and speeches could make up for their lack of performance like the ruling Congress, SP, BSP , JDU, etc. are all licking their wounds with abysmal performance.
One heartening note for me personally was seeing the BJP’s leaders and spokespeople accepting one of the biggest wins in the history of Indian elections with dignity and grace. I watched Nirmala Sitharaman reiterate that the win puts a great responsibility on BJP’s shoulders to deliver their election promises. They must remember this fact daily and honor the confidence of people in them. Senior leader, Rajnath Singh, while addressing BJP’s cadre requested everyone to not behave arrogantly. Every slogan, every word uttered in celebration must be one of respect and humility.
Considering that the election campaigning was very bitter with political name calling reaching new lows, this humble approach bodes well. BJP has to put in immense efforts to secure for itself a secular image and an inclusive approach where every citizen of this country feels safe, protected and equal. I hope they have learned enough lessons in this regard.
As I woke up this morning, I felt strangely optimistic. The new government is the exact opposite of the previous regime. It has at its helm a dynamic man who has immense administrative experience and acumen. Now is the time to see if he can deliver on the national level. He has got everything at his disposal. And he will have only himself to account for how his name will get into the history books.
“With great power comes great responsibility!”
I hope the BJP-led NDA chooses its actions wisely.
Rachna says 
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