Modi Governance: Honeymoon blues?

In a blog to mark his first 30 days in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi complains of facing “resistance” from both “within” and “outside” the “government system”, and being denied the traditional “honeymoon” period of the first one hundred days of a government when it is spared criticism.

This is mystifying. Even a cursory look at the newspapers and television will reveal that the media is eating out of the government’s hand, and routine official announcements are claiming banner headlines — suggesting an indulgent media.

While some things that have happened are worthy of criticism — to wit, the advice to ministers and BJP MPs not to speak to the media unless cleared to do so — even traditional BJP critics are being careful not to be seen going to town with their opinions. Everyone seems to be waiting to see what the Modi government concretely does, and is therefore waiting for the Budget and other big policy moves.

If the media has shown restraint, the Opposition parties have not fired on all cylinders either. A minister’s reckless observations on the sensitive Article 370 — dealing with Kashmir — drew only calibrated comment. The circular on what sounded like imposing Hindi was essentially criticised by some regional parties, not others. The government hiked railway fares, saying it had implemented the UPA’s plan. But no one asked whether it was obliged to do so.