The spirit of accommodation

A mature parliamentary democracy is one that allots a large space for adversarial party politics even as it recognises the importance of burying differences and coming together for the sake of the nation. The lines between politicking and governing in India have always been somewhat blurred, with parties behaving as if the only way to survive and grow is to attack and oppose each other. Against this context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden speech in Parliament — a reply to the debate on his government’s agenda spelt out by the President — represents a departure. Apart from being devoid of triumphalism, Modi made a conscious effort to reach out to the Opposition, saying “I don’t want to move forward without you”. This came alongside a message about “victory teaching us humility”, which appeared to be directed more towards the ruling benches.

Such large-heartedness could owe in some measure to the comfort level provided by the BJP’s absolute majority in the Lok Sabha — with success comes generosity. There may also be a touch of political calculation — Modi still requires the help of other parties to see legislation through in the Rajya Sabha. But it would be short-sighted to deny that his speeches and actions hold out the hope that his government will rise above narrow partisan considerations. Take the emphatic support in favour of Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag’s appointment as Army chief — a decision taken by the previous government in its last days in office and which has come for some intemperate criticism from one of his former bosses, a minister in the Government. The same respect for continuity — a marked contrast from the routine reshuffle of officials when a new government takes over — has been displayed. RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has remained where he was, despite speculation to the contrary, and the term of Cabinet Secretary Ajit Kumar Seth has been extended by six months. Modi has also restrained his ministers from renaming projects begun during the previous regime.

A spirit of bipartisanship is helpful in a federal setup where the Centre cannot do much — whether it is in land acquisition for infrastructure, power reforms or the Goods and Services Tax — without getting the states on board. Modi’s party is today ruling in only seven states, including two as a junior coalition partner. The situation could improve with Assembly polls over the next couple of years. But that still does not minimise the need to actively engage the Opposition and demonstrate sensitivity to the problems of even states where the latter is in power. If Modi fulfils his promise of creating a Team India working together with his political rivals over the next five years, he would have strengthened not merely his own hands but that of the nation in tackling the myriad social and developmental challenges before it.

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