Hindutwa supporters should understand that Modi is no longer the poster boy of Hindutwa. He is not only the head of the largest democracy of the world, but also a very important player in international politics. There is a universal consensus at the diplomatic level that there is no substitutes for talks to resolve any international problem. India cannot be seen as putting unreasonable demands as preconditions before talks. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sharif announced in Ufa that they would resume a process of dialogue and engagement, it was appreciated that the two Prime Ministers had agreed that India and Pakistan have a collective responsibility to ensure peace and promote development and, for this, they were prepared to discuss all outstanding issues. I was really surprised to see Modi government's cancellation of talks for objection over Pakistan’s National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz meeting Hurriyat leaders.
Talking to the nuclear neighbour should not be seen as a sign of weakness. Besides, Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism. It is cooperating with international players to curb terrorism. Despite trying its best, India has not been able to convince the world about Pakistan's role in abetting and sponsoring terrorism. Or, should I say even if Pakistan's role has been exposed, the world cannot treat it as a pariah as it is the most important country in tackling the terrorism menace. Nobody is saying that India should concede anything to Pakistan. And I am also not suggesting India to drop its guard against cross-boarder terrorism or its war preparation. What I am saying is talks must go on. Because talks have no negative impact. Only positive results can emerge out of it.
We don't know about anything about the result of the meeting. All we know that it was an informal meeting between the two heads of the states. Maybe a personal chemistry between the two leaders has developed. I really cannot understand why some people are criticising the good will visit! Also, what is the point in speculating who is behind the growing bonhomie between Nawaz and Modi? So what if industrialist Sajjan Jindal played a pivotal role in bringing them together? Peace-lovers should not fret about anything that can bring peace.
However, one important question that should be asked is is the powerful army of Pakistan on board? If they are not, no matter how much Nawaz and Modi try, it will not result in any tangible change in ground situation. But as a practicing democracy, we must encourage the fledgling democracy in Pakistan by helping democratically elected leaders. They can help us in bringing back the fugitives like Dawood or bringing the perpetrators of Mumbai 26/11 terrorist attack to book.
As far as domestic politics is concerned, Modi has nothing to lose either by this innovative gesture. His hardcore Hindutwa supporters, at best, can troll, but they will not ditch him. Because there is no better substitute. By warming up to Pakistani premier, Modi has successfully changed his image of a Hindutwa hawk. The BJP cannot alienate 17% of India's population. The BJP cannot be seen as an anti-Muslim party. It has been repeatedly observed that whenever the Muslim votes consolidated against the BJP, the party has lost the election. At any point of time, some supporters will be alienated, but some new supporters must join the party to make it a vibrant party.
Picture taken from the net
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