What next for Modi?

Unlike other days, discussion in the metro coaches was focused around counting of votes and who is leading where.

jasleen

Jasleen Kaur | May 16, 2014



Like any other news-room, people in Delhi metro this morning were active enough to predict the results and margins. Many of them were a step ahead in predicting the trouble the new prime minister may face during his rule.

While many, in the group of six men, were not really happy with the results predicting the formation of the government by Modi-led-BJP, others talked about how difficult it would be for Narendra Modi to run the government for five years.

A man, in his mid 40s, said though they are winning in huge number but the question remains who all will be part of his cabinet when many senior leaders have shown resistance to join the government. He said, “BJP president Rajnath Singh has already indicated that he will not be part of the government if the party comes to power.” 

He also added that while Congress had one high command based in 10 Janpath, there will be many such power centres within BJP. “Congress government was run by a single family. BJP government will be run by whole family of Sangh (RSS)."

Another man, in his late 30s, said while the UPA had to continuously deal with the pressure created by the allies, like in case of nuclear deal and distribution of ministries, BJP is highly likely to face the pressure from within.

“Many senior leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi and L K Advani have opposed to Modi being the prime ministerial candidate. They (BJP) have been given the chance. Let’s see how they use it.”

With BJP crossing the 300 mark and coming as the single largest party, first time in the last 30 years, it would be interesting to see the challenges the party may face in the next few years.

And going by the opposition Modi had faced before being declared the prime ministerial candidate of the party, it seems Modi will have to face more enemies within than outside. Taking along senior leaders Sushma Swaraj, Joshi and even LK Advani, who were opposed to his prime ministerial candidature but had to give in to party pressure, it will not be a smooth path for him. Will he settle down for leaders who are not experienced enough? Will he keep the control in his hand and be the face of key portfolios? Or will he get technocrats and experts like Arun Shourie from outside who held the key portfolio in the Vajpayee government? Though there is no clarity as of now on who will get the cabinet berth, coming days will be as difficult for Modi as were the days of campaigning, it seems.

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