Since I saw the film aptly titled Kick (not the remade boring version of Salman’s but the Telugu original – there are some advantages that come along with being a multilingual), I was waiting for someone, who will live for kick in real life. And finally I found one, who at present leading India into something that would be defined later by historians – Narendra Modi.
First, his swearing in ceremony itself was a diplomatic coup with all SAARC heads attending it, including Pak PM Nawaz Sharif. Then came the appointment of Doval as NSA, signalling how the relations with Pakistan would be while Modi is at helm.
Icing on the cake was the selection of Smriti as HRD minister. By appointing Smriti Irani as HRD minister, he knew he would be giving a chance to the opposition to question her credentials. He also knew that whenever her academic qualifications are questions, qualifications of Rahul Gandhi also would be questioned. Of course, on the choice of Smriti, one entire article could be written and that is not the purpose of this one, and so we move on.
Modi resumed talks with Pakistan and called off them at the last moment, when their ambassador held meetings with factions of Kashmiri separatists. This repeated twice and Congress shouted from the rooftops that Modi had sabotaged all relations with the neighbour. And the noblest Mani Shankar Aiyar went many miles ahead and gave interviews in Pakistan, wherein he requested their support to uproot Modi. Didn’t Modi know that Pakistan’s ambassador would be talking to the separatists? He knew – in fact even samosa vendor in that street also knew. Still the talks were announced with full preparations, only to be cancelled at the last moment.
When everyone thought there would not be any talks between India and Pakistan, he had his two minute chit-chat that overshadowed the main news in Paris. Before everyone noticed, talks happened between NSAs at neutral venue that was followed up by Sushma Swaraj in green sari to Pakistan.
Now came the sudden stopover at Lahore only to wish Nawaz Sharif on his birthday. And the main news was Modi had touched the feet of Nawaz Sharif ‘s mother. Before the media and opposition realised what was happening he was back leaving them to their discussions. Point to note is that before leaving for Lahore, he was talking at Afghan parliament and he was criticising Pakistan, albeit without naming directly.
Remember we discussed few weeks back about the situation in Nepal. When it was suggested that Nepal shall do introspection rather than criticising India for the ongoing turmoil and blockage in their own country, there were many from Nepal who didn’t agree. But, time speaks loud and last week Nepal had informed that they consider to amend the constitution in the back drop of protests by their own citizens alleging discrimination.
As we all know, it takes two hands to shake hands and the hand of Nawaz Sharif is controlled by the Army, Hafiz Sayeed, ISI and god knows who else. Now, despite all efforts if nothing changes on ground, will Narendra Modi be blamed? Nay, he tried his best. In fact, since Vajpayee’s visit( Nawaz Sharif was the PM back then) it was only by Modi that a serious effort was visible to engage the ‘born to be the enemy’ Pakistan.
I don’t want to spoil the mood by discussing the reactions of opposition parties. And the friend, who was worse than enemy – Shivsena wanted Modi to bring Dawood to India. Only then his tours would be considered fruitful – they said. The world is full of coincidences and I remember reading with the arrests of Chota Rajan and Cheetah in the last two months, it appears that it may not be equal to day-dreaming, if one considers Dawood’s arrest – or elimination.
Dawood had celebrated his sixtieth birthday and was considering to retire from active underworld businesses; he may probably go to under-underworld. Anyway, our politicians should learn from him – when to retire from active life and enjoy life.
Everybody is not Narendra Modi to enjoy life – even when in active life and enjoying the ‘kick of life
