The presence of the south Asian leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is the first "diplomatic coup" by the new government even before it took over the reins of the largest democracy of the world. The extraordinary gesture by Modi in inviting his counterparts from seven other SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Coperation) nations and also from Mauritius - an observer of the SAARC with which New Delhi has close ties -- shows that the new government is capable of presenting innovative ideas. But what is more important is the boldness that he has shown by inviting the SAARC leaders - an issue that was not without controversy within his country and also in his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The focus of all eyes was on the swearing-in ceremony in the sprawling premises of the British-built red stone Rastrapati Bhavan in the capital New Delhi. The presence of SAARC leaders lent a fervour to the event that has boosted the new prime minister's image in one hand and on the other, gave India a kind of regional image that would help shed its "big brotherly" image in certain quarters. The development may also mount pressure on India's neighbours to maintain good ties with New Delhi.
The 2014 Indian elections were bitterly fought mostly on the national issues, but ties with neighbours, including Bangladesh, often figured in campaigns with varying degrees by the key players of the political spectrum. During the intense and at times acrimonious campaign, more and more contentious national issues were raised by the contending parties as they felt that the voters could be wooed by bringing in all these matters. Personal attacks were also galore - something that was not seen in the earlier polls.
Barring in Paschimbanga, Assam and other north-eastern states, Bangladesh seldom figured during the campaign. The main parties, of course, touched upon foreign policy but big global powers did not figure prominently in campaign speeches. Not too surprisingly, the neighbours - especially Pakistan and China - were frequently referred to by these parties while other neighbouring nations were also mentioned. This time, Bangladesh had often been mentioned in some Indian states that have geographical proximity with this country. Issues like the sharing of Teesta waters, land boundary accord of 1974, situation along the borders, so-called "infiltration" from Bangladesh came in the campaign in these states. The outcome of the elections has been a near landslide for the BJP and its allies.
Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi who was seen as the party's "prime minister in waiting", said on more than one occasion that relations with neighbours would remain a priority and were unlikely to see change during another spell of Congress rule, which has not happened. Narendra Modi as the nominee for prime ministership of the BJP said that if voted to power, his government would follow the foreign policy of the Vajpayee government. He sought to allay fears in some quarters that the BJP government could be harsh with some neighbours and also with the Indian minorities. Modi softened his tone on sensitive issues like ties with neighbours and secularism. He told rallies in Paschimbanga and Assam about the "Bangladeshis" in all these areas and tried to make a distinction between the "Bangladeshis" on religious lines, saying the "Hindus" would be treated with care by his government while the Muslims must leave India. Later, he avoided making distinction on religious lines.
Many saw such comments as election rhetoric which should not be taken seriously after Modi has taken over as the head of the government. The new government may take note of the fact that the BJP has not derived any benefits from the issue of "illegal immigrants" in Paschimbanga while Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of the state, won a great success in the polls taking an anti-Modi stance on this issue. However, the BJP increased its tally in Assam by raising this issue in that state.
The ruling Trinamool Congress in Paschimbanga emerged as the key force in the Lok Sabha polls in the state by winning 34 of the 42 seats. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee blows hot and cold on the issues of Teesta and LBA. Of late she dropped hints of being lenient on the LBA but remains tough on the sharing of waters of the Teesta. She claims to be keen to promote ties with Bangladesh, but is known to be unwilling to do it "at the cost of water or land". The leftists, who are the main opposition in the state, disapproves Mamata's stance on these issues. But they have unfortunately been virtually wiped out from the state as they could win in only two seats in the state. The Congress is not a force to reckon with in this state and finished with four seats while it cut a sorry figure in the national level by experiencing the worst defeat since India's independence.
 In dealing with Dhaka, Mamata is undoubtedly a big factor. She took a clear position on the issue of "illegal Bangladeshis" in India. The chief minister said that it was an issue that falls under the purview of the state government and not the centre. However, Indo-Bangladesh matters would be closely monitored by analysts as the BJP-led government has now taken the helm in India.
Mamata has stayed away from the oath-taking ceremony of new prime minister while several other chief ministers also did the same owing to varying reasons. But Modi's nobel idea in bringing together the SAARC leaders at his swearing-in ceremony has been widely commended. India's ties with neighbours are a very contentious issue because of the presence of many vexed matters. But, the new prime minister of India turned his swearing-in ceremony into a gala feat with a SAARC aroma and at least for this, he would be remembered in the future regardless of his performance as the new leader of his country.
zaglulchowdhury@yahoo.com
Does it signal Delhi\\\'s desire to improve ties with neighbours?
Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury | Published: May 29, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00
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