Mending fences with Indian Muslims

Whatever may be Prime Minister Narendra Modis actual opinion about Indian Muslims, political and diplomatic calculations have compelled him to project a change in his approach toward them. In his first exclusive interview given to an international channel after assuming charge as the premier, Modi laid emphasis on Indian Muslims patriotism, who according to him, will live and die for India. Prospects of their positive response to an earlier call by Al-Qaeda leader for joining this terrorist group, according to Modi, are delusional. It may be recalled while campaigning for the parliamentary elections; Modi did go overboard in propagating his secular image. Yet, Modi did not make any special effort to project his approach regarding the patriotism of Indian Muslims similar to that displayed recently. Modi has been known for keeping a distance from media. Not surprisingly, he did not react immediately or even within a few days after an Al-Qaeda leader expressed his intentions of opening a branch of his group in India. Modis first interview to the CNN, therefore, is not simply symbolic of an apparent shift in his approach toward Indian Muslims. Through this interview, Modi has probably used the media to promote his positive image. Some hard bargaining reportedly preceded this exclusive interview. According to sources, Modi agreed to give this interview only after reaching an agreement on questions that should be hurled at him. Of the roughly 16 questions asked, around two referred to Al-Qaeda and Indian Muslims. The crux of the interview was on Indias economy, foreign policy and whether it can emerge as an important rival to China. Nevertheless soon after the interview, maximum importance and coverage was accorded to Modis comments on Indian Muslims and his stand on Al-Qaeda leaders approach toward them. Undeniably, a media-wing played its role in taking Modis interview ahead of his trip to the US. Modi had earlier been denied visa to the US because of 2002 Gujarat carnage, targeting Muslims in this state when he was the chief minister. During the interview, CNN interviewer Fareed Zakaria highlighted this point. The full transcript of the interview was officially released in Hindi later in the week on Sept. 21. The English version released was brief with no reference to the CNNs anchor commenting on Modi having been earlier denied visa to US because of the Gujarat pogrom. From this angle, irrespective of whatever his actual stand was regarding Indian Muslims, Modi used this platform to try convincing the world about his having no doubt about their patriotism. Failure of some BJP extremists communal campaign in by-polls held recently made it probably all the more politically important for Modi to convince India and rest of the world about the apparent distance he is keeping from communal terrorists linked with the saffron brigade. Stating a few lines on patriotism of Indian Muslims was apparently viewed politically and diplomatically as the most convincing move in this direction. Securing attention in the media and trying to reach out to several political and diplomatic circles have been Modis key motives behind his decision to give an exclusive interview to an international channel. It is too early to predict as to whether Modi has succeeded in having the political and diplomatic impact that he desires. He has certainly succeeded in propagating what he wants India and rest of the world to believe that he has no doubts about Indian Muslims patriotism. But this tactic does not guarantee the response desired by Modi from the targeted audience. Email: [emailprotected]

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Mending fences with Indian Muslims