Modi strengthens brand as PM clamour grows

When it comes to branding himself, even as the clamour within the BJP for his projection as PM candidate increases, Narendra Modi is going beyond simply talking about the governance model of his state administration. Shekhar Iyer reports.

When it comes to branding himself as an able administrator, even as the clamour within the BJP for his projection as PM candidate increases, Narendra Modi is going beyond simply talking about the governance model of his state administration.

His government's general administration department (GAD) has now, come out with a compendium of “best practices” in Gujarat that are innovative and can be adopted in rest of India.

The document lists Modi's administrative model in six areas - efficient delivery of services, employment, empowerment, equity and predictability, justice, transparency and accountability.

The compendium is broadly on the lines of what Modi told students of Delhi's Shri Ram College of Commerce in a well attended gathering on February 6, emphasising on good governance as the mantra for expansion of social opportunities, removal of poverty, good quality service, enlightened policy makingh and an administration imbued with professional ethos.

Aides said Modi wanted to highlight that good governance does not occur by chance and must be nourished explicitly and consciously by the state.

Listing the best practices in Gujarat, the document outlines in detail the steps taken by Modi in administration, job creation, investment and promotion, primary education, health, agriculture, rural development, science and technology, energy, urban development, social justice and empowerment, food and civil supplies.

As for Modi's innovative approaches in governance, the document says India cannot blindly follow the capitalist model of growth that puts excessive reliance on market forces.

"For, such a model may fail to provide stability to the Indian democracy. And yet, rapid economic growth is essential to meet aspirations of the youth."

Meanwhile, BJP chief Rajnath Singh has held that a decision on BJP’s PM candidate will be taken by the party's parliamentary board and hinted at a "bigger role" for Gujarat CM in the run-up to the next polls.

At recent BJP meetings, party workers have resorted to sloganeering in support of Modi.

As BJP insiders do not rule out similar demands being voiced when the BJP's national council meets in Delhi on March 2 and 3, party leaders say any decision on the PM candidate could be taken only close to the actual dates of the elections.