In the Indian political context, a fast has potent symbolic value. Gandhi used fasts routinely not only to bring home a message to his fellow Indians but also as a form of self-cleansing. More recently, Anna Hazare deployed it as a weapon to pressure the government into agreeing to his demands for a Lokpal Bill.
Narendra Modi’s fast does not quite fall in either category. His stated message is that his three-day fast, which will cost the state `50 lakhs, is to promote communal harmony. But the sub-text is clear: this is a launch pad for higher things, an attempt to finally break free of the shackles of the controversies that have dogged him and move on to the national stage. His letter to his constituents, published in major newspapers, as well as his speech, have been all about how he feels the pain of all his people, but both are also peppered with repeated references to the remarkable growth of Gujarat’s economy. The riots in Ahmedabad and other places in 2002 where hundreds of Muslims died receive only the briefest mention as “communal violence” that troubled the state; those looking for contrition or even a veiled apology from him would be disappointed. That is not Mr Modi’s style at all.
The “dharma” of a leader is to provide a sense of security and well-being to his people. Going strictly by an economic definition, Gujarat has taken impressive strides in the past decade. But governance is not about economic statistics alone. It is about equity and justice, and, despite the surface calm in Gujarat, on those fronts Mr Modi cannot claim success. To say this is not to take pot-shots at him or insult the people of Gujarat, which is the spin he has regularly given to all criticism. It is to ensure that those responsible for those crimes are prosecuted. Not surprisingly, Mr Modi’s supporters within the BJP and some constituents of the NDA who attended the high-profile fast skirted these issues, choosing to hail him and his state as worthy models. It could not have escaped their attention, however, that key coalition partners like the Janata Dal (U) stayed away from the fast.
Any attempt to create harmony between communities is only to be welcomed and encouraged. That the chief minister of a state undertakes to send out a message of amity and brotherhood is a good sign to the citizenry. Yet, such initiatives will only remain at the level of lip service unless they are accompanied by a sincere attempt to assuage the hurt of each and every one of those victimised for no fault of their own. The events in Gujarat all those years ago shocked the entire nation. And closure is still nowhere in sight. Mr Modi’s fast may fulfil many purposes and give him the image boost he seeks, but these will not mean much unless he shows true regret and remorse for the events of 2002.