Indian instance: Some lessons for neighbours?
ABMS Zahur
All calculations proved wrong. Atal Behari Vajpayee has earned deep respect as a politician, statesman and a diplomat of high calibre. Without conceding an iota of Indian sovereignty he successfully could draw USA nearer. He has proved that the common Pakistanis or Indians do not like hostility against each other. Till the ugly Gujarat riot he was more acceptable to the Indian Muslims compared to other leaders of the BJP. But his total failure to handle Modi cost him heavily. His policy of privatisation was not accepted well by the common people. In fact his success was confined to the upper and middle class. The phenomenal economic development could not make the rural poor happy. There was virtually no improvement in their lifestyle during the last six years. The bottom 300 million Indians have proved that they are no less powerful than the upper 300 million. Thus election 2004 has revealed the maturity of Indian democracy and the secular outlook of the Indians. Once again the world has seen that the people of India have not forgotten the teachings of Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad. The people of India have given their verdict that religion-based politics cannot be fitted into the modern system. This result is likely to both influence and frustrate sections of politicians as well as voters in both Bangladesh and Pakistan. The independence of Bangladesh proved that the people of Bangladesh are basically secular in their outlook. However, because of administrative and political failure of Awami League which lost power in 1975 the so called communal and fundamentalist elements in Bangladesh got opportunity to rehabilitate themselves and also gain power. As things are we are concerned at gaining power by them. In fact some them have already started dictating terms to their advantage. Of course we do not envisage any total control by these elements. The common people will not accept them as we see in India that despite some astounding successes by BJP-led alliance it failed to retain power due to the people's verdict in favour of reestablishing secularism. Because of the attitude of some BJP stalwarts and considering the greater good to her party Sonia appears to have rightly refused to become the prime minister. Her recommendation of Manmohan Singh for the premiership of India may be regarded as very sound, though Manmohan's political career is rather short. With not so much experience in politics this distinguished economist will have to run a coalition government. Needless to say that it needs dexterity in handling the coalition partners. He will also have to repair the serious damage done by the NDA regime i.e. reestablish secularism. We may not be pessimistic about the future of Indian politics because Manmohan possesses the greatest asset i.e. integrity and honesty. He is also pragmatic and as such adjustment, where necessary, will be done. Though a strong believer in public sector led growth he has already accepted that both public and private sectors will play their due role in the growth and development of India. In regard to foreign policy he has categorically emphasised the need for developing better relations with India's neighbours, particularly Pakistan. Bangladesh may expect a better deal in sharing of common river waters. There is strong possibility of revising the river linking plan. Better trade relation of Bangladesh with India may be developed. There may be more meaningful negotiations on border disputes. The unethical practice of "push in" may stop. Bangladesh will certainly extend more cooperation if India can grow trust and confidence for Bangladesh. As the bigger country it is wrong for India to constantly remind of its bigness directly or indirectly. With Manmohan as the premier of India we may also see the vitalisation of SAARC. With revival of secular practices in India the minority communities in Bangladesh and Pakistan will also gain confidence in retrospect. Manmohan Singh has lauded the progress made by India so far. But he has stated that despite enormous development India has to go a long way to make the people really happy and prosperous. In fact the actual position of India is way behind the publicity made by Vajpayee government. As per United Nations Human Development Index (2001 AD) India's position was 127 among 175 countries. Its per capita GDP is $462 against world average of $5133 and third world average of $1270; under-5 infant mortality 93/1000 live births against world average of 56/1000. India spends 0.9 per cent (1/3rd of developing countries' average) against WHO standard of 5 percent of GDP for public health. Every conceivable indicator like health, longevity, freedom from bondage, social opportunity, gender equity, general level of popular education and culture or citizens' rights points to the urgent need for going a long way to place India, the third largest economy in Asia and the biggest democracy in the world, among the developed nations. With peace, stability and adoption of rational approach to development the prospect of Indian graduation to the developed world seems certainly not too far. With his honesty, integrity and strong will power Manmohan Singh appears to be capable of attaining the goal provided his coalition partners fully cooperate with him. Let us wish him success. ABMS Zahur is a retired Joint Secretary.
| 
