Thank God for this

For quite some time now, the Prime Minister is being judged for what he hasn't said than for what he has. So, for all his Mann Ki Baat of Swachh Bharat, growth and development, what's still awaited is a word on the unabated disturbing running commentary of Sangh Parivar hardliners. Reports of a temple dedicated to him at a village in Gujarat's Rajkot, however, elicited a prompt and reassuring response from the PM. “Have seen the news about a temple being built in my name. I was appalled. This is shocking and against India's great traditions. Personally, it made me very sad. If you have time and resources, devote it for Clean India,” he tweeted. It took nearly two years to build the temple. It had a photograph of Narendra Modi initially, but was replaced with a bespectacled and bearded stone idol.

It would be tempting to attribute the PM's rebuff to his overzealous supporters as a sign of change after the BJP's embarrassing rout in the Delhi Assembly elections. Several political voices have been loud enough to link the astounding verdict against the party to the inexplicable silence on the damaging remarks made by the likes of BJP MPs Sakshi Maharaj and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti. Or the free hand given to the fringe elements to dictate terms and get away with absurdities of their own imagination.

Overconfidence, arrogance and smugness are being read as key contributing factors for the national Capital saying no to the ruling party. Narendra Modi's expensive suit worn during the US President's visit, pinstriped with his own name, turned out to be not merely a badly scripted fashion statement, but also what's unsuitable for sensibilities. India has been foremost on the PM's agenda in his extensive engagement since taking office. A word or two on what the country cannot stand for should not be held back any longer. Like the quick reaction to this temple, for example. Please say more, Prime Minister. That would be a welcome development.