This refers to A K Bhattacharya's column "Decoding the Modi government" (New Delhi Diary, May 28). It would have been sagacious if such an opinionated article had not been hurried through. Having always appreciated the economic liberalism vouched by this newspaper, I fail to understand why the political/social context influencing such decisions was ignored. Narendra Modi's government is still a coalition, and just because the Bharatiya Janata Party has a majority in the lower house, it cannot wish away allies. Also, India is not yet ready for an American-style government with a small group of technocrats running the Cabinet. Our problems are much deeper and need relentless focus, which could be a deterrent in integrating ministries. Moreover, being a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy, technocrats should possibly be advisors or heading agencies such as Aadhaar; not running ministries.
Modi, wanting to work with his coterie of trusted ministers, should also not be a worry unless it includes the likes of Pravin Togadiya.
Therefore, though Modi's first steps have not been dramatic, they certainly are sure-footed and reasonable. Also, if these reasons lead to a slightly bigger Cabinet than what uber-reformists desire, so be it.
Brijesh Sheregar, Bangalore
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