Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Modi-Manmohan Meet – a great event' that was published in Newsband

Modi-Manmohan Meet – a great event

There was a meeting between current Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley too makes it a point to keep in touch with his predecessor, P. Chidambaram, and Dr. Singh, on matters economic. Thus it is clear that the present government considers governance as a cooperative enterprise.

A Meeting between and ex and present PMs need not be abhorred and in fact be welcomed. It is a good precedent to be emulated by others including CMs of various states. If the meeting was really intended for discussion of economy and foreign affairs, Modi has done a good beginning and Singh has duly contributed to a welcome precedent. We appreciate both and expect many more such events from many more such personalities in our country.

PM Modi and former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh's meeting has been a healthy development in a healthy democracy. It should be taken as two statesmen having met and discussed for healthier economy. Who was the teacher or student is immaterial and irrelevant. That lessons were learnt or unlearnt by each other mutually with respect is important and relevant. An excellent development in the context of healthy democracy for the economy and much talked about common man.

It is vital to remember that the country' interest supercedes party politics. Shree Vajpayee always showed respect to his opposition leaders. There are issues in foreign affairs and economic matters that need continuity and such a meeting was long overdue.

Let us learn to have mutual respect, cut the personal abuse and do what is right for the country. It is high time the ruling party and the opposition learn to work on solutions to our problems than rule by ordinances and by merely using slogans to oppose. Politics can rise above personal attacks.

It is great that the current and former PMs reached each other to enhance the economic situations and foreign policies of the country rather than avoiding each other. This is a true display of statesmanship by both and a lesson to be learnt by the aspiring politicians. Everyone needs to provide their valuable suggestions and act accordingly in steering the nation to reach its pinnacle in every aspect rather than isolating themselves from the government and blaming it as a spectator.

Both before and after the 2014 elections the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party were always on combative mode. They were behaving like enemies to each other. There was no common ground on any issue. Every occasion was utilised to spite the other. So, the meeting between the former PM and Modi has been marked by raised eye brows and for some not reconciled even to their face to face it was an undesirable development. Vested interests would want the animosity between the two major parties to continue. This will not be in the interest of the common man who only wants his lot to improve. For this, cooperation between the two parties is essential. Their differences are deep-seated and it will not be easy to overcome them. But a beginning should be made to create a conducive atmosphere by eschewing abrasive language and one-up-man-ship attitude. It is all easier said but if they really mean serving the poor, they must take forward Modi-Manmohan meet to usher in a new era of constructive cooperation.