Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Opposition should be constructive – not destructive' that was published in Newsband

Opposition should be constructive – not destructive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Opposition for putting roadblocks in the way of the government’s development efforts. Modi’s government has indeed been making a desperate effort to putting an end to the culture of keeping files pending, completing every mission, fulfilling every promise made to the people of the country etc. But why should he face destructive opposition? Why can’t the opposition parties indulge in constructive opposition?

Modi was addressing around 20,000 swachhagrahis (cleanliness ambassadors). He honoured 10 swachhagrahis from different States. He claimed that some 3.5 lakh villages have become Open Defecation Free in the last three-and-a-half years.  

But it is strange that he is blocked by one of the weakest oppositions in the history of the country. In fact, Modi should make his party strong enough to be able to face even a strong opposition party which might emerge in the future in the parliament.  

Modi is right. The Opposition should not prevent implementation of development plans. But Modi has full majority in Lok Sabha and a very sizeable strength in Rajya Sabha also. In fact, 19 states are ruled by his party, which means, that if he passes some policies, there should be a high chance that the state governments will abide and implement it.

Modi should also focus on other promises made related to generating employment of two crore youths per year, construction of thirty lakh houses to poor, bringing down prices of essential commodities, lowering price of Dollar against rupees, construction of smart cities, providing free education to all, providing round the clock electricity to all parts of our country, giving befitting reply to Pakistan at appropriate time and not to mention about bringing back black money stashed abroad, by remitting the same to the tune of fifteen lakh to every Indian citizen's account and many more.

The states are ruled by different parties and if projects are given in different places then the speed and way it is done to help the people will be enhanced by each state so that the ruling party in each state shows its merit by doing it better.  Ability to get work done is a skill. When we point a finger at others we forget that three fingers point back. A leader must have the ability to have a team which is capable and able.

Our PM should not just focus on cleanliness but also care for problems related to farmers, unemployed youth, unorganized workers and executive corruption.