Even though more than three years have passed ever since the Modi government has come to power but it has failed to provide good governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 36th edition of Mann Ki Baat but he has been unable to connect with masses. Modi might be possessing good oratory skills to attract voters but most of the schemes announced by his government have failed to take off. While campaigning for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls Modi had promised to create one crore jobs if the BJP government comes to power. However, India is right now witnessing a ‘jobless growth’ as since last two years (2015 and 2016), the average employment generation has declined to less than 2 lakh jobs a year.
India will have to generate a million new jobs per month to keep pace with its rising population. Modi had promised that the government would deposit Rs 15 lakh in every citizen’s bank account and bring back black money from abroad. Even today people are waiting for the amount to be credited in their account. Hastily announced demonetisation campaign further added to people’s woes as many of them had to stand in serpentine queues outside banks to exchange or deposit old notes. Many people had lost their lives during the demonetisation while standing in queues. Around 86% currency had gone out of circulation due to demonetisation. Moreover, hasty implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has impacted the economy.
Prakash Reddy, CPI (M) politburo member said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has failed to fulfil the promises made by him. Modi used the programme Mann Ki Baat to gain publicity. After becoming Prime Minister, Modi has never taken a press conference. He has failed to attend several Parliament sessions. He should take opposition into confidence. They should also be given a chance to voice their concern.”
Activist Medha Patkar said, “Through Mann Ki Baat, Modi speaks about what comes in his mind and also issues political statements. He never speaks about incidents like journalist Gauri Lankesh’s murder, inter-linking of rivers. Modi effectively uses technology to connect with citizens but he seldom listens to other’s opinions. He works for the interest of corporates and they control media today.”
Hansraj Ahir, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs said, “Modi speaks about the welfare of citizens through his programme Mann Ki Baat. He tries to interact with people. This is a good programme and it should continue to be aired in a democratic country like India.”
Pratap Rao Jadhav, Shiv Sena MP said, “Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had effectively led a coalition govt. However, I have not seen a PM like Modi and he is an intelligent leader. After the Modi government has come to power cross-border terrorism has increased and jawans have lost their lives. Since NDA is in power it should be NDA’s baat not anyone’s Mann Ki Baat.”
“Modi had won election by effectively using social media and now his leaders are urging people to follow Mann Ki Baat instead of social networking sites. People are posting anti-Modi comments everyday on social media. After the implementation of GST and demonetisation no tender has been passed. Instead of interacting with citizens the government should provide results as people are aware about ground realities,” he added.
Madhukar Chavan, ex-MLA Congress said, “Modi doesn’t speak Mann Ki Baat but Mannmaani Ki Baat. He is least bothered about hardships faced by people. He has failed to address the unemployment issues. Farmers are committing suicide due to crop failure and rising debt burden. If the government fails to deliver then people will give a befitting reply to them.”
