Amrita Sharma
Narendra Modi, CM of Gujarat
New Delhi: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is a man you can talk about, debate about and even rave about, but you just can’t ignore him. He is known as the charismatic leader who wields unparalleled power in Gujarat. But what is interesting to note is the way women of the state perceive the Chief Minister.
Widely known by his Gujarati initials Namo, Modi has been popular among womenfolk for long, especially for taking on the ‘anti-national’ forces without fear of consequences. Post the riots in the state, women particularly Hindu women, have felt that things for them might have been worse if not for Modi.
”There were times when my daughter would be late from college but I still would not worry so much because in Modi’s rule, things were in control,” said Mrs. Shanta Sheth, a housewife from Ahmedabad.
The women also strongly believe that many more Hindus would have fallen in the Gujarat violence if not for Modi. So strong has the suave leader’s hold been that many others they will go ahead and vote for BJP only because Modi belongs to that party.
”I admit that I was not really familiar with the name of the local candidate, but I still voted for him because he was from Modi’s party,” said Anahita Parekh, who works as an Industrial Psychologist in Surat.
What also attracts Gujarati women about Modi is that the development in the state has been unprecedented under him. ”He is the man who will be able to work for Gujarat. He has already done a lot of work in the state and it’s out there for everyone to see,” said Hina Patel, who works as a teacher in Baroda.
But on the other hand, there are also many women from the elite section of society who feel that Modi exploits the communal nerve of the state to his advantage. But one thing that women across the state agree upon is that Modi does have a flamboyant presence.
Every time he appears on television or speaks at a rally, he does have the art of holding people’s rapt attention. Women especially can’t help but notice his panache. It’s a major reason for his popularity among womenfolk – something that even helps him in getting votes.
”There is a lot of raw energy that he exudes. You can’t help but stop to hear what he has to say. He uses his voice, his eyes and his words, for the right effect,” said Mrinalini Mehta, a college student.
It seems clear then that whether they like it or not, women can’t deny that Modi does have that ”jenais se quoi” – if you get my drift!
Now, that’s what you call a real ”feminine appeal”.
Source: www.ndtv.com
