At the very outset let it be clearly understood that this writer neither supports nor opposes Mr. Narendra Modi’s candidature to become prime minister. His opponents claim he will divide the nation. His supporters claim that he will bring a qualitative change in India. I am detached and indifferent because a qualitative change does not excite me. Only a fundamental change interests me. I will focus therefore on the narrow aspect of the much touted Gujarat Model of development associated with Mr. Modi.

What is the Gujarat Model?

Across India and much of the world the Gujarat Model is being referred to as the mantra of progress. Big businessmen from Europe descended on Gujarat to laud this model. An American university contemplated a lecture by Mr. Modi over television to expound on the Gujarat Model. Mr. Modi came to a Delhi College and enthralled students and the media by his exposition of the Gujarat Model.

What I have been able to glean with my limited knowledge about the Gujarat Model is that it is designed to facilitate investment by reducing red tape and minimizing corruption. It is designed to encourage business to invest and expand. At the same time it is designed to tighten administration for better delivery to ordinary citizens. All this is very desirable.

But as a model how is it different from what Dr. Manmohan Singh unsuccessfully aspires for? How is it different in fact from the commonsense notions that are as old as the hills?

Ah, but calling it the Gujarat Model gives Mr. Modi a new patent over an ancient formula. To the vague understanding of ignoramuses like this writer and the large bulk of the population it conjures the illusion of some magical formula that will banish all grievances inflicted by the current dispensation.

That is how the hidden persuaders of big media controlled by big business work. They provide hope. They glorify traditional policies by inventing a new nomenclature that creates interest among the simple minded. There is a groundswell for Mr. Modi among the BJP members. It might very well spread to non-members. But there should be no confusion. The initial impulse for creating the groundswell came from big businessmen and not from small citizens. And the strategy used is by no means new.

Recall the ancient commonsense wisdom handed down the ages that countries should aspire for good relations with neighbours to ensure peace and progress. One Prime Minister announced his intention to follow this obvious commonsense advice. The hidden persuaders went to work. They immortalized this ancient bit of commonsense as the Gujral Doctrine. So why not the Gujarat Model? It simplifies matters for the uninitiated unable to understand the complexities of governance and policies. It arouses hope. It increases support.