Modi takes cue from Musharraf

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi never tried to hide his dislike for former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. Modi famously referred to him as Mian Musharraf. Ironically, after his recent address to NRIs via video-conference, Modi's source of inspiration for his India First formulation was traced to Musharraf's Pakistan First. All eyes and ears were on what Modi would tell NRIs on his record on secularism, as he always managed to dodge the issue. In his bid to come up with fancy response, Modi had to fall back on Musharraf to come up with an entirely new definition of secularism, saying it means India First. After the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) performance of Modi, the saffron party was very enthused about his oratorical skills. But there were whispers all around that Modi cleverly glossed over his record on secularism. When the NRI audience had to be addressed, Modi tried being too clever by coming up with his own definition of secularism. One was reminded of BJP veteran Atal Behari Vajpayee. During 1996-98, when he was making attempts to become Prime Minister, Vajpayee similarly latched on to a booklet by Congress veteran V N Gadgil and demanded a fresh debate on secularism. Aspiring to become Prime Minister, Modi seems to be treading in the footsteps of Vajpayee.