Invited by the Indian High Commission for the UK Welcomes Modi event at the Wembley Stadium and VIP Dinner Reception in Bobby Moore Suite I have had the good fortune to attend both events last Friday, Nov 13. Thanks to brilliant work of the High Commission both the events were well organised, punctual and magnificent as Mr Modi would have wanted them.
The attendees were graced by Mr Modi and British Prime Minister Mr David Cameron and his wife Samantha. The event’s highlight was the speeches, first by Mr Cameron and then by Prime Minister Mr Modi. Mr Cameron made a brilliant speech to the Indian Diaspora. He explained the importance of India-UK friendship and cooperation and the positive contribution to UK economy and society made by Indians especially Hindus. It was gratefully received by the audience and he was repeatedly applauded by them.
Mr Modi is an eloquent speaker. He spoke mostly in Hindi without any note. It was a very thoughtful speech explaining the large number of programmes he has undertaken in such a short time and successful completion of many of them. It was very much appreciated by the Indian Diaspora that they were given a socio-political account since he came to power.
What he missed was why he lost very badly Delhi and Bihar elections. Unless steps are taken to rectify the problem his fate could be the same as that of Sri Atal Behari Vajpayee. Brilliant speech abroad is unlikely to translate into votes at home.
Jatindra Saha
By email
