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Numerical majority may be the lifeline of governments in democracy but that’s not the solitary legitimising factor. Legitimacy lies in the social contract that leaders acquire during their rule; trust that develops through their intent and performance. That trust evaporates if the government violates constitutional morality and its intent is not in tune with the larger public good.

Narendra Modi Government is now grappling with an agonising public reappraisal. There is alarm and despondency everywhere; somehow the picture is blackened. Difficult to guess whether the force of circumstances created this crisis or the moment of truth has finally arrived. 

Believe it or not, the prime minister who so assiduously built the image of a leader who inspires awe doesn’t come to the Lok Sabha fearing an assault by women MPs. The supreme leader is so frightened of getting exposed that the Leader of Opposition is not allowed to speak in parliament. 

The “master strategist” draws up such a self-defeatist plan of visiting Israel at a time when the intelligentsia, domestic audience, global community and even the opposition in the host country are left wondering about the motive. The “robust nationalist” has chosen to completely ignore the unusual dose of insult from US President Donald Trump. Is Modi prioritizing his personal survival over India’s strategic interest?

Modi magic lies dismantled. His escapism now advertises the aches and pains of political decay. While the swagger is gone, Modi is now unwittingly parading his failures before the nation. Hindutva politics that thrived on Muslim hate is now conspiring to frame the Shankaracharya in a false sex crime. Minor protests invite police crackdown. Students are assaulted on university campuses and outside. The employment scenario remains depressing. The so-called “powerful orator”, who addresses the nation on petty issues like GST rate cut, remains silent on the US trade deal that will have grave national consequences. The Artificial Intelligence summit, an event designed to camouflage the grim........

© The Wire