Thiruvananthapuram: Who or what comes after Narendra Modi is a frightening question, said Adv. Sebastian Paul. "The same question was raised when Jaeaharlal Nehru died. However, the emotion raised by the question back then was not fear as it is now," added the former MP.
Sebastian Paul was speaking on the topic - ‘Nehru Muthal Modi Vareyulla Indraprasthathinte Adiyozhukkukal’ (From Nehru to Modi - The Undercurrents of the National Capital) at the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2020 (MBIFL 20). Former union minister K. P. Unnikrishnan also took part.
Sebastian Paul spoke about the importance given to tolerance during the time of the former PMs, particularly Nehru, and how intolerance has raised its ugly head during the time of the present PM.
Sebastian Paul said that what makes Modi different from the other prime ministers of our country is the difference in his approach towards the opposition. While Nehru respected the opposition despite their political differences, Modi never respected or tolerated his opposition.
Unnikrishnan openly said that though he had no personal grudge against PM Modi, he was one among those who wished his tenure ended sooner rather than later. He also elaborated on the importance of secularism which Nehru learned from Gandhi.
Interesting questions from the audience made the session more informative and entertaining.
To a question regarding what the future holds for India’s prime minister post and whether India needs another Nehru or Modi, Sebastian Paul said the BJP were gearing up to make Amit Shah the next PM.
While answering a question, Sebastian Paul said that at times it is democracy that kills democracy.
