Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a politician par excellence. Modi played his cards with elegance today in Rajya Sabha, when during his speech on a special discussion on 'Role of Rajya Sabha and need for Reforms' on the occasion of 250th session of the Upper House, he eulogised the 'political niceties' of NCP and BJD.
The Prime Minister praised both the parties for not storming into the well of the House, even at times of provocative political slugfest. Modi was all praise for the 'niceties' both the parties have displayed. "These democracy decorum need to be learnt by all members, including my party," said Modi.
Politics is not all about what is said. Rather, real politics is that which is unsaid.
When BJP's long-time ally Shiv Sena in pursuance of its CM ambition ditched BJP and have decided to join hands with NCP and Congress to form government in Maharashtra, the PM's pat for NCP is being construed as Modi's reminder to NCP to follow the 'political niceties' and don't jump into the well to grab power, especially when people have given mandate to NDA.
And when the NDA government has decided to introduce as many as 27 bills in the winter session, especially when ideological ally Shiv Sena (3 MPs) switched over to opposition benches, PM Modi talked highly about the 'political niceties' and expecting the 8-member strong BJD to follow so during passage of the bills in the Upper House.
The words of PM Modi that the decorum shown by both the parties in the Rajya Sabha has in no way curtailed their political influence in their respective states, assumes much significance.
While BJD retained power for the 5th consecutive time in Odisha, despite Modi tsunami sweeping across the length and breadth of the country, Sharad Pawar led NCP posted smart gains in the recently held Maharashtra Assembly polls, despite desertions by many heavyweights.
Political observers read the statement of Modi as the PM playing his ace card to stop ganging up against him in the Indian polity, especially in the corridors of the Parliament and Maharashtra.