PM Modi’s genius in invoking Karnataka’s own anthem in rebuttal to Sonia’s appeal for the state’s sovereignty.
“Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate, Jaya he Karnataka Maate” which means “Victory to you Mother Karnataka, The daughter of Mother India!” Any other politician would have made it an issue of nationalism but Modi brilliantly uses the words etched into 6 Crore Kannadiga hearts to call out how Sonia misrepresents their aspirations & taints Kannadigas as secessionists.
Sonia knew she was laying a trap by invoking regional secessionist sentiments in the garb of speaking for federalism. As a ruling PM from another state, had Modi taken Sonia’s bait & responded by doubling down on nationalism, it would have come across as Delhi talking down to Kannadigas. Congress would have made it Center vs Karnataka.
But Modi cleverly uses Karnataka’s own anthem, to establish how the Kannadigas themselves define their state to the larger world, as the proud daughter of Bharat Mata. When Kannadigas themselves in the very first line of their anthem proclaim to be an inseparable part of India, who is Italian born Sonia to speak for their sovereignty? That’s Modi’s question.
Sonia thought she could whip up Kannadiga regional sentiments at the last minute but Modi went straight into the soul of Kannadiga identity & how their forefathers defined themselves, as inseparable children of Bharat Mata. That’s why he is special.
(This article has been compiled from the tweet thread posted by @cogitoiam on May 8, 2023, with minor edits to improve readability and conform to HinduPost style guide)
