“Firstly, we should deal with anybody who the people of India elect and secondly, let's not forget that the last time we had a breakthrough in our relationship was also with a BJP government.
Mr Vajpayee was from the BJP. I think before an election, politics is slightly different - more nationalistic and so on - but after elections you handle state affairs.”
Former Pakistan military spokesperson Maj Gen (Retd) Attar Abbas said, “Modi stands for anti-Pakistan rhetoric and allegations in his election speeches. When in power, corporate interests behind him may trump political expediencies.”
Asked if he predicts a major shift in India's military and security policy vis-a-vis Pakistan, he told PTI, “Security and foreign policy is well entrenched and mature. Establishment will take over him. Modi will be more of an Indian headache than pain in Pakistan.”
The taint of 2002 Gujarat riots remains on Modi here.
“How will he treat the Muslims in India? Wouldn't the extreme right-wing organisations in Indian not get emboldened? What will be his Pakistan policy?”
These are some of the frequent questions that come up whenever an Indian interacts with anyone here, be it from the government or the common man.
