There are many ways to tell a man’s character. One of them is how he relates to women. In the normal course, what Narendra Modi does with women would be of no concern to us. He is, all said and done, just one more of the multitude.
Not all men, however, have an opportunity to govern a state for over twelve years. Fewer wish to govern a nation. When such a man pronounces that he is the best man for the top job in India because of who he is, he makes his mental makeup an object of scrutiny. It thus follows that we must take stock of Modi’s relationships with women.
Four women appear to have played more than a passing role in Modi’s life thus far. His mother Heera, his wife Jashoda, his former colleague in the Gujarat ministry Maya Kodnani, and the woman who Modi’s government snooped on – the daughter of Modi’s friend Pranlal Soni.
There is worship, apathy, a dash of worry, and possibly enmity. There is no friendship.
The only consistent relationship Modi has had with a woman is with his mother. There appears to be harmony here. There is at least an annual visitation, on Modi’s birthday. The mother comes across as comfortable with this. Modi definitely is.
It is a relationship built on worship. There is strong adherence to ritual – Modi touches his mother’s feet and she blesses him. She can be seen offering him sweets and caressing his face and shoulders. There is peace. There is no intimacy. We have not seen photographs of them hugging, for instance.