India’s political climate is famously polariazed. Party allegiances are often lines drawn firmly in the sand, and irrespective of ramifications, decisions are often greeted with cheers or derision, based on which side of the line people stand. But Narendra Modi’s historic decision to discontinue Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes has been different.
Across social media, longtime Modi detractors are showing grudging admiration for his bold move. On Twitter, lots of people confess they aren’t traditional Modi supporters, but can give credit where credit is due.
Bro, we don't see eye to eye much, but you've made me happy today @PMOIndia.
— m. (@AGirlOfHerWords) November 8, 2016
There may be some difficulties in near term but respect for Modi has gone up many folds. Biggest ever movement to eradicate black money
— Ra_Bies (@Ra_Bies) November 8, 2016
It takes guts to go against perhaps your biggest contributors to party funds. I am no blind fan of individuals but Hats off to Modi for this
— Capt Obvious (@DesolateCranium) November 8, 2016
Mr. Modi. There might be lot of comments on u. But u earned my VOTE again for 2019. #ModiFightsCorruption #notes #noteban
— sathish shenoy (@thesathisshenoy) November 9, 2016
Now this is the time for conclusion..
Became the Fan Of Modi..
A great step by Him.
But now The black money… https://t.co/cw9046ATM2— Akash Das (@akash_adt) November 9, 2016
I know it's Modi govt. But tell me if the note ban plan was of his. Or is he just taking the credit? I'd really like to applaud the planner.
— Aishwarya Shenoy (@EyeShoe_819) November 9, 2016
Reddit too saw its share of people who were Modi skeptics, but were firmly behind the decision.
It’s literally impossible to remember the last time this happened – someone on the internet admitting that a policy change has helped them change their minds, and their votes. But that’s what bold decisions can do. Modi has put his neck out and taken a step most other would not have dared, and is winning the admiration of people across the political divide.