Thread by @ShefVaidya

#ReadTheThread The one thing about this government that is different from the Congress govt is that it listens - both to supporters as well as well-intentioned critics. It takes feedback and shows every intention to course correct.

Yesterday, some people including me were invited to meet the FinMin Nirmala Sitharaman ji yesterday. All of us have been scathing in our criticism of the budget. Yet, @nsitharaman ji was gracious enough to invite us for a frank interaction on several issues. @nsitharamanoffc

Not saying @nsitharamanoffc will accept all our recommendations, but there was a willingness to engage. None of us who were invited to meet her were big name editors or CEOs. Yet, she invited us, listened patiently to our concerns. And trust me, we were blunt as a group.

As a @BJP4India supporter, this gives me hope. Can you imagine an interaction like this happening when @PChidambaram_IN was the Fin Min? At that time, finance ministry, or indeed, any ministry was an exclusive club that allowed access to a chosen coterie.

Of late, I have been scathing and brutal in my criticism of @BJP4India and I will continue to criticise them on issues like accepting tainted politicians and rape accused thugs. I will continue to hold them accountable. I will continue to expect high performance.

Here I have to mention that even when I was outraging over the induction of rape accused Babush Monserrate in @BJP4Goa, NO ONE from the BJP told me to tone down. Some party insiders reached out wanting to know my concerns, but at NO point did anyone try to stifle my voice.

After my visit to the Pakistani Hindu refugee camp and understanding what the Modi government has done to make their migration easier, like allowing them to open bank account, have Aadhar cards, I have a whole new respect for this govt’s commitment to the core agenda.

Of course, this doesn’t mean I or other ardent Modi supporters will not criticise them on issues. In fact, the most scathing criticism on the budget came not from the Modi haters, but it came from Modi supporters. That is d difference between Congress and @BJP4India supporters

Congress supporters have no ideology except making money and left liberals have no goal except self-promotion, But BJP supporters criticise on ideology. That is good. We need to keep criticising where needed, praise where praise is due. We must demand n even outrage when needed

But we must also be open enough to admit that at times we can go overboard in our criticism. IF @narendramodi -@AmitShah deliver on Kashmir in the coming weeks, we have to be open enough to admit that, while our demands may be just, we erred in doubting Modi Ji’s intentions.

Let us judge this government on its actions, not on its slogans! @narendramodi @AmitShah @nsitharaman @smritiirani