How Narendra Modi Took Power in India
15 May 2024 (5 months ago)
Narendra Modi's Rise to Power and Controversies
- Narendra Modi, India's polarizing Prime Minister, rose to power due to his ability to connect with large audiences and his talent for storytelling.
- He promotes the RSS philosophy of 'Hindutva,' a hardline form of Hindu nationalism that equates being Indian with being Hindu.
- Modi's tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat was marked by the deadly 2002 riots, resulting in the destruction of a mosque and the deaths of hundreds of people, mostly Muslims.
- Despite accusations of inaction, India's Supreme Court cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Economic Policies and Success in Gujarat
- Modi's economic policies in Gujarat, such as the "Vibrant Gujarat" investors summit, attracted wealthy industrialists and led to significant economic growth in the state.
- His success in Gujarat propelled him to become the BJP's candidate for Prime Minister, promising to replicate the "Gujarat Model" at the national level.
Modi's Tenure as Prime Minister
- Narendra Modi became India's Prime Minister in 2014 after a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections.
- He focused on the country's development challenges, including infrastructure spending, economic reforms, and addressing terrorism.
- Modi implemented various reforms such as a national identity card, inflation target, and a goods-and-services tax.
- In 2019, a terrorist attack in Kashmir led to increased popularity and support for Modi.
Controversial Policies and Impact on Minorities
- Modi's second term focused on fulfilling the wishes of India's Hindu right, including revoking the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir, passing a discriminatory citizenship law, and pushing for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
- These moves consolidated support among Hindus but marginalized minorities and sparked protests.
Economic Growth and Concerns
- Despite economic growth, India's economic disparity widened during Modi's tenure, and concerns over crony capitalism and press freedom arose.
- Modi inaugurated the Ram Temple in 2024, marking a significant moment for Hindus but raising concerns about secularism in India.
India's Global Standing
- India has become the fastest-growing major economy globally, attracting international investors due to its demographic surge, young consumer audience, and favorable geopolitics.
- Modi envisions transforming India into a Hindu economic powerhouse and believes it is the country's future.