How Narendra Modi Took Power in India

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.