Narendra Modi: 14th Prime Minister of India
Political Career:
Chief Minister of Gujarat:
Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014.
Member of Parliament:
He is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Varanasi.
Political Affiliation:
A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Longest-serving Prime Minister:
Modi is the longest-serving prime minister from outside the Indian National Congress.
Early Life and Education:
Birth and Family:
Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, to Damodardas Mulchand Modi and Hiraben Modi.
Introduction to RSS:
Joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of eight.
Education:
Completed higher secondary education in Vadnagar in 1967. Pursued a BA degree in political science from Delhi University (1978) and an MA degree in political science from Gujarat University (1983).
Personal Life:
Marriage:
Married Jashodaben Chimanlal Modi at the age of 18 in an arranged marriage. The marriage was not publicly acknowledged until decades later.
RSS Involvement:
Became a full-time worker for the RSS in Gujarat in 1971, later joining the BJP in 1985.
Political Activism:
Participated in the Jana Sangh Satyagraha in 1971, led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to enlist for the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Education Controversy:
Controversy surrounds the authenticity of his BA and MA degrees.
Political Achievements:
2002 Gujarat Riots:
Modi’s administration during the 2002 Gujarat riots faced criticism for its handling, though a Special Investigation Team found no evidence to prosecute him.
Economic Policies:
Modi’s economic policies in Gujarat were praised for encouraging growth, but criticism arose for issues in health, poverty, and education.
2014 General Election:
Led the BJP to a parliamentary majority in the 2014 Indian general election.
2019 Balakot Airstrike:
Ordered the Balakot airstrike against an alleged terrorist training camp in Pakistan in 2019.
2020 Delhi Riots:
Introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act led to widespread protests and the 2020 Delhi riots.
Controversies and Criticisms:
Handling of Riots:
Criticisms over Modi’s handling of the 2002 Gujarat riots and subsequent events.
Democratic Backsliding:
Under Modi’s tenure, India has experienced democratic backsliding, leading to concerns about the weakening of democratic institutions.
International and Domestic Impact:
International Standing:
Remains a controversial figure internationally due to his Hindu nationalist beliefs.
Approval Ratings:
Despite controversies, Modi has consistently received high approval ratings domestically.
Political Realignment:
Modi has been described as engineering a political realignment towards right-wing politics.
COVID-19 Pandemic:
Response:
Modi oversaw India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which millions died.
Criticism:
The handling of the pandemic received criticism, impacting his administration’s public perception.
Narendra Modi’s political journey from Gujarat to the Prime Ministership of India has been marked by successes, controversies, and a significant impact on the nation’s political landscape.