Charting the Modi Map: 11 Years of Vision, Verdicts & Velocity

Today marks a significant milestone as Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates 11 years in office, a period that has undeniably shaped India’s political and economic landscape. Since taking the oath on May 26, 2014, Modi has become the longest-serving prime minister from a party other than Congress and the only PM born after Independence to serve for over a decade.

 

The BJP took this opportunity to celebrate, dubbing Modi’s time in office a “new era” for the nation. Party leaders pointed to “great initiatives and actions” that they believe have shattered “decades-old shackles” and led to “unimaginable and unprecedented” decisions. Vinod Tawde, the BJP’s national general secretary, lauded Modi’s unwavering commitment as ‘pradhan sevak’, while the party’s official statement proclaimed, “On May 26, 2014, India didn’t just see a swearing-in; it witnessed the dawn of a new era.”

 

During a rally in Dahod, Gujarat, Modi emphasized his government’s dedication to economic growth and poverty alleviation, contrasting it with Pakistan’s “hatred-driven” policies. He pointed to “Operation Sindoor” as a prime example of decisive action that embodies India’s values and the trust placed in him by the people.

 

However, the anniversary also brought sharp criticism. The Congress party accused the government of creating an “undeclared emergency” and labeled the promise of “achche din” (good days) as a “nightmare.” Party president Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that inflation, unemployment, and inequality have skyrocketed, with vital sectors like jobs, agriculture, and women’s welfare suffering. He also took aim at the government’s track record on democracy and foreign relations, asserting that “relations with every country have soured” and “institutional autonomy has been compromised.”

 

As Modi embarks on his third term, opinions remain sharply divided among supporters and critics regarding the true impact of his 11 years in power. Yet, it’s hard to deny that his time in office has been one of the most significant in recent Indian history.

 

Source: Economic Times, Millennium Post, National Herald, Wikipedia