PM Modis success owes to his striking a chord with people, not because there isnt anyone to challenge him – The Indian Express
Posted: August 27, 2020 at 3:52 am
Written by Anupam Kher | Updated: August 26, 2020 8:57:48 am Unfortunately, the more Narendra Modi grows, the more delusional his critics become.
I have been in India for the past five months, writing extensively a book on COVID is on the way working on interesting film projects, spending quality time with myself and sometimes with my mother (Kirronji being in Chandigarh). I have also been reflecting on various subjects. That I am passionate and outspoken about matters pertaining to my country is well-known. Among the many topics, the one that has caught my eye is the repeated political success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Is it destiny? Or hard work? Is it about facing an easy opposition? My thoughts and research took me to the different arguments, which I will touch upon before sharing my views.
PM Modis critics they like to call themselves Modi haters as well have been consistent on one thing. They have spun tales about him, used all sorts of adjectives to describe him.
On October 7, 2001, when Modi first took over as Gujarat CM, the dominant view was: One year and he will be history. That was soon proved wrong. Through his tenure as CM, Modi was portrayed as a regional leader satrap at best who had no takers outside his home state. In the winter of 2013 and spring of 2014, the project Modi is unelectable reached its climax. The subsequent summer obviously proved them horribly wrong. The years after 2014 were spent convincing themselves and each other that Modi is a one-term phenomenon. Had any government voted to office with such a large mandate returned again, they asked.
Opinion | PB Mehta writes: The greatest allure of vishwas is that you maintain it by simply believing
On May 23, 2018, an oath-taking ceremony in Bengaluru became the cynosure of many eyes. Standing on one platform were the all ends of Indias political spectrum, hand in hand, together in letter and spirit. This grand alliance would ensure the end of Modi, they avowed. Exactly a year later, on May 23, 2019, Narendra Modi returned to office with even more seats. (On a side note, the government in Karnataka did not last long, tumbling due to the weight of its contradictions a few months later.)
Since May 2019, the naysayers, cynics and so-called Modi haters have taken to another delusionary tablet the TINA medicine. Modi wins because there is no alternative, Modis best friends are the Opposition today, Only Modi can bring Modi down, they now argue.
Unfortunately, the more Narendra Modi grows, the more delusional his critics become. Democracy can never have one pole. There will always be two or more poles, however minuscule the non-dominant one may be. The fact that the voting machine has a list of multiple candidates, represented by multiple symbols, shows that democracy is never short of alternatives.
Modi bashers have toyed with dozens of alternatives. Everyone has been kosher including extreme leftists, jihadists, failed dynasts, anarchists, separatists, even those who had earlier worked with Modi in the RSS and BJP. In 2013 and 2018, alternatives were seen even in Modis own party. Therefore, if any Modi basher is telling you, Modi succeeds because there is no alternative to Modi, they are obviously lying and being delusional.
Opinion | India needs a political leader not a messiah or a maharishi
The truth is, all alternatives were tried, propped up and supported but none cut ice with the voters. They have time and again reposed faith in Modi, who they see as a decisive, relatable and dedicated leader. Every alternative to Modi has failed because none of them can serve like him. In the last six years, he has delivered on the largest poverty alleviation drive seen in the history of India. The Jan Dhan Yojana got 40 crore citizens not only bank accounts but also a leak-proof way of getting due assistance from the state. Ayushman Bharat, PM-KISAN, Atal Pension Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana and many more such social security schemes gave a safety net for the poorest of Indians to fall back on and prevented them from sliding into poverty. Ten crore toilets were built under the Swachh Bharat Yojana and eight-crore households were made smoke-free by way of the Ujjwala Yojana. In the last year alone, two crore households have been given piped drinking water connections every household in India is to be given the same by 2024.
Under Modi, the corridors of power no longer reek of the stench of big-ticket corruption. Defence deals no longer feed the monetary hunger of a select few dynasties. Instead, they strengthen the nations armed forces.
The same Modi who was once seen as a mere CM and thus being unable to conduct foreign policy has demonstrated what an India First foreign policy looks like.
Which of the so-called alternatives to Modi offer such vast amounts of deliverables? From seeing him celebrate Diwali with flood victims in Kashmir, or with troops on the border to seeing him touch the feet of an elderly tribal woman or a safai karamchari; from seeing him wield the broom to hearing him talk about menstrual hygiene from the Red Fort, India relates with Modi. He appreciates the inherent strengths of the 130-crore Indians. Which other leader thought of writing touching letters or emotional tweets to sportspersons, artists, cultural icons and youngsters? He has made a place in lakhs of households as just another family member, with the people in good and bad times.
Is there any alternative to such leadership? I would love to know.
My father often taught me: If you are speaking the truth, you do not have to remember it. Today, Narendra Modi is the longest serving administrative head compared to all previous prime ministers. He has held the office of CM and PM for a combined total of almost 19 years. No previous PM has held both positions cumulatively that long. Such political success and affection have not come his way because there were no alternatives to him. It has come because Modi has immersed himself in his work. Political landmines and personal slander have been answered by more development. No wonder, while Modi is implementing his vision for a New India, his haters are stuck where they were two decades ago confused about alternatives to him.
This article first appeared in the print edition on August 26, 2020 under the title The TINA delusion. The writer is an actor and former chairperson, Film and Television Institute of India
Opinion | If Congress doesnt listen, nation will not get strong opposition party it deserves
The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines
For all the latest Opinion News, download Indian Express App.
The Indian Express (P) Ltd
See the article here:
PM Modis success owes to his striking a chord with people, not because there isnt anyone to challenge him - The Indian Express
- Personal Branding: The Key to Success in the Digital Age - Entrepreneur - December 26th, 2020
- Duckworth on Education: Teach With Your Hands Behind Your Back - EMSWorld - December 26th, 2020
- Robert Rodriguez: Why the Sharkboy and Lavagirl movies are so personal - Polygon - December 26th, 2020
- The 10 Launch Experts to Watch in 2021 - GlobeNewswire - December 26th, 2020
- Cal Thomas: Gifts that keep on giving - Winston-Salem Journal - December 26th, 2020
- Gifts that keep on giving | Columns | times-news.com - Cumberland Times-News - December 26th, 2020
- Got 10 Minutes? Here's How 3 Stock Investors Suggest Getting Started in 2021 - The Daily Progress - December 26th, 2020
- 'Enable the Success of the Business:' How SOSi's General Counsel Gregory Hayken Helps Grow the Company - WashingtonExec - December 26th, 2020
- Dallas has a new top cop, and now its up to us to help him succeed - The Dallas Morning News - December 26th, 2020
- Business With The Partner: How To Reach Success And Not To Lose Everything - Corporate/Commercial Law - Ukraine - Mondaq News Alerts - December 26th, 2020
- Introduce Investing to Teenagers With This Perfect Stock Sampler - Kearney Hub - December 26th, 2020
- Corcoran Global Living Welcomes Better Choice Real Estate Team in Ongoing Southern California Growth - GlobeNewswire - December 22nd, 2020
- Mozzaz and Giupedi, LLC Sign Strategic Partnership for Workers Compensation and Personal Injury Clinical Care Coordination - The Wellsboro Gazette - December 22nd, 2020
- Twitters POTUS account will reportedly be reset to zero followers when Biden takes over - TechCrunch - December 22nd, 2020
- Apex: Focused on the Personal Trainer | ClubIndustry - Club Industry - December 22nd, 2020
- Scholarships from the SPSCC Foundation Help to Ensure Student Success - ThurstonTalk - December 22nd, 2020
- The Best Books Of 2020, According To Moira Forbes - Forbes - December 22nd, 2020
- It Took Disney's Bob Iger Only 1 Sentence to Give the Best Advice You'll Hear Today - Inc. - December 22nd, 2020
- Opinion: A 'strong mayor' is not the answer to Austin's challenges - Austin American-Statesman - December 22nd, 2020
- Taylor Swift Scores Second No. 1 Album Of 2020 With Evermore - Deadline - December 22nd, 2020
- Remembering the startups we lost in 2020 - TechCrunch - December 22nd, 2020
- Texas A&M Team Competes In Final Phase Of GoFly Challenge - Texas A&M University Today - December 22nd, 2020
- Retirement And Investing Lessons From My Grandfather - Forbes - December 22nd, 2020
- Stimulus Update: The Good And The Bad Of The $900 Billion Plan - Forbes - December 22nd, 2020
- CNET's 2020 Innovation Award winners made things better during a difficult year - CNET - December 22nd, 2020
- Firstrade investing review: Pros, cons, and who should open an account - Business Insider - December 22nd, 2020
- Our building is tipping staff 25% extra due to COVID-19. My husband wants to maintain this in 2021. I disagree. What should we do? - MarketWatch - December 22nd, 2020
- Bar Talk with Eric Bartosz: Are You the Best Version of Yourself? - Saucon Source - November 22nd, 2020
- Curry says job fair for homeless received higher turnout than expected - The Owensboro Times - November 22nd, 2020
- Grit and grace: Cindy McCain winner of 2020 Arizona Heritage Award - Chamber Business News - November 22nd, 2020
- Nominees and Finalist for School Counselor of the Year Hail From Coral Springs and Parkland - Parkland Talk - Parkland Talk - November 22nd, 2020
- Twitter will give @POTUS account to Joe Biden on Inauguration Day - WNEP Scranton/Wilkes-Barre - November 22nd, 2020
- A year after 'Voice' success, Ricky Duran is ready to start with new single, 'She Closed Her Eyes' - Worcester Telegram - November 22nd, 2020
- The secret to Tiger Woods success was revealed in these 2 remarkable... - Golf.com - November 22nd, 2020
- Tech 24 - Jolimoi: The success story of a French beauty startup - FRANCE 24 - November 22nd, 2020
- The Legend of Billy Hayes Lives on through Hemp, Inc.'s CBG Pre-Rolls - GlobeNewswire - November 22nd, 2020
- Spartanburg groups tackle raising money during the COVID-19 pandemic - Spartanburg Herald Journal - November 22nd, 2020
- Elizabeth Holmes wants to block jurors from hearing about her luxurious lifestyle as Theranos CEO - MSN Money - November 22nd, 2020
- Lakewoods Georgetown finds success with heated igloos; owners adding more outdoor amenities to Around The Co - cleveland.com - November 22nd, 2020
- Mark Wagoner to step down as executive chairman of Lucas County Republican Party at end of year - WTOL - November 22nd, 2020
- Portland woman receives national attention for weight loss - The Portland Sun - August 29th, 2020
- Live updates: Jacob Blake shooting and the March on Washington - CNN - August 29th, 2020
- RNC 2020 final night winners and losers: Trump, Black Republicans, the NBA, and riots - Vox.com - August 29th, 2020
- Here's the secret to getting 'It' done - Highlands Ranch Herald - August 29th, 2020
- After reflection, NBA players believe they can turn ideas to end social injustice into demands if they play on - The Boston Globe - August 29th, 2020
- Push Through: Former Mohawk standout penning motivational book - The Pioneer - August 29th, 2020
- J. Alexander Martin a Fashion Mogul Behind One of the Most Successful Urban Brands Releases New Book Building An Empire - GlobeNewswire - August 29th, 2020
- PLYMOUTH 50-for-50: All the stars aligned for Plymouth-Carver boys soccer on its run to state title in 1986 - Milford Daily News - August 29th, 2020
- What Kinds of Jobs Can You Get with a History Degree? - Seaver Blog | Pepperdine Seaver College - Pepperdine University Newsroom - August 29th, 2020
- Black Spartacus by Sudhir Hazareesingh review the epic life of Toussaint Louverture - The Guardian - August 29th, 2020
- Teachers Felt Less Successful During the Spring School Closures, Survey Finds - Education Week - August 27th, 2020
- The Democratic convention went off without hitches. But was it a success? - The Guardian - August 27th, 2020
- Four Takeaways From The Masters Fitness Collective Championships - Morning Chalk Up - August 27th, 2020
- Here are the highlights from Night 3 of the Republican National Convention - CNBC - August 27th, 2020
- Continuing the Conversation - Cashmere Valley Record - August 27th, 2020
- Three New Endowments Created Thanks to Henderson's $300000 Gift - University of Arkansas Newswire - August 27th, 2020
- Stanford to bar students on leaves of absence from VSOs despite remote learning - The Stanford Daily - August 27th, 2020
- COVID-19: Pandemic could have a lasting, positive impact on workplace culture - KitchenerToday.com - August 27th, 2020
- The Personal Rule of Success That Warren Buffett Swears By - Inc. - July 2nd, 2020
- Iredell Health System recognized as one of the area's healthiest employers - Statesville Record & Landmark - July 2nd, 2020
- Real and virtual: Garrett Lowe thrives in personal version of The Double - NASCAR - July 2nd, 2020
- Orange Watch: Who could succeed John Swofford as ACC commissioner? - The Juice Online - July 2nd, 2020
- Want to be a successful inventor? Use these ideas to help - AZ Big Media - July 2nd, 2020
- Five advices from Warren Buffett that can help you win and succeed in business and personal life - Times Now - July 2nd, 2020
- New Leadership Series Examines How Female Leaders Are Finding Success & Leading Their Business Now and into the Future - wineindustryadvisor.com - July 2nd, 2020
- Self-made millionaire: To be happy, young people should aspire to make $70,000 a year, not millionshere's why - CNBC - July 2nd, 2020
- Honesty And Transparency The Key To The Overwhelming Success Of Credit And Personal Finance King Umesh Agarwal - Forbes India - July 2nd, 2020
- How Alena Sharp found her voice, success on the LPGA Tour - Sportsnet.ca - July 2nd, 2020
- Ferguson: Selecting the best of the decade is personal - CFL.ca - July 2nd, 2020
- A Personal Protective Equipment Manufacturer Minimized Overall Cost to Serve with Demand Management Solution | Infiniti Research's Success Story on... - July 2nd, 2020
- Jazz Is Built for Protests. Jon Batiste Is Taking It to the Streets. - The New York Times - July 2nd, 2020
- Diversity in the workplace: If you're going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk - Technical.ly - July 2nd, 2020
- Trump administration ends 'Project Airbridge' effort to get supplies to the US - CNN - July 2nd, 2020
- How to Scale Customer Success Without Losing the Personal Touch - Built In Chicago - June 13th, 2020
- The Personal and Professional Importance of Emotional Intelligence - Morocco World News - June 13th, 2020
- Happy 9th Mavs Champs Anniversary: Oh My God, Theyre Going To Win! - Sports Illustrated - June 13th, 2020
- Cannabis business growing in Big Rapids - The Pioneer - June 13th, 2020
- The Bears' first Regional Championship 'wasn't anything to celebrate' - News-Leader - June 13th, 2020
- In 'Rigged,' A Comprehensive Account Of Decades Of Election Interference - NPR - June 13th, 2020
- [Column] Our town: A love story lost in time - LebTown - June 13th, 2020