Narendra Modi is a politician from India. He’s been the Prime Minister since 2014. Before that, he was in charge of Gujarat state. He’s also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Modi grew up in Gujarat. He joined a group called RSS when he was young. He got married when he was 18, but he didn’t stay with his wife. He worked for RSS and later joined BJP. In 2001, he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
During his time as Chief Minister, there was a big riot in Gujarat in 2002. Many people died, mostly Muslims. His government was criticized for not handling the situation well. However, no evidence was found against him in court.
In 2014, he led his party to a big win in the national election. As Prime Minister, he made some big changes. He pushed for more foreign investment and made some economic reforms. But some of his decisions, like demonetization and changes to laws, were controversial.
His government also took action against Pakistan in 2019 after a terrorist attack. But there were mistakes in the operation. Still, it boosted his popularity.
In his second term, he made more controversial moves. He changed the status of Kashmir and brought in a new citizenship law, which led to protests and violence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India faced a lot of challenges. Many people died, and there were criticisms about how the government handled it.
Under Modi, some people say that democracy in India is getting weaker, and there are concerns about freedom of speech. But many people still support him, and he’s seen as a strong leader. However, he’s also criticized for his Hindu nationalist views and how he dealt with the Gujarat riots.
Early life and education
Narendra Modi’s early life and education provide insights into the formative experiences and influences that shaped his journey toward becoming a prominent political figure in India.
Born in 1950 in Vadnagar, Gujarat, to a modest family, Modi experienced a childhood marked by humble beginnings. His father worked as an oil presser, and Modi, being the third of six children, grew up amidst simple living conditions. Despite the financial constraints, his family valued education, and Modi completed his higher secondary education in Vadnagar in 1967.
During his youth, Modi occasionally assisted his father in their tea-selling business at the Vadnagar railway station. While there are conflicting accounts regarding the extent of his involvement in this venture, it’s clear that these early experiences left an impression on him. His introduction to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of eight marked the beginning of his involvement in ideological and political circles. Under the guidance of RSS leaders like Lakshmanrao Inamdar, Modi’s interest in politics and social activism began to grow.
Modi’s educational journey continued as he pursued higher studies, albeit with some unconventional paths. He embarked on travels across northern and northeastern India, visiting Hindu ashrams and gaining inspiration from the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Despite facing rejection from some institutions due to his lack of formal education qualifications, Modi’s resolve remained strong.
In the early 1970s, Modi settled in Ahmedabad and deepened his involvement in political activities. He joined protests and movements, such as the Jana Sangh Satyagraha, displaying a commitment to his ideological beliefs. This period also marked his transition to becoming a full-time pracharak (campaigner) for the RSS, under the mentorship of Inamdar.
Modi’s pursuit of higher education continued alongside his political engagements. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the School of Open Learning at Delhi University in 1978. Later, in 1983, he earned a Master of Arts degree in political science from Gujarat University through distance learning. However, controversies surrounding the authenticity of these degrees have emerged over time.
These early experiences, from his upbringing in Vadnagar to his immersion in political activism and pursuit of education, laid the groundwork for Modi’s subsequent political career. They provided him with a blend of grassroots understanding, ideological grounding, and educational background that would shape his leadership style and policy approaches in the years to come.
Early political career
Narendra Modi’s early political career unfolded during a tumultuous period in Indian history, marked by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s declaration of a state of emergency in 1975. During this period, known as “the Emergency,” Modi emerged as a key figure in the opposition movement in Gujarat.
Appointed as the general secretary of the “Gujarat Lok Sangharsh Samiti,” an RSS committee coordinating opposition to the Emergency, Modi played a crucial role in organizing resistance activities. Forced to operate clandestinely due to the banning of the RSS, Modi went underground and engaged in various covert activities to oppose the government. Disguised and frequently changing locations, he contributed to printing pamphlets, organizing demonstrations, and providing support to political activists and refugees.
Modi’s experiences during the Emergency shaped his political convictions and organizational skills. He authored a book titled “Sangharsh Ma Gujarat” (In the Struggles of Gujarat), documenting the events of the Emergency, and established connections with prominent political figures like George Fernandes.
In subsequent years, Modi’s association with the RSS deepened as he took on roles as a regional organizer and researcher. His pivotal role in the BJP’s electoral campaign in the Ahmedabad municipal election of 1987 garnered attention, earning him a reputation as a strategic planner within the party. As the BJP underwent internal restructuring under the leadership of L.K. Advani, Modi’s rise within the party hierarchy was accelerated.
Modi’s strategic acumen and organizational prowess became increasingly evident as he played a vital role in various electoral campaigns, including Advani’s Ram Rath Yatra and Murli Manohar Joshi’s Ekta Yatra. Despite brief hiatuses from active politics, such as his involvement in establishing a school in Ahmedabad in 1992, Modi’s influence within the BJP continued to grow.
By the mid-1990s, Modi’s leadership capabilities and electoral strategies played a significant role in securing victories for the BJP in state assembly elections. His efforts in uniting factions within the party, particularly during the 1998 Gujarat Legislative Assembly election, earned him further recognition and promotion within the BJP ranks.
By becoming the BJP’s general secretary (organization) in 1998, Modi solidified his position as a key strategist and organizer within the party, laying the foundation for his future ascent to greater political prominence.
Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001–2014)
Taking office
In 2001, there were some problems in Gujarat. The leader, Keshubhai Patel, wasn’t doing well, and his party, the BJP, lost some elections. People were unhappy with how the government handled things like corruption and a big earthquake in Bhuj.
The national leaders of the BJP wanted someone new to lead Gujarat. They picked Narendra Modi, who wasn’t happy with how Patel was running things. But some senior leaders were worried because Modi didn’t have much experience in government. They offered him a lower position, but Modi said he wanted to be in charge of Gujarat completely or not at all.
So, on October 3, 2001, Modi became the new Chief Minister of Gujarat. His job was to get the BJP ready for the next election in December 2002. He officially became a member of the Gujarat state legislature on February 24, 2002, after winning an election in the Rajkot II constituency.
Development projects
As chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi had a vision for the state’s development that focused on privatization and making the government smaller. This approach was different from what some other groups, like the RSS, believed in. Despite this difference, Modi’s policies were seen as effective in reducing corruption in Gujarat.
During his leadership, Modi worked on various projects to boost the state’s economy. He set up financial and technology parks to attract investment, and his efforts paid off during events like the 2007 Vibrant Gujarat summit, where deals worth a huge amount of money were signed.
One major focus of Modi’s government was on water conservation. They supported projects led by NGOs and communities to conserve groundwater, building many structures like check dams. These efforts helped to replenish the groundwater levels in many areas and led to a significant increase in cotton production, making Gujarat the largest producer of genetically modified cotton in India.
In terms of agriculture, Gujarat saw impressive growth thanks to initiatives like the Jyotigram Yojana scheme. This scheme separated agricultural electricity from other rural electricity, allowing for better management of resources and reducing costs for farmers. While some critics argue that this policy benefited corporations and large farmers more than small ones, overall, it helped stabilize electricity supply and improve irrigation.
Modi’s government also focused on infrastructure development, such as bringing electricity to every village in Gujarat and attracting companies like Tata Motors to set up manufacturing plants in the state. These efforts contributed to Gujarat’s economic growth during Modi’s tenure as chief minister.
Premiership campaigns
2014 Indian general election
In September 2013, Narendra Modi was chosen as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate for prime minister for the upcoming 2014 Lok Sabha election. However, not all BJP leaders were in favor of this decision, with some expressing concerns about personal agendas within the party. Modi had already played a significant role in the BJP’s 2009 election campaign, and many voters stated they would have chosen a different party if Modi wasn’t the candidate for prime minister. The focus on Modi as an individual during the campaign was unusual for the BJP.
During the election campaign, Modi emphasized corruption scandals under the previous Congress government and highlighted his track record of promoting economic growth in Gujarat. He positioned himself as a leader capable of bringing about development without delving into specific policies, which resonated with young and middle-class voters. Despite criticisms about his handling of religious minorities and secularism, Modi’s campaign successfully downplayed these concerns. Instead, the BJP focused on Modi’s economic policies and the development model implemented in Gujarat.
The BJP’s campaign also touched upon Hindutva ideology and proposed controversial initiatives like the Uniform Civil Code, receiving support from Hindu nationalist groups. Modi’s extensive use of social media and hologram appearances at rallies contributed to the BJP’s victory. The party won a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha, marking the first time since 1984 that a single party achieved this feat. The magnitude of the BJP’s victory signaled a political shift towards right-wing ideologies and capitalism.
Modi himself contested from two constituencies, Varanasi and Vadodara, winning both seats by significant margins. He was appointed Prime Minister of India by the President, following his unanimous election as the BJP’s leader. To comply with electoral laws, Modi vacated one of the seats he had won in the election.
2019 Indian general election
On October 13, 2018, Narendra Modi was announced as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate for prime minister in the 2019 general election. The BJP’s campaign was led by its president, Amit Shah. Modi launched the “Main Bhi Chowkidar” (“I too am a watchman”) campaign in response to the Indian National Congress’s slogan “Chowkidar Chor Hai” (“The watchman is a thief”).
During the campaign, the opposition criticized Modi over alleged corruption in the Rafale deal with the French government. However, Modi focused his campaign on defense, national security, and achievements like the Balakot airstrike conducted in response to the Pulwama attack. He also highlighted his administration’s development initiatives and efforts to maintain good foreign relations during his first term as prime minister.
Modi contested the election from the Varanasi constituency and won by a significant margin. The National Democratic Alliance, led by the BJP, secured a victory in the election, winning 353 seats in the Lok Sabha, with the BJP alone winning 303 seats. Modi was unanimously appointed as prime minister for a second term by the NDA after the election results were announced.
Electoral history
Election results
| Year | Office | Constituency | Party | Votes for Modi | % | Opponent | Party | Votes | % | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Member of the Legislative Assembly | Rajkot II | Bharatiya Janata Party | 45,298 | 57.32 | Ashwinbhai Narbheshankar Mehta | Indian National Congress | 30,570 | 38.68 | Won | [514] |
| 2002 | Maninagar | 113,589 | 73.29 | Yatinbhai Oza | 38,256 | 24.68 | Won | [515] | |||
| 2007 | 139,568 | 69.53 | Dinsha Patel | 52,407 | 26.11 | Won | [516] | ||||
| 2012 | 120,470 | 75.38 | Shweta Sanjiv Bhat | 34,097 | 21.34 | Won | [178] | ||||
| 2014 | Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | Vadodara | 845,464 | 72.75 | Madhusudan Mistry | 275,336 | 23.69 | Won | [517] | ||
| 2014 | Varanasi | 581,022 | 56.37 | Arvind Kejriwal | Aam Aadmi Party | 209,238 | 20.30 | Won | [222] | ||
| 2019 | 674,664 | 63.62 | Shalini Yadav | Samajwadi Party | 195,159 | 18.40 | Won | [518] | |||
| 2024 | Ajay Rai | Indian National Congress | Pending |
Notes:
- Narendra Modi was born on 17 September 1950. He uses the name Narendrabhai Damodardas Modi, but most people know him as Narendra Modi. (Marino 2014, pp. 4–5)
- The RSS had a big influence on the BJP’s political structure, especially regarding Narendra Modi.
- Some sources say Modi’s government was involved in the 2002 violence.
- In 2012, a court said there was no proof against Modi.
- Some sources say Modi didn’t improve human development measures in Gujarat.
- India’s democracy has been declining according to some sources.
- There’s been a lot of talk about the controversy surrounding Modi.
- There’s been debate about Modi’s past, like his arrest records and education.
- The exact number of people killed in the train burning isn’t clear. It’s reported differently in various sources. For example, the BBC says it was 59, while The Guardian says 60.
- Some say Modi’s foreign policy has been a big part of his government’s work, especially with countries like Iran and Israel.
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