Modi's likely third term is anticipated amidst BJP's achievements like economic growth, and infrastructural development, but criticised for polarizati
A Decade of Modi’s Rule: Achievements, Criticisms and Tasks Ahead
By Prime
Point Srinivasan, Managing Editor
(Modi's likely third term is anticipated amidst BJP's achievements like
economic growth, and infrastructural development, but criticised for
polarization, lack of communication, and neglect of democratic institutions.)
This cover story was published in March 2024 edition of PreSense
Amidst great
expectations, Narendra Modi was elected as the Prime Minister of India in 2014
when the BJP secured a vote share of 31% with 282 seats. In 2019, he was
elected for a second term with an increased vote share of 37.3% and 303 seats.
As the nation gears up for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, pollsters predict that
Modi will return for a third term. With no visible anti-incumbency mood against Modi, akin to what was seen in 2004, Modi
would likely secure another term. The opposition parties in INDIA Alliance are
unable to cobble together a unified force to counter Modi, and they fail to
project any single leader as the Prime Minister candidate. This lack of
cohesion adds strength to the Modi camp.
To write this Cover Story, PreSense conducted a quick online survey to understand the perceptions of people across India regarding Modi's achievements, failures, challenges, and tasks ahead if he is elected for a third term, etc. The Editorial team also spoke to many political leaders, media persons, and the general public to understand their perspectives. In this story, we refrain from quoting anybody but will present general views.
Achievements of the Modi Regime
Almost everybody, including opponents of Modi, admires the digital mode of payments, including payments to farmers and others through bank accounts and the use of QR codes even in small shops. The IMF has appreciated this new digital revolution in India, especially as advanced countries are still facing troubles.
Even the Communist leaders admit that there is economic growth, taking advantage of the global economic environment. When Modi took charge in 2014, India was ranked 10th globally in terms of the economy, and now it has reached the 5th rank. He has promised to elevate it to the 3rd rank during his next term.
India’s relationships with foreign countries, including Islamic nations, are appreciated by all. India has shown courage in countering comments by the US, interfering in India’s internal matters.
The infrastructure development across the nation, the Women's Reservation Bill, Various Schemes to benefit the people and the New Education Policy are also considered great achievements.
Moreover, people generally perceive the abrogation of Article 370, the introduction of CAA pending since Independence, the stabilisation of GST, the abolition of Triple Talaq, and scientific achievements as important accomplishments of the Modi Government. Many people also perceive that since the Modi Government took over, the borders are relatively safe, portraying a strong government. The management of the COVID-19 pandemic period with minimal inconvenience and free ration, brave steps for vaccination, against criticism by opposition parties, is considered one of the top achievements.
The construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya and the renovation of the Varanasi temple, including the cleaning of the Ganga have strengthened the cultural fabric of this nation. Generally, people perceive that the Modi Government gives importance to Indian culture and Nationalism.
Criticisms
Though the Government boasts of being the 5th largest economy in the world, there is a general perception that it is not helping the poor. They experience inflation, unemployment, price rises, etc. After the Modi Government came to power, concessions given to senior citizens like railway concessions and other benefits have been withdrawn. Even insurance facilities are not readily available to senior citizens. Senior citizens share their grievances about the reduction in bank interest and increased cost of living. Unfortunately, none of the Ministers or MPs seem to listen to their pleas.
When PreSense spoke to minority community members, they felt that the BJP was polarizing the country along communal lines, leading to sporadic attacks on minority communities. Political analysts believe that communal polarization occurs due to the demands of minority communities and institutions claiming exclusive privileges, quoting the Constitution, and the appeasement of minorities by opposition parties. Like opposition parties enjoying the patronage of minorities, the BJP tries to take advantage of this situation to get the support of the majority community. This issue can be resolved only through dialogues at the local level, with both communities respecting each other's sentiments. “More appeasement, more polarization,” said a senior political analyst.
A senior opposition leader said that in the past 10 years, the Modi Government did not respect democratic institutions. He cited examples of vacancies for Constitutional bodies like the Judiciary, Election Commission, Deputy Speaker, etc., remaining unfilled or delayed. An Opposition MP mentioned how Bills were passed in Parliament without reference to Standing Committees or discussion in the House. He also cited the example of the Farm Law Bill, enacted hurriedly and withdrawn after a protest.
Even among the BJP party workers, there is a feeling that MPs and Ministers are unreachable and out of touch with the ground reality, except for a few leaders. Party workers silently admit that some leaders and their private secretaries behave arrogantly and do not help when approached with problems. This is also reflected in the recent list of BJP candidates released by the party that shows the dropping of over 100 sitting MPs, including Ministers.
Though the Modi Government has implemented many schemes to benefit large sections of people, they have not been communicated effectively to reach the people. In South India, Hindi names are used instead of local languages, distancing the party from the people. PreSense has been pointing out for the past 10 years that the BJP Government or party fails to communicate when needed and communicates wrongly when not needed. The arrogant and loose talks by MPs and Ministers are not favoured by the people.
Generally, people perceive BJP as the political wing of RSS, a disciplined social organization, that respects ethics and values. Unfortunately, in the recent past, many leaders accused by the BJP of corruption have been inducted as members or alliance partners. Even in casual conversation, this phenomenon is referred to as the ‘washing machine’ to purify persons accused by the BJP of corruption. At the same time, many ED, CBI, NIA, and IT raids are happening to opposition leaders, including arrests. A common citizen doubts the government's intentions, though the reasons may be genuine. “Doing the right actions at the wrong time and wrong actions at the right time are disastrous”, said a Professor at a University. Although raids are happening, no known corrupt persons have been punished by the Government.
The entire political campaign is run by Modi and he shoulders all the responsibility. In Karnataka, we have seen how the party workers were lethargic and with the overconfidence that Modi would get votes, lost the Government. BJP has not developed or allowed any leader to mobilise votes like Modi. Many party workers fear that it may affect the party in the future.
Tasks Ahead
PreSense has been advocating Electoral Reforms for the past 10 years, highlighting the need for substantial funding to contest elections. This discourages educated and enthusiastic youngsters from contesting elections due to financial constraints. Nirmala Seetharaman, the Finance Minister, openly stated that she could not contest elections due to lack of funds. The Finance Minister’s statement proves that an ordinary person may not be able to contest elections. As T S Krishnamurthy, former Chief Election Commissioner suggests, only Public funding should be considered. Sadly none of the political parties have included Electoral Reforms in their Manifesto. The new Government should start debating the Electoral Reforms to enable candidates with poor backgrounds to contest elections.
Though the Government attempted judicial reforms, it failed to achieve them in the past. After the 18th Lok Sabha is constituted, the Government and the Judiciary should collaborate to finalize judicial reforms.
Climate change which has become a global threat and environmental protection are also important issues to be addressed by the new Government.
There are media reports that some of our Indian political leaders are in clandestine relationships with foreign countries and agencies to destabilise the sovereignty of our nation. The Government should be more vigilant about this and take suitable action.
Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) are the backbone of a developing nation like India. During the Vajpayee regime, more focus was given to small industries, which generated a lot of employment opportunities. Industry leaders say that a large number of small and medium industries have been shut down due to Demonetisation, COVID16 and GST. With lots of criticism about increasing unemployment, the new Government should work on urgent priority to strengthen the MSME sector.
PreSense has been pointing out for the past 10 years that the Modi Government has not given importance to Education Loans to deserving students. In the past ten years, education loan disbursements have come down drastically. Education loans are the investments for the future. The new Government should review the Education loan segment and increase its share with a reduction in interest rate.
The Government and political parties should conduct workshops and seminars for newly elected MPs on effective participation in the House. MPs and Ministers should realize that they represent the people and should deal with them with humility, not arrogance.
There are many misconceptions about the Uniform Civil Code, Citizenship Amendment Act, etc. among minorities. The Government should effectively communicate with the people to counter the wrong narratives set by vested interests.
Opposition parties should effectively utilise Parliament time to discuss and debate problems concerning the people to find solutions. Engaging in disruptions sends the wrong signal to the younger generation.
Ruling and opposition parties should come together and serve the nation with mutual understanding. Only then we can feel proud of being the largest successful democracy in the world.
[contact]
COMMENTS