Narendra Modi's path to becoming the Prime Minister of India was not an all of a sudden leap or abrupt jump. Rather, it was a journey spanning eleven years influenced by meaningful past decades of experiences. Prior to his national position, he established and proved himself as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, bringing a new perspective to contemporary politics. Some decades prior to his active participation in Gujarat politics, Modi took on multiple roles within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). That time was essential for him; by directly interacting with individuals and grasping their challenges, he acquired knowledge that would later shape his leadership at the national level. Those initial experiences established the foundation, moulding him into a skilled, experienced, and responsible political leader, an effective public representative, and ultimately, a leader respected by the public. His very own experiences have made him a leader admired by the country.
The influence Modi has had as Prime Minister arises from this profound vision. His dedicated endeavours have granted him the title of "Hindu Hrudaya Samrat." He possesses a deep desire to elevate India to the leading position on the global stage, marking the nation as a "Vishwa Guru." Each effort he has made towards this objective has included innovative thoughts and experiments and intriguing new concepts that connect with the typical Indian. Although a few of these choices and concepts have sparked controversy, they have been deemed acceptable, fostering a forward-looking and positive change in India's political, economic, and social environment, reflecting his own developing leadership. It can be said that his decades of experience and 11 years of rule has been progressive and ascending.
Good Diplomacy in First Term
2014 - The year that brought Narendra Modi an unprecedented victory. It was the year that gave a new direction to India. He took charge as Prime Minister for the first time on May 26 that year. Although there were previous occasions when the BJP came to power at the Center, when Modi came to power, it turned into a tense experience. BJP’s victory under Modi's leadership was a new beginning of a new era. His arrival was innovative; emergence of his leadership was innovative. The heads of SAARC countries were invited to the swearing-in ceremony. The scenes in front of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where all the foreign dignitaries were seated, were praised at the time as a reflection of Modi's future diplomatic policy. Then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and others all gave a new dimension to SAARC with their charm. It became an innovative trend in the oath-taking ceremonies of Indian Prime Ministers.
Thus, Modi's arrival created a stormy wind and created an interesting atmosphere in the political corridors of Delhi. Not only innovative ideas.... but sensational decisions were taken with the idea that India was in a hurry to transform itself. He gave signals that his government was going to change the basic structure of the country's governance by eliminating the Planning Commission and creating a new system called "NITI Aayog". Even though the Planning Commission, which was the cornerstone of the economic plans of the states in the federal system, was removed, there was not a single protest from the Chief Ministers of the states. This is not to say that they all approved of it. It is a matter that they all agreed that there were flaws in the functioning of the Planning Commission. That is why Modi remained silent, confident that the problem would be resolved with the new system.
He showed interest in connecting with the people with the "Mann Ki Baat" program. Modi, who took office at the end of May 2014, met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Ahmedabad in September month. He held hands with him and discussed the problems of the two countries. After that, Modi made his mark on foreign policy with his tour of the US. He participated in official talks with the then US President Barack Obama only after fasting during Navratri. After the tour, both became close friends. Another surprise on Diwali day in same year, as PM Modi spent time with the soldiers in Siachen, a place between the snow-capped mountains where it is very difficult for a human to stand on the borders. Thus, the first term passed in an innovative manner. Several key decisions were made in the first term, like… demonetization of large denomination notes and a centralized GST system etc. Thus, key changes were made in many aspects that would help the country's economic sector.
Aggressiveness in Second Term
By 2019, with five years of experience, Narendra Modi took very active and aggressive decisions. He showed the courage not only to do what had to be done, but also what could not be done. He showed great maturity and determination in governance, foreign policy, and decision-making. That is why Modi gained recognition both at home and abroad. Approval for his word was increased. Acceptance was gained from countries around the world. India received innumerable fame and prestige during his foreign visits. All these introduced Vibrant Modi to the world!. As an experienced and good administrator, he took a keen interest in many key decisions. He initiated social reforms domestically.
Narendra Modi ignored opposition voices in one or two cases. His philosophy is to do what he wants to do. That is why his decisions have shown positive results. His decisions have been approved by the majority of the people. The opinion that “whatever Modi does, he will do for our good” has become firmly rooted in the common people.
As soon as he came to power for the second time, compared to the first five years, Modi acted swiftly and decisively. Key decisions were made in the first hundred days. Among them, the “abrogation of Article 370” was very crucial. He lifted the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir and brought it directly under the control of the Center.
PM resolved some controversial and very complex issues that were confined to BJP's election manifestos for decades. The most important of them are.... “Construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya”... “Triple Talaq”, “Anti-terrorism Law”, and “Merger of National Banks” etc. The reason he was able to bring such controversial issues to a head is his commitment and sincerity. In the first year of his second term, he invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to Mahabalipuram and worked to improve bilateral relations.
Third Term is Interesting!
10 years of rule is one thing, but the eleventh year is another. The average Indian has become accustomed to Modi's rule. That is why there is much excitement about the third term of his government!.
In the meantime, at the end of first year of third term, the Pehalgam terror attack shocked the entire nation. A threat came at a time when the entire country and the State and Centre were breathing easy as Kashmir was experiencing a peace and calm after abrogation of Article 370. Although the threat of terrorists is known, the way Pehalgam incident happened posed a significant challenge for the Modi government. It was a challenge that required immediate retaliation. “Operation Sindoor” retaliation plan was formulated from it. After this, the Prime Minister faced new challenges. To eradicate terrorism and to curb the relentless aggression of Pakistan, a new agenda needs to be planned.
During his 11-years rule, Prime Minister Modi has emerged as a completely independent political figure both at home and abroad. He has made his own mark in foreign diplomacy. Modi's views have earned a place for critical consideration on international platforms. Now, a situation has arisen where steps have to be taken cautiously in the war to eliminate Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. The issue of "ceasefire" has come to the fore at a time when the entire nation is thinking that "Operation Sindoor" has reached its peak and is reaching its final stage. There is a strong debate among the general public about pressure from then-US President Donald Trump on Narendra Modi. The question is how Modi will move forward at this crucial juncture?
