Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India, is a political figure who has captured the imagination of many Indians. Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, a small town in the western state of Gujarat, Modi rose to power from a humble background to become one of the most influential politicians in the country. He is known for his charisma, oratory skills, and his ability to connect with the masses.
Modi began his career in politics as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, in the early 1970s. He worked as a volunteer for the organization and was assigned to the BJP's (Bharatiya Janata Party) student wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). He quickly rose through the ranks of the organization and became the general secretary of the Gujarat unit of the BJP in 1988.
Modi's rise to power in Gujarat was marked by controversy. He was appointed as the Chief Minister of the state in 2001, following the resignation of Keshubhai Patel. At the time, Gujarat was reeling from the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that had struck the state. Modi's leadership during this crisis earned him the admiration of the people of Gujarat, and he was re-elected as the Chief Minister of the state in 2002.
However, Modi's tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat was also marked by the infamous Gujarat riots of 2002, which left over 1,000 people dead, most of whom were Muslims. The riots sparked widespread condemnation from the international community, and Modi's handling of the situation was widely criticized. However, Modi has denied any involvement in the riots, and a Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) found no evidence to suggest that Modi had any role in the violence.
Modi's political career continued to flourish despite the controversy surrounding the Gujarat riots. He was elected as the Prime Minister of India in 2014, following a sweeping victory for the BJP in the general elections. Modi's election campaign was marked by his promises of economic growth and development, and he was seen as a strong and decisive leader who could revive India's economy.
Modi's tenure as the Prime Minister of India has been marked by a number of key initiatives and reforms. One of his most significant achievements has been the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a unified tax system that replaced a complex network of state and federal taxes. Modi has also launched a number of flagship initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), the Digital India programme, and the Make in India campaign.
Modi's foreign policy has also been a major focus of his tenure as Prime Minister. He has sought to strengthen India's ties with key regional and global powers, including the United States, China, Japan, and Russia. Modi has also taken a strong stance on terrorism, and has called for a united global effort to combat the threat.
Modi's leadership style has been described as authoritarian by some, and he has been accused of curbing free speech and limiting press freedom. His government's decision to scrap Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, has also been widely criticized as an assault on the rights of the state's Muslim population.
Despite these criticisms, Modi remains a popular figure in India, with his approval ratings consistently above 70%. He has been able to connect with the masses through his personal charisma and his use of social media, which has allowed him to bypass traditional media channels and speak directly to the people.