Can the Winds evade our wings !!
Unpredictability has become a strength of the 'Moditva' phenomenon and also for the BJP as a big political party.
No journalistic genius and political pundit could predict that in Nagaland, the BJP could try a revolution by nominating S Phangnon Konyak - a woman - to the Rajya Sabha. The Christian state has so far had only one female MP in the 1970s and no woman legislator in the state assembly between statehood timeline 1963 and 2023.
It was only after Phangnon's election in March 2022, the state now has two women legislators - with one being a minister.
The BJP also experimented a first timer in 2021 Bhupendra Patel as its Chief Minister in of India's 'show-case' state Gujarat.
In 2014 if one was asked
- Why did India succumb to Modi mania?
The response would have been : "It’s the hunger for change. Modi and BJP played
‘dream merchants’ at a time when people’s mood was down-slide and everyone, even in villages,
was feeling demoralized. ....Modi represented different aspirations to different sets of people and
perhaps that’s the yardstick of a mass appeal of a leader".
This has remained a constant factor in Indian polity during the last eight years. While Moditva as a phenomenon is still being associated with generation next and aspirational Indians (if not the youths per se since 2026), ....
the opposition Congress party has turned to be an image of old - something stale and outdated.
Enthusiastic Modi admirers - Sept 13, 2013 rejoice as he becomes PM-candidate
This is why the 'July protest' of 2026 is vital to analyse. Have the youngsters in India actually 'protested' against the Education Model and the Economic Model ?
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| PM Modi and Italian counterpart Miloni |
Here lies a catch. Firstly, India is no China. Secondly, PM Modi was attacked (and is still being attacked) for allegedly running a authoritarian regime. But the 'July protest' showed that the Indian democracy has enough space to 'raise issues and question accountability' of those in power.
Maybe July 2026 has laid a foundation for a change in economic and even political policies. Should 'young India' get into the focus of everything ?
Should India 'not' bother much about jobless growth and instead try out a new experiment for growthless jobs ?
But 'job' also ought to be defined and redefined ?
Every individual must get opportunities to develop and grow according to his or her potentials and aspirations. The 'neo-middle class' is only one part of the story. That was 2014.
In 2026 .. its more than aspirational India. Sociologists say - not it is 'neo aspirational class'.
Those in their teens and early twenties (like my daughter) do not know how trains ran late ? They do not know what was loadshedding or power cuts. They know Whatsapp, they have luxury train coaches.
And they have parents with more money and 'less and lesser time'.
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| Modi in Mumbai Metro with youngsters 'who may know old local trains' |
The BRICS 2026 hosted by India has been an evidence by itself that the largest democracy is now walking a tightrope. This table strengthens India's case for 'strategic autonomy'. Keep friendship with Iran, Russia and China and yet maintain healthy ties with Americans.
But BRICS does not have solution of every Indian or all of New Delhi's problems. It cannot ensure a new era of 'Indi-Chini bhai bhai'. The trade deficit with China too cannot be resolved.
The BRICS has its own sets of problems. Most - if not all countries - has different political problems.
Russia has leadership. China has Xi and India's Modi or without Modi we have a vibrant democracy. All members have different economic models, social set ups and varying strategic interests.
On his birthday we may again ask -- Why Moditva thrives ?
Expectations are high. They are - nevertheless - built around the man called Narendra Modi himself.
The word 'gatekeeper' or Chowkidar has stuck to Modi vis-a-vis his delivery on issues of national security and projecting India's image abroad.
Security at Ayodhya - Ram temple inauguration on Jan 22, 2024
Modi remains a leader of the people, importantly also the defender of 'Hindu values'. Even other BJP and NDA chief ministers emulate him and have remained firm about their commitment to both Hindutva and nationalism.
A large number of people in states like Assam and Gujarat say the Congress and especially the leadership provided by Nehru and his successors represented a different notion of patriotism.
The fact of the matter is people believe a section of the Congress even during pre-Independence days was too close to the British colonizers.
People in Nagaland in 2022 also clamour with their version of 'hunger for change'; they want Solution to the 29-year-old Naga peace talks.
If one believes Naga veteran politician S C Jamir, the Prime Minister has "guts" and it is essential to deal with the Naga peace talks.
But Solution has not come. Manipur is still burning.
West Bengal has written a new chapter this year.
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| Jhalmuri session - West Bengal campaign |
But for him challenges remain. Narendra Modi allegedly suffers from overconfidence in his own instincts and - critics and admirers say - he pooh-poohs 'advice' more often. Time has not yet come to suggest, we do not know - how 'future historians' will judge Namo.
It's good, he is decisive. He has determination and displays guts. It is also good that more often the buck stops with him.
But he has to 'acknowledge' a few lapses. He needs to make amends for mistakes.
Engaging with experts has perhaps not happened as sincerely as it should be. Modi has delivered many promises but he needs ensure better delivery mechanisms to match expectations and promises.
India cities are unlivable due to multiple urban problems - pollution to sanitation.
The Hindutva politics is his strength but there are others - who feel the 'sectarian ideology' has polarised India.
ends
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