Modi as "people's leader" -- many questions, some allusions ::::: Rahul being a 'mediocre public speaker' often raising 'wrong issues' .... and the major downturn in economy under UPA is today "Modi's assets and still key winning points"

"Politics and Power play are like a balloon and the hard work is like the air in it. If one blows less air in the balloon, it will deflate. 

At the same time one should not blow in more air; the balloon would  burst. 

   ***

 On Sept 13, 2013 - I celebrated my birthday in a cool atmosphere with my daughter Tanvi. Wife played the chief host, the special chef and the anchor of the show and also the woman with the mobile camera. 

The same day/evening Narendra Modi too was busy. 

He was '62 plus' then and within four days - that is Sept 17th -- he also had his birthday.

But the D-Day was Sept 13th, 2013, he was named by BJP president Rajnath Singh as the prime ministerial-face despite the opposition from senior members of the party including a sulking L K Advani.

Our homely celebration : Sept 13, 2013 

"The BJP today has given a lowly soldier a big mission," Modi had said adding, - "God has given me a lot of strength".  By then - he has been already the Gujarat chief minister and had won the state polls thrice. By then his governance apparatus in the state came to called the 'Gujarat model'. Gujarat under him and also before that has been a state with a desire for upward movement.  

Analysts called is the march towards 'greater glories'. This became BJP's selling point for the elections. There was another version - the jaundiced view from the west. 

One sample --  "Critics see him as an extremist who, when chief minister in 2002, allowed or even encouraged mobs to attack Muslims in towns across Gujarat after a lethal fire supposedly started by Muslims on a train full of Hindu pilgrims. He denies the charge." ('The Guardian', London, Sept 13, 2013)  

Between 2005 and 2013, Modi consistently topped surveys of India's most popular politicians. But in 2005 - the US refused a visa to him.

Many western countries followed their own system of boycott. 

In 2o12, Britain was rather compelled to end a 10-year diplomatic boycott imposed on Namo.

As expected the anti- Modi, Indian commentators wedded to Sickularism -- had their criticism for the UK decision.  

Feb 27, 2002 - Modi in Godhha ::: Beginning of a journey 

Modi and Pak PM Nawaz Sharif - but adventurism did not work 

Cut to 2024 - Narendra Modi completed 10 years in office as India's Prime Minister. His third attempt to power was a mega democratic exercise in Indian politics.

On the counting day - June 4 (2024), his party's tally dropped to 240 - a sharp decline from 303 of 2019. Even Pakistanis rejoiced the Indian mandate. In India - the Christian lobby, the Muslim protagonists and the eco system and the Sickular bogey -- everyone thought he would be a "weak prime minister".  

Articles ran - stating:  "Many people also expressed anger at the (BJP) party’s heavy-handed approach to India’s institutions, including the media, which presented an almost uniformly pro-government narrative throughout the election". 

Some of these assessments and analytical points were far from truth.  But the mandate 2024 was a big 'lesson' for Namo and his lieutenant and friend Amit Shah. 

Suddenly every one found a voice to attack Modi. Even 'beneficiaries' among Muslims - who got roads, homes and toilets - did not vote for BJP candidates. 

But the refrain was different -- Narendra Modi has polarised society, common people like us worry about the future. In other words, every Muslim displayed their dislike for the Indian Prime Minister. 

“This government failed to provide jobs or uplift the poor," said one.

"Worse, the BJP leaders and PM himself started talking about changing the constitution,” said newly elected Congress MP from Nagaland, Supongmeren Jamir. 

“I was not very active about political issues previously. But the way Modi has been ruling India," said one Abdul Qasim in Faizabad - the parliament segment that houses Ram Temple and the seat was snatched by the Samajwadi Party.  

Many soon found a new mission. Discredit Hindutva and mock at the Ram temple.

Well known anti-Modi media outlets -- ran quotes and stories --

--  Modi's seats dropped despite Ram temple. So what's the use of such a temple ?

“Building the Ram temple will not get my son a job," one father said in Kolkata. The gentleman supported Mamata Banerjee and even believed that by 2029 - Mamata will be in the top race for prime ministership. 

Many like him forgot --- between 2024 and 2029 -- there will be 2026 and the state polls could bring the dramatic downfall for Mamata Banerjee.

 

"What will Hindus do now with the temple but no job?”  -- several Congress leaders mocked.

Another article was poignant - "Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda was seen as a powerful tool for him to win votes in the Hindi heartland. Yet many in Uttar Pradesh spoke of their disgust at the prime minister’s seemingly increasingly anti-Muslim rhetoric out on the campaign trail." 

However, the BJP fought back and won several key assembly elections since 2024. It started with -- Haryana

Maharashtra, Assam and West Bengal.  

By May 2026 - as West Bengal was wrested by the BJP; people realised the "negative signficance" of Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi was still the darling of the English media and many TV anchors.

But in 2014 - 'The Guardian' had said rather acidly --  "Rahul Gandhi with his political pedigree, privileged upbringing and distaste for public speaking, is very different from Modi, who is the son of a tea seller and known as one of the country's best performers at the rallies which are a key part of campaigning." 

Rahul Gandhi was called -- "a mediocre public speaker who shuns the media".

Of course, in 2014 -- the popularity of Rahul Gandhi's Congress party was hit by a series of corruption scandals.

But people also remember the major downturn in the economy under UPA. 

Every shake-hand is not "friendship"  

The 'July protest' marked the biggest escalation in tension between the two-month-old outfit and the Centre. The CJP called off its 49-day agitation only after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This was the only occasion Modi had to sack his Man Friday in long 25 years of power. 

There was another other side of the story ... one Dubai company reportedly sent its employees with payments etc to participate in the CJP protest.  

M Chuba Ao, former BJP national vice president, said in an article ----

"The people, some hundreds of protesters and political parties are trying to manufacture unrest or anarchy in the country. This anarchy -as a plot has not happened for the first time. The BJP was nowhere in scene when anti-Mandal Commission protest had happened. 

Students even indulged in self-immolation but V P Singh or his Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed did not resign. In PM Modi’s case; he always handles things taking every matter in perspective. When he says ‘India first’; he actually means people  first." 

 

Now, over to people .... !!

ends 

 

"Like a lotus in the middle of a swamp ... Modi has lived a clean life" ::::: Amit Shah flags off motorcycle rally to mark Modi’s 25 years in public life :::::: Vadnadar -- Where Namo was born -- Visitors can adore stories of human resilience and resilience

Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday, Sept 17, launched the Seva Sankalp Abhiyaan in Vadnagar - Narendra Modi's birth place.

Today is PM Modi’s 76th birthday. The motorcycle rallies will culminate at Varanasi on October 7.  There is a special significance of October 7 as on that day - Modi will complete a total 25 years as 'executive head' of any governance apparatus. 

Modi first took oath as the chief minister of Gujarat on Oct 7, 2001. Varanasi has been Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency - all three times - 2014, 2019 and 2024.  

Analysts say for all practical purpose - Oct 7th will be the day when Narendra Modi is expected to address a rally in Varanasi and thereby launch his campaign for the UP assembly elections due by March 2027. The ensuing state assembly polls - which will mark three straight attempt by chief minister Yogi Adityanath - is being billed as a crucial one. UP sends 80 MPs to Lok Sabha while BJP's success in this largest Indian province in 2014 and 2019 made a clear impact in the Lok Sabha tally; the 'poorer' performance by the Lotus party in 2024 brought down the BJP tally in Lok Sabha.

“In his 25 years in public life, Modi has maintained a spotless record. Even the opposition has not been able to level corruption charges against him. 

Like a lotus in the middle of a swamp that remains untouched by water and mud, he (Modi) has lived a clean and corruption-free life,” Shah said.

The museums in Gujarat have always proved to be inspiring for tourists who never get enough of the intriguing world of science, art, and archeology.

Gujarat Museums: Visitors can adore stories of human glories, resilience

The Past is the mother of Present and both combined together can emerge as a genuine guide to the Future. The importance of a Museum lies in this conviction. The western state of Gujarat is obviously known for its vibrancy and heritage. It is a land of traditions and legends.

Gujarat is home to well preserved historical sites and heritage monuments. The state government has a Heritage Tourism Policy 2020-25.

There are always lessons from the legacy of the past. According to an official source, "In order to provide a unique and profound sense of the rich culture and ancient heritage to the tourists, many Heritage properties in Gujarat have been converted into Heritage Museums, Heritage Hotels and Heritage Banquet Hall".

True, Museums do speak the language of their own. Hence, the old structures and elaborate interiors in a medley lovely mosaics and artworks can take one to the past and also help those individuals and younger lots to know about new things of human life, art and civilization. 

The grand buildings, bronze, silver and copper sculptures can always ignite the creativity of the visitors and can widen their aesthetic sense. The museums in the state can be categorized broadly under three categories -- Central Govt Museums, State Govt-maintained museums and Non Govt Museums and Science galleries.

But there are always exceptions to the rule and as they say - 'a few unique, innovative and Gujarat specials'.  For instance - The Kite Museum in Ahmedabad.

Established in 1956, it is of course the first of its kind. The museum showcases an extraordinary collection of kites, papers used to make kites, and illustrations/paintings. The collection includes mirror-work kites, 

Japanese kites and also a 16-foot long kite that depicts the Garba. It's uniqueness is that it depicts kites way back from the 16th century.

# Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum, Vadodara

This museum, located within the massive Lukshmi Vilas Palace estate, showcases the artwork collected by the royal family over decades. 

-- A large collection of the Baroda Museum was due to the efforts of former ruler Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad. It has a wide range of collection of national and international art collections. Here, the visitors can enjoy glimpses of  rich European paintings of great masters.

One should not miss the traditional Indian miniature paintings also.

Among special attractions is the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad. 

Here one should not miss the 6th-century sandstone carving from Madhya Pradesh (the oldest-known image of God Ram), the Chola-style Nataraja, and a Nepali/Tibetan bronze mandala.  A part of the LD Institute of Indology, this museum is a repository of India’s multicultural heritage. 

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Museum in Ahmedabad houses personal possessions of the country's first Home Minister and the 'Iron Man' of modern India. 

There are still a wide range of Museums to attract visitors.

One such speciality is Aina Mahal Museum at Bhuj. The last ruler of Kutch, Manarao Madansinhji, established this on Jan 1, 1977. The Aina Mahal - as the name suggests - is an old palace of mirrors.

 

There are a few more - Vintage Car Museum in Ahmedabad and Dolls Museum at Rajkot.  Here the special attraction is -- the children can receive information through 33 languages.

The Khoj Museum in Ahmedabad is a children-friendly learning centre that focuses on science, arts, and innovation and offers exhibits, activities, and challenges. There are two permanent exhibits: A for Astronomy and Able.  This is an interactive museum.

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition Centre, Ahmedabad  showcases the progress of India’s space programmes and includes engaging components such as a science playground, laboratories, workshops, a science shop, and participatory activities.

 

# Vadnagar hit headlines:

Vadnagar is also the native place of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

May 18 is celebrated across the world as International Museum Day. On this occasion this year (2022), the Gujarat government announced mega plans to turn the historic city of Vadnagar into a world-class heritage tourism destination.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Vadnagar International Conference at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Gujarat government's Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department and the Directorate of Museums.

In his speech Chief Minister Patel said that Vadnagar is one of the oldest towns consisting of  continuous human settlements since the 3rd and 4th centuries. 

# Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 12, 2022 inaugurated development works of more than Rs 80 crore and the innovative Khukri museum at Diu.  

-- INS Khukri , the lead ship of the Indian Navy’s Khukri class missile corvettes which was decommissioned,  in 2021, was handed over to the Diu administration to be converted into a museum.

Diu is a coastal town at the eastern end of Diu Island and a bridge connects the island to the western state of Gujarat.

The Diu administration had reportedly approached the Defence Ministry in 2019 for gifting the vessel, for public display.

According to a Gujarat government spokesman, the hometown of Narendra Modi also finds mention in the Puranas as a thriving hub. 

This ancient town was also visited by a 7th century Chinese traveler named Hiuen Tsang, who wrote about the township in his travelogue 1400 years ago.

Recently archaeologists have found evidence of human settlement in the town perhaps in the time space -- 4th century-3rd century Before Christian Era (BCE).

To promote Gujarat's rich archaeological heritage in the context of Vadnagar, the state government in association with the Union Ministry of Culture organised a three-day Vadnagar International Conference in May 2022.

In August 2026, Tourists visiting Vadnagar will not have to wait until they reach its monuments to get their first glimpse.  Under a new initiative, existing autorickshaws are being refurbished as mobile showcases of the town’s history and culture.

The 2022 conference brought out simple milestone that -- can turn Vadnagar into the Landmark Heritage Destination.  

Others would say -- there are multiple factors working. One school of thought would appreciate the socio-religious element, the aesthetic values and a sense of personal enrichment and satisfaction. 

There will be another which would interested in power politics, the authoritative control, the tales of kings and princesses and some other will look at it from a pure tourism point of view.

Vadnagar today represents all three.  

There were more revelations. Mahabharata refers to the town as Anarta Kingdom (Anartapura) in the northern part of modern day Gujarat. 

Experts also said that some of the earliest mentions of the Vadnagar and adjoining region can be traced back to the 2nd century CE inscription in Mahakshtrapa Rudradaman.

For others, there is no gainsay to state that for centuries, Vadnagar was an important cultural and trading hub connected to Malwa, Saurashtra, Rajputana and Deccan regions of India.

It was of course an important Buddhist learning centre. 

A series of important suggestions came up at the conclave.

# Contextual archaeology will be useful in the case of Vadnagar and the surrounding area.

# Vast data generated from these processes need to be effectively stored and published.

# Various resources should be synthesised to understand the site historically.

# Involvement and participation of communities are essential for the sustenance of the site.

Footprints of Buddhism: 

Buddhism flourished in the township. 

The Archeological Survey of India has unearthed structures resembling a Buddhist monastery in Vadnagar town.

Ends 

India reacts --- MEA clear its "determination" to take all necessary steps to protect its trade and Economic interests ::::: US House passes Russia sanctions bill, clears way for tariffs on India, China

 US House passes Russia sanctions bill, clears way for tariffs on India, China

The legislation allows tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas. India and China have been specifically identified in the House debate as major buyers potentially affected by the provision.  

"The Government of India has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress. We are monitoring further developments on this matter," the MEA said in a statement.

"As stated on several earlier occasions, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. 

"It will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics. This issue has been discussed at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors," the statement said. 

MEA further said:

"Its potential implications for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market have been very clearly articulated by the Indian side.

 The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests. 

"The Govt will work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications of these developments," MEA said. 

The US House of Representatives has passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that gives President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries including India and China over their purchases of Russian oil and gas.

The House approved the bill 262-159, with dozens of Democrats joining most Republicans in supporting sanctions and tariffs linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, with fighting continuing ever since.  

The bill faced last-minute hurdles in Congress as members of the Republican party’s isolationist wing were joined by Democrats who warned that Trump could use the bill’s new tariffs authority against allies instead.

The bill would mandate new sanctions on Russian political and military officials, and foreign networks helping to supply Russia’s war machine and evade existing sanctions. 

It would also target Russia’s so-called fleet of “shadow tankers”, which have allowed the country to continue to ship crude around the world despite sanctions on its energy exports.

It would also allow Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top purchasers of Russian energy, including China, as well as other countries helping the Kremlin evade sanctions.

Senior Democrats voiced opposition to the bill during a heated floor debate. 

“Why in the world would this Congress give this president additional authority to visit that kind of economic harm on the American people?” said Hakeem Jeffries, the leading Democrat in the House. 

"My daughter ran short of cash. She asked the delivery boy to pass QR code to my number and the payment was made" :::: This is 'new India' --- "Happy Birthday Modi ji"

On Sept 16th, 2026 -- hours before Narendra Modi's 76th birthday - I spent Rs 130 for my daughter's 'samosa treat' for her hostel mates. Within five-seven minutes the payment was done. 

She is out of station and yet I could do it from the comfort zone of our Ghaziabad residence. Thanks to UPI -- the Unified Payments Interface. The process involved in the bargain - was the 'tech' savvy Indians and our Digital India initiatives of the Modi Govt. 

My daughter ran short of cash. She asked the delivery boy to pass the QR code to my number and within no time -- the payment was made. This is Modi's 'New India'.  ---- Happy Birthday Modi ji. 

Vajpayee, Modi and Keshubhai 

 

Come to think of it ... most of the schemes and welfare measures under PM Modi have an 'underlying philosophy' --  

Identify problems affecting ordinary citizens and 

Ensure delivery systems capable of reaching the last mile target -a faceless India.  

Take these samples - The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (for the unbanked people) launched in 2014, has grown from 14.72 crore accounts in 2015 to 59.09 crore accounts by August 19, 2026.

Women account for more than 32.9 crore of total accounts and deposits have risen from Rs 15,670 crore in March 2015 to Rs 3.16 lakh crore in August 2026. 

Some more schemes - include - Startup India, PM Awas, Swachh Bharat, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, Digital India, Jal Jeevan Mission, Mudra ... and so on.  

The BJP has drawn out a month long programme Seva Sankalp Abhiyan from Sept 17th to October 17th. In between - comes Oct 7th. 

On that day, Modi will complete 25 years as 'chief executive' in governance (as chief minister and as PM together) 'uninterrupted'.

Looking back  .... 

Modi first was sworn in as chief minister on Oct 7, 2021. Gujarat was  reeling under the devastation caused by Bhuj earthquake. Rebuilding of Gujarat was the first defining administrative challenge. From the rubbles of Bhuj came BRICS diplomacy in 2026. 

The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan would now see 'mobilisation' around the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. - A dream of a 'developed India' -- for my daughter's generation and their future.  

Basic infrastructure of a common man or woman's household life -- now get priroties.

-  Jal Jeevan Mission seeks to bring piped water to rural homes. 

- Ujjwala targeted clean cooking fuel for poor women.

PM Awas Yojana - permanent housing. 

-- Startup India to create an ecosystem in which young Indians could turn ideas into businesses - money spinner and also job provider. 

** Mudra -- designed to provide credit to small entrepreneurs.

Blogger : Ground Zero - reporting 

"Whether one agrees with every claim is not our issue. Let the media scan it and opposition analyse it. But as I see, the scale and continuity of PM Modi ji's executive journey starting as a chief minister in 2001 and then as Prime Minister since 2014 are difficult to ignore," says a minister in one of the north eastern states. 

Modi has a huge fan following. Some like his developmental journey. The 'Gujarat model' and then the extended version punctuated with right dosage of Hindutva politics has worked well. 

Importantly, there is a much bigger number of people who are convinced that Namo is the most credible alternative to the Opposition alliance and the Congress - that gave a decade of non performance and doomsday between 2004 and May 2014.  

In 2019 after the poll results came in - Modi had tweeted : 

“Together we grow .... Together we prosper. Together we will build a strong and inclusive India. India wins yet again!”  Critics and BJP's political opponents may have their version of the story. But it's a fact that 'the political soul' of India is with Modi.  

Twenty-five years of power makes a political milestone. As suggested by Namo himself on a number of occasions, the political pundits of India will have to 'leave behind' their ideas of the past. 

The Hindu population is not fed up of Modi's development and politics. We are in a 'new era' of Hindu nationalist hegemony as demonstrated in the West Bengal mandate --- rightly and in 'right balance' - fuelled by Narendra Modi’s extraordinary popularity.

 

ends 

 

Versatile Anant Nag conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award

"Congratulations to the legendary Anant Nag Ji on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. For several decades, his effortless performances, remarkable versatility and brilliance have left a very strong mark on Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema. In whichever role he has played, he brought rare depth and authenticity. 

This is indeed a richly deserved honour for a truly distinguished artist," Prime Minister Narendra Modi write on X. 

The award will be presented to Anant Nag at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on Sept 22. 

The Govt announcement said - "On the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, the Government of India is pleased to announce that the Actor will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema and an illustrious cinematic journey that has inspired generations."   

After Dr Rajkumar conferred the award in 1995, Anant Nag becomes the second Kannad star to get the honour.   

Nag made his film debut with the Kannada feature ‘Sankalp’ and entered Hindi cinema with ‘Ankur’. 

Over a career that marked its golden jubilee in 2023, the 78-year-old star has appeared in more than 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi. 

His television work includes ‘Malgudi Days’, adding another dimension to a career distinguished by its range of characters and languages.  

His cinematic journey has really “inspired generations of artists and enriched the cultural landscape of the nation”. 

Nag became known for his collaboration with Syam Benegal following 'Ankur' in films such as Nishant (1975), award winning 'Manthan' (1976), Kondura (1978) and Kalyug (1981).  

He famously describes acting as "behaving," conveying deep or complex emotions with an air of casualness and realistic elegance.  

He is most loved for his natural, under-playing style of acting. Anant Nag also said once --  “An actor should be like water. Ego-less. Only then can he mould his talent or fit into the skin of different characters and stories.”   

Anant Nag, who was a minister in Karnataka's J. .H Patel government, has spoken about being influenced by the JP movement at its peak.

In 2004, Nag unsuccessfully contested the Chamarajpet constituency, Bangalore assembly election from Janata Dal (Secular).

Nag also introduced his brother Shankar Nag to cinema.

Anant Nag started his career in the 1970s and became popular for his natural acting style and versatile roles in both art films and commercial movies. 

Some of his notable films include Sankarabharanam, Ganeshana Maduve, and Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu. 

ends

Middle East war spreads ::::: Saudis pound Yemen, Houthis fire at Saudi

In a sign of the worsening conflict in a new theatre, the United States tightened its travel warning for Saudi Arabia, banning government employees from travelling within 20 miles of the Yemen border.

The Houthis, who since last week have swept through Yemeni towns along the Red Sea coast and seized islands in the Bab el-Mandeb strait at its mouth, released battlefield video overnight of fighters seizing armoured vehicles from Saudi-backed forces. Warplanes flew overhead and huge explosions billowed into the sky from desert dunes, the video showed.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had launched fresh drone and missile strikes on the major Saudi Red Sea oil port of Yanbu, and at a southern Saudi airbase at Khamis Mushait.  

He did not say when the strikes had taken place. Both cities were among a wide range of locations where Saudi Arabia announced alerts on Tuesday.  

Saudi warplanes pounded Yemen and Houthi fighters launched drones and missiles at Saudi cities, the Iran-backed movement said on Wednesday, after a lightning advance that has extended Tehran's reach in the Middle East war.   

Saudi officials and oil company Aramco did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Earlier, Saree said the Houthis had also shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet. No immediate evidence was presented of that incident.

Saree said the Saudis had carried out as many as 450 air strikes on Yemen this week. Officials in the Saudi-backed government that controls southern Yemen have acknowledged that their forces and those of Saudi Arabia were conducting air strikes on Houthi positions, though Riyadh itself has not confirmed them.  

In the meanwhile in US,  the ranks of Republicans signaling the conflict is a liability for their party continues to grow.

When the House of Representatives on Tuesday evening considered its sixth war powers resolution intended to force Donald Trump to withdraw troops from the conflict, three Republicans who had not supported the previous efforts broke with their party to vote this one to passage. 

Earlier that day, a Republican who had lost his primary after repeatedly clashing with Trump proposed impeaching the US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, alleging a variety of constitutional transgressions including prosecuting the war against Iran without congressional authorization. 

ends

On his birthday ... Narendra Modi should be more aware of challenges than achievements ::: "world has changed since 2014 - when he became PM first and since he took oath for third time in 2024

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".

With an artisian 

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 ?  

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'.  

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. 

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