Even the most ardent supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi say that there are many similarities between him and former PM Indira Gandhi. Her authoritarian style of leadership, the complete loyalty she demanded from her party members and cabinet, and the strong role of the state that she envisioned in her policies are just some commonalities. The cult-like following that she enjoyed — illustrated by the slogan ‘Indira is India, and India is Indira’— is mirrored in the sentiment of ‘ghar ghar Modi’ and Modi bhakti that is present across many parts of the country today.
On her 100th birthday anniversary, we ask experts: Is Modi the new Indira?
Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi cannot be compared because of the following reasons:
On the economy: Indira Gandhi was a socialist and a secular leader. She was pro-poor and this reflected in her policies. Her agenda of economic reform, like bank nationalisation, was to target big corporate houses and provide blanket protection to the poor and the needy. She was the kind of person who would look at the interests of the poor first. It’s under her leadership that India saw the Green Revolution, whose benefits we are still reaping today.
On the other side, Narendra Modi is purely a capitalist and bends in front of big corporate houses. Look at his policies – black money hoarders got their money converted, and nothing came out of demonetisation for the common man. If you look at the way GST has been implemented, small businessmen are suffering again. Workers and farmers are worst-hit under the Modi regime.
Here are other sharp perspectives on the comparison between Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi:
Zoya Hasan, Professor Emerita, JNU
Mridula Mukherjee, political historian
Sagarika Ghose, journalist and author of ‘Indira, India’s Most Powerful Prime Minister’
On international relations: Indira Gandhi became PM in the backdrop of the Indo-China war. Starting from such a crucial point of time, she managed to increase India’s confidence across the world. She defeated Pakistan in 1971, which resulted in its division, and maintained a strong relationship with Sri Lanka, Nepal etc. It was because of her leadership that no strong country dared to take action against India.
But Narendra Modi has been nothing more than a passionate world traveller. Modi has travelled to so many countries, but where are the results? India’s relations with neighbouring countries are worse. Indira was a successful diplomat, whereas Modi has completely failed.
As politicians: Overall, Indira was a robust leader. She is the only PM in the world that was expelled from her own party; she had faced tough challenges, but she strengthened the party even more. Whatever you see of the Congress imprint today is because of her. On the other hand, Narendra Modi never had to face such kind of challenges.
Sanjay Nirupam is the president of Mumbai Congress Committee
TalkPoint compiled by Nikhil Rampal