The Modi government refers to the cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who became the 14th Prime Minister of India in May 2014. The government is headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition of political parties.
Under Modi’s leadership, the government has focused on transformative initiatives aimed at economic growth, infrastructure development, and national security. Some of the landmark policies include the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonetisation of high-value currency notes in 2016, and the controversial revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which ended the region’s special status. The Modi government has also emphasized initiatives such as ‘Make in India,’ ‘Digital India,’ ‘Skill India,’ and the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (Clean India Mission).
While it has received praise for boosting economic growth and improving infrastructure, it has also faced significant criticism. Its handling of the anti-CAA protests, the 2020 farmers’ protests, and issues surrounding the delivery of data—such as the absence of a national census and the lack of transparency regarding COVID-19 death tolls—has sparked public debate. The government has also been criticized for its response to social issues, such as the Hathras rape case and the conflict in Manipur.
Despite these challenges, the Modi government, now in its third term, continues to maintain a dominant political presence, securing electoral victories at both state and national levels.
Whether a heightened pursuit of a sectarian agenda is being done out of the deepest ideological conviction or as a cynical ploy to mask profound economic failures is a matter of judgment. However, to citizens who are pragmatic and not driven by partisan passions, we seem to be getting the worst of both worlds. Something like the trains running late – or not running at all – during the emergency. The ferocity and geographical spread of the protests is a powerful warning shot across the bows.
Ashokji, you seem to have hit the nail on the head as usual. Some Indians like us, who do not vote on basis of religious or caste preferences seem to have lost out big time. Now there is no talk of “ache din” or “good governance” We are stuck with take it or lump it. After the current PM, the next in line – namely Mr Shah and the current UP CM make even this dispensation seem tame by comparison. We are stuck with poor economic performance which is going to affect the way we educate our children and manage our retirement. I envisage us getting forever shown the bogey of militant minorities or poor law and order to keep voting for this lot, whatever may be its real life performance. . In short, we have become a captive and fearful votebank who have been conditioned to think that there is no alternative. In Shekhar Gupta’s words – we have become “Modi’s Muslims”
This economist seems to be a new addition to ThePrint’s team of sickulars! First, what is he writing against BJP as its political agenda can be easily turned around and Congress can be accused of the doing the opposite – minority appeasement, caste politics etc. So attacking BJP for taking steps to achieve its political agenda, on which it has got a majority in Lok Sabha is non sense. One can disagree with it but vote for Congress next time around! Second, CAA is not against Indian citizens, whether belonging to minority or not. It is for granting citizenship status in an accelerated manner to the religiously persecuted minorities in neighboring countries who entered India up to Dec 2014 to correct historical injustice. For everyone else, there is a routine process to seek asylum or citizenship under Citizenship Act.
As regards NRC, the author has not bothered to read the FAQs issued by Government of India a day before! In any case, NRC process has not been announced as yet. Further, both CAA and NRC process will tested in Supreme Court. So there is no reason to fear that BJP can do whatever it pleases as it has a brute majority in Parliament. Beyond this, one can certainly have political opposition to CAA and NRC. So why not say clearly how Congress and others propose to deal with illegal migrants of all kinds and that they will pass a law that will allow any one persecuted anywhere in the world on any ground (gender, religion, ethnicity, political views etc) be allowed a free entry into India? It is one thing to oppose what BJP is doing now but what is your proposal to deal with the issues that BJP is trying to solve? Come clear on that first.
And let us not delude that we should go serially- first sort out economic problems and then go after social issues! This is as stupid as telling a child- do well in maths first and then you can go after sports! Every economy is in continuous process of up and down and every time measures are needed to sort out its problems at that level of growth. Chinese, US, Europe – despite being huge economies, all have pressing economic problems just as we have though the nature of problems and their intensity differ. Modi govt is taking steps to sort the issues. It may be successful or not but that can not stop it from taking decisions in other areas.
Does author support Referendum on CAA and NRC under UN supervision? Or why not Mamata resign now and call for fresh elections in West Bengal as it is West Bengal that is at the heart of the CAA and NRC? That election can set the future course of the country. so why not do it and bury the ghost of BJP once for all?!
More of the BJP line. The author is absolutely correct in their opinion of what the government is doing and all you are doing is spreading the BJP propaganda!
Mr Writer tell me how CAA is towards HINDUTVA.. u guys simply want to write against gvt and get fame.. u damn seculars
I will tell you but you already know. The CAA provides for religious citizenship of all but Muslims! That is the meaning of Hindutva. Doing everything they can to stifle Muslims!