Narendra Modi is the 14th Prime Minister of India, holding office since May 2014. He is the first prime minister born after India’s independence and a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Prior to becoming the nation’s prime minister, Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, where he gained national prominence. He represents the Varanasi constituency in Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha, a seat he has held since 2014.
Narendra Modi joined the RSS, the BJP’s ideological parent, in the 1970s and joined the BJP in 1987. The following year he was chosen as the party’s general secretary for Gujarat. Modi took oath as Gujarat CM in 2001, after replacing Keshubhai Patel, who was held responsible for the government’s poor response to the Bhuj earthquake. Modi contested his first-ever election in 2002, shortly after which the Gujarat riots fueled controversy over his leadership. The Supreme Court in 2022 gave a clean chit to Modi and 63 others in a plea exploring a larger conspiracy behind the riots.
Known for his extensive foreign tours, Modi has been credited with raising India’s global profile. Events like “Howdy Modi” in the U.S. and his visits to countries such as Israel, Japan, and the UAE have underscored his foreign policy successes. He is said to have developed strong relations with top world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, Modi’s leadership has been marked by several controversial statements, especially leading up to the 2024 elections. These include remarks on national security, religion, and political opposition, which have ignited debates.
Gandhi ji also used to refer himself in third person – as “”Bapu ”
.Does it make him have – ” discomfort with the self… narcissistic wounds are being defended by identifying with a grandiose false self while the true self is fragile…”
I dont hink so.
Bapuji was an epitome of humility and righteousness.
This column by Shekhar Gupta has distorted facts.
Rahul Gandhi’s interview shows both the above mentioned intents. Modi and Kejariwal have utter conviction that their actions were and will be always right. This may be called as suggesting their autocratic tendencies as the author means.
I remember having read from newspapers Acharya Vinoba Bhave used to refer himself in third person in public speeches during his Bhhudan Movement.
Referring self in third person can be considerd as ìnterpreting one’s actions and abilities from the viewpoint of others. Of course the interpretation will vary depending upon who “the others ” are. If they are the followers who respect him then the usage suggests the conviction of the speaker that what he/she does is perfectly justified. On the other hand when the speaker uses third person reference for self while answering critics the usage may be mocking as in Vajpayee’s retort to interviewer’s lightheartedly disparaging question. It can also be an angry retort in some cases.
One more famous “character” who referred to himself in third person was, of course, Gabbar Singh. This would have rounded this article off quite nicely
It is always a pleasure to read (or listen to) Sri Shekhar Gupta.
My observations: (1) Sri Kejriwal rated as one of the 3 most important politicians- this is an elevation for Sri Kejriwal. (2) Now that this aspect (talking in 3rd person) has been highlighted, I shall keep a watch who amongst the 3 can overcome this behaviour and how soon. (3) Once while calling out the names of winners in a small prize distribution ceremony (where I was also a competitor), I announced “yours truly” when the time came for me to call myself as the winner. This was more an expression of modesty. So, not all expressions in 3rd persons is condemnable.