PM Modi : A Political Colossus Facing Novel Trials



For over two decades, those familiar with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political career have witnessed its meteoric rise. Modi, a dominant force in Indian politics, has often been compared to historical figures for his strong leadership style. Parakala Prabhakar, a renowned economist and commentator, has even described him as a "Wolf in Wolf's clothing," emphasizing his unapologetic, assertive nature.
However, the recent general elections in India, the world's largest democracy, have delivered surprising results. The BJP, Modi's party, has fallen short of the majority needed to form a government independently. This outcome has stunned the fundamentalist lobby and right-wing Hindutva supporters who have championed Modi’s often controversial, anti-secular decisions, which critics argue have undermined India’s diverse and secular fabric.

As Modi prepares to lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for a third term, he faces an unparalleled test of his coalition-building skills. Historically, his governance has been synonymous with his persona, both as Prime Minister and previously as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Modi’s leadership style has fostered a cult of personality, characterized by his solo presence at public events and his reputation for being self-centric.

Modi now faces the formidable challenge of leading a coalition government, an experience that is entirely new to him. His political and personal traits does not naturally lend itself to the compromises and negotiations essential in such a setup. The immediate test will be to prove a majority on the floor of the house, a task daunting in itself. This coalition, perceived by many as an "impossible Coalition," includes seasoned politicians like Nitish Kumar and Chandra Babu Naidu, known for their strategic acumen and politics of opportunity. Their involvement is expected to significantly challenge Modi’s leadership, potentially jeopardizing the stability of the coalition.

As Modi steps into this new phase of his political journey, the nation watches closely. The coming months will determine whether he can adapt to these new dynamics and maintain his hold on power, or if his coalition will falter under the weight of internal discord.

Many see it as a victory for India's secular democracy, a democracy that has been overshadowed, eclipsed, and paralyzed by communal politics for more than two decades. During this era, one man commanded, steered, and controlled everything according to his own whims and fancies. From the Gujarat riots in 2002 to the Delhi riots in 2020, from the turmoil in states of Tripura, Manipur following the controversial abrogation of Article 370 to the contentious Ram Temple issue, Indian democracy has witnessed unprecedented developments of politically motivated and orchestrated violence, seemingly to satisfy one man's insatiable greed for power.

These events have left deep scars on the nation, challenging its foundational values of secularism and diversity. The Gujarat riots, which occurred early in Modi's political career, are often cited as a dark chapter in modern Indian history. Similarly, the Delhi riots of 2020, occurring during Modi's tenure as Prime Minister, further exacerbated communal tensions, raising questions about the government's role in maintaining law and order.

The abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, led to significant unrest and a prolonged period of instability in the region. Critics argue that these moves were more about consolidating political power than addressing the genuine needs and concerns of the people. The Ram Temple issue, a long-standing point of contention, saw significant political maneuvering, with many believing it was used to galvanize support among certain voter bases.

As Modi now faces the challenges of leading a coalition government, the hope among many is that this marks a turning point for Indian democracy. The coalition, despite its perceived instability, represents a broader spectrum of political voices and demands greater cooperation and compromise. This could potentially steer India back towards its core democratic principles, emphasizing unity in diversity.

The coming months will be critical. Modi's ability to cruise through this new political developments, where he can no longer rely solely on his dominant persona, will be closely watched. Will he adapt to the demands of coalition governance, or will the inherent contradictions within the coalition lead to its downfall? Either way, this period is likely to be a defining moment in Modi’s political journey.

(This article is authored by an apolitical citizen of India, providing an impartial viewpoint on the recent political development in the country. Author also has his debut fiction book under publication)

 

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