Why Modi Should Be the Next Prime Minister of India

The examination of political inclinations often evokes strong emotions and the conclusions drawn from political figures can be highly variable. Supporters of Narendra Modi often highlight his authoritative leadership style and initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. However, it is essential to consider various perspectives and evaluate a leader's performance based on their personal qualities and the needs of the nation.

Historical Context and Reflections

Recalling my teenage years, I remember watching the film Border in 1997, a pre-multiplex era, in a theater with a rowdy audience. The atmosphere was marked by crude comments and a general lack of respect for the cinema experience.

Following the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, the then Home Minister of State, R. R. Patil, remarked, 'bade bade shher mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hai,' as the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh, entered the terror site the next day alongside film producer RG Varma. This event highlighted the callousness of the time. In times of crisis, the handling of sensitive matters often reflected a lack of gravitas.

During a drought, the then Irrigation and Waterworks Minister of State, Ajit Pawar, commented, 'Should I now urinate in the dams if the water levels are so low?' This incident underscored the irresponsibility of political leaders during critical situations.

During the 1996 Cricket World Cup, in Eden Gardens, the public's behavior was a mix of national pride and petty nationalism, culminating in the throwing of bottles and disruption of the match due to India's losing position. Similarly, in a 2002 cricket match in India, some Indian bookies' behavior was baffling, throwing bottles just because India achieved a milestone, indicating a short-sighted perception of national interests.

Modi's Impact on Nationalism and Unity

Since the entry of PM Modi onto the national stage in 2014, the promotion of nationalism has become much more solemn. Severe actions against those who make derogatory comments about India or display loose behavior on matters concerning the nation have become more common. Politicians are held accountable and shown the door much more decisively than in previous eras.

One notable change is the increasing willingness among Indians to explore and understand the true history of India, moving away from the Congress-promoted narrative that whitewashed the nation's past from 1947. This has fostered a deeper appreciation of India's rich history and cultural heritage.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Economic Reforms

The entrepreneurial spirit among Indians has also grown significantly since Modi's tenure. Prior to 2014, the primary dream of an average Indian was to study and find a job. However, when job creators are absent, how can jobs be created? The rise of the startup culture and the digital boom have encouraged Indians to become job creators rather than merely job seekers.

Digital India has seen substantial progress during Modi's tenure. A prominent CS from the industry informed me that India's rapid ascent in the Ease of Doing Business rankings can be attributed to the digital push India has received. Digitization has streamlined traditional processes and regularized many shady transactions. Today, India boasts the highest number of UPI or digital payment transactors globally.

Addressing Corruption

It is true that corruption levels at the grassroots level have not been completely eradicated. However, the fight against corruption has been more concerted under Modi. Corruption is categorized into two types: Type A, which is irritating but not dangerous, and Type B, which is highly dangerous and can sell sensitive information to enemies.

Modi's efforts have significantly impacted Type B corruption. For example, political parties that were previously hand-in-glove with the Hurriyat and were dubious in terms of funding have faced scrutiny and challenges. Reducing Type A corruption requires people to earn enough to not be motivated by small sums and to be patriotic enough to avoid such temptations in the first place. We are on the right track, if not there yet.