Infraboost, Hindupolitics, and Charisma: The Enduring Popularity of India’s Modi
In a recent BJP gathering in Gurdaspur, a supporter holds up a drawing of Modi in the air. Vikram Shambhu, a tea vendor in Vadnagar, lists the landmarks that remind of the mythical childhood of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, born here in 1950. Modi’s humble origin as a tea seller’s son contrasts sharply with the elite political Gandhi dynasty to which his main rival, Rahul Gandhi, belongs.
Modi hopes that his party BJP will win the parliamentary elections again this week, allowing him to start a third term. The BJP, under Modi’s leadership, has a strong chance of winning, with the Prime Minister consistently being the highest-rated world leader, supported by 78% of adults in India. Visible developments, such as renovated train stations, roads, and social welfare programs for the poor, contribute to Modi’s popularity.
Analyst Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay identifies three main factors that make Modi popular: visible developments, his charismatic personality, and his focus on Hindu nationalist politics. Critics accuse Modi of promoting hate against minorities and putting democracy at risk. The Election Commission’s response to a controversial speech by Modi in April, where he made derogatory remarks about Muslims, raised concerns about the declining state of democracy in India.
Despite criticisms, Modi’s anti-Islam rhetoric seems to resonate with Hindu voters, possibly out of a bid to secure their support. As the polls indicate a likely win for Modi in the upcoming elections, concerns about the future of democracy linger. Mukhopadhyay predicts a further erosion of democracy if Modi secures a larger victory than in 2019.
In Vadnagar, however, optimism prevails. Residents express faith in Modi’s ability to lead India to prosperity on the world stage. As the anticipation builds up for the election results, the hope for a brighter future under Modi’s leadership remains strong in his birthplace.
Interviews conducted by Raghavendra Verma.