A reply to Modi’s critics

The victory of Narendra Modi in 2014 general election was certainly unprecedented.  For the first time, after 1984, a government got a clear mandate. This mandat was, of course, to fulfil people’s aspirations. India has world’s largest youngest population and ambitions of these youths are very high. They wanted a creative disruptor who could at least strive to work on new India.

Laying emphasis on almost five years of Narendra Modi Government, Dr. R Balashankar, the author of Narendra Modi: Creative Disruptor/The Maker of New India writes that the era of powerbrokers, which Rajiv Gandhi had promised to end in 1984, finally ended in 2014.  The common man has been empowered considerably, as s/he could solve her/his problem on a phone click, which clearly demonstrates the people’s empowerment. In UPA’s era, NPA (non-performing assets), National security, coal allocation, spectrum allocation, infrastructure, electricity etc. were the biggest issues the nation was confronted with. Also, the UPA government totally failed in ensuring fair bidding in coal & spectrum allocations. Various scandals surfaced then. However, when Narendra Modi came to power, not only he profited country’s exchequer through fair bidding of coal and spectrum, he also electrified the rural India, which had no access of electricity till 70 years of Independence.

Narendra Modi: Creative Disruptor, The Maker of New India

By R. Balashankar

Published by: Konark Publishers

Price: `650

Pages: 312

In this book, the author lays emphasis upon Modi’s vision of developing rural India and evacuating people from poverty by his decisions like UJALA Yojana, Ujjwala scheme, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan etc.

In these years, India has witnessed many intolerance debates, where awards were returned by some eminent people to protest against the government’s policy. To counter this, the author has written that in 2004, when UPA government came to power, it removed all the heads of autonomous academic and art bodies, who were appointed by the NDA government.  He further adds that between 2009 and 2015, around 4,350 communal incidents took place. However, between 2014 and 2019, the number of communal incidents is minimal, which is clearly shows control over law & order situation  by the Modi government and points out the hidden agenda of award wapsi brigade.

Writing on GST and demonetisation, the author says, “The success of demonetisation and GST has to be seen in this light. It played a major role in eliminating corruption, black money, fake notes and tax evasion.”

When Narendra Modi came to power, it was said that because of his Hindu image, he would not be able to maintain good relations with West Asian countries. But today, under his government, India is enjoying a successful relationship with these countries.

As Lok Sabha elections are nearing and the way regional parties are uniting, it is assumed that this election would be Modi vs All. On this issue, the author thinks that there is no alternative to the BjP and to Modi for people to choose. A rag-tag tie-up might work at the state level at best, but at the national level, it is a tall order.

Dr. R. Balashankar in this book has elaborated all the works done by the Narendra Modi government. It has also touched upon some burning issues like award wapasi, Rafale and anti-Modi front which make this book interesting and readable.

By Ravi Mishra