Critics of Mr. Modi’s government have expressed concerns over the rising cost of living and inflation during his tenure as Prime Minister of India. Many feel that the government is focusing on religious issues, particularly Hindu-Muslim tensions, instead of addressing the real economic issues facing the country. Despite an increase in average incomes, inflation has remained around 5 per cent, dipping below 4 per cent only twice in the past decade.
As the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a nationalist party with a strong Hindu agenda in a predominantly Hindu country, Mr. Modi has been accused of polarizing society along religious lines. The BJP’s emphasis on Hindu nationalism has raised concerns about discrimination against minority groups, as seen in the passing of a citizenship law in 2019 that excludes Muslim migrants. The United Nations Human Rights Office has criticized the law as discriminatory, but the government defends its actions.
Mr. Modi’s tenure has been marked by a focus on economic development and boosting India’s image on the world stage. He has traveled extensively to build relations with global leaders and has been welcomed at the White House. Domestically, he has worked on improving infrastructure, expanding manufacturing, and growing the digital economy. Despite controversies surrounding his past in Gujarat, where he was accused of turning a blind eye to deadly communal riots in 2002, Mr. Modi has been credited with transforming the economy of the state.
Critics argue that Mr. Modi’s emphasis on Hindu nationalism has led to increased polarization in Indian society. His role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, in which hundreds of people died, has been a source of controversy, with some accusing him of complicity. These allegations led to a ban on his entry to the United States for a period. However, supporters point to his successes in Gujarat and his determination to carry out his agenda as evidence of his leadership qualities.
Despite criticism at home and abroad, Mr. Modi has maintained a strong base of support among his followers. His background as a tea vendor in Gujarat has been a prominent part of his narrative, with a model of him as a street vendor on display in a local museum. His relatives attest to his strong work ethic and determination to achieve his goals, noting that once he sets his mind to something, he pursues it relentlessly. As Mr. Modi continues to navigate the complexities of governing a diverse and populous country like India, the debates and controversies surrounding his leadership are likely to persist.
