India's political landscape under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked intense debate both domestically and internationally. While critics raise concerns about democratic institutions, supporters point to substantial economic and social reforms. This analysis examines key criticisms of Modi's governance and evaluates them against verifiable data and outcomes.
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Firstly, the claim that freedom of the press has been eradicated under Modi is misleading. Modi governed Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, for over three terms. During his tenure, Gujarat Samachar, a prominent newspaper, actively criticized him and his government. Yet, it continues to operate even today. While its subscription has declined, this is hardly unique to India—print media worldwide has been struggling due to digital disruption. Additionally, it is plausible that the people of Gujarat grew weary of the newspaper’s relentless negative coverage and chose to shift their readership to other publications that offered a more balanced perspective.
The case of Gujarat Samachar illustrates the complex relationship between media and governance in Modi's India. While the newspaper maintains its critical stance toward Modi's policies, its declining readership reflects broader industry trends rather than government suppression. The publication continues to operate freely, questioning government decisions from land acquisition to economic policies, while maintaining its editorial independence. This demonstrates the ongoing vitality of press freedom, even as media outlets adapt to changing market conditions and reader preferences.
While the newspaper fixates on isolated controversies, such as a land acquisition reversal in Surat, it overlooks significant initiatives like the Gujarat government’s Cottage and Rural Industries Policy, which aligns with Modi’s “Vocal for Local” vision to create 12 lakh jobs. Similarly, its reporting on Modi’s “One Nation, One Election” reform harps on logistical challenges while ignoring its potential to reduce costs, streamline governance, and curtail corruption.
Furthermore, Gujarat Samachar amplifies claims that Modi prioritizes Gujarat over Maharashtra, conveniently disregarding his government’s approval of ₹7600 crore worth of projects in Maharashtra, including airport upgrades and medical colleges. Even in matters of press freedom, while Modi upholds free speech and transparency, Gujarat Samachar selectively highlights isolated incidents to paint a skewed picture. By consistently downplaying Modi’s achievements in economic reform, digitalization, infrastructure, and social initiatives, the newspaper reduces his globally recognized leadership to mere footnotes in its critiques, fostering a one-sided narrative rather than offering a balanced perspective.
Second, the claim that Modi acts as a dictator is baseless. The simple fact is that Modi and his party, the BJP, win and lose elections like any other democratic party. In the last general parliamentary election, the BJP did not secure as many seats as anticipated, leading certain sections of the media to celebrate and declare that Modi was losing his influence. However, when the BJP secured resounding victories in Maharashtra and later in the Delhi elections, the same media conveniently chose to remain silent. This selective narrative proves that Modi’s leadership is scrutinized unfairly, while his democratic victories are often downplayed.
The BJP's victory in Delhi represents a significant shift in the capital's political landscape. Two major international perspectives emerge: The Financial Times views it as evidence of BJP's growing urban appeal, while Reuters attributes the success to effective governance and infrastructure development. This victory challenges the narrative of Modi's declining influence, demonstrating instead his party's ability to win elections through democratic processes and policy implementation.
Spanish newspaper El País highlighted the historic nature of the BJP’s return to power in Delhi after nearly three decades, while the Financial Times examined the broader political implications, suggesting that AAP now faces an existential crisis. Al Jazeera, citing political analyst Rasheed Kidwai, credited the BJP’s victory to its strategic micromanagement of constituencies, with some experts arguing that the party’s dominance in Delhi signals its growing electoral invincibility. Meanwhile, the BBC framed the election as a prestige battle, underscoring how BJP’s success in the capital marks a significant political milestone after being out of power there since 1998.
Modi's government has implemented specific policies affecting minority communities, with measurable outcomes in three key areas. First, legislative reforms like the abolition of triple talaq have enhanced legal protections for Muslim women. Second, educational initiatives through the Ministry of Minority Affairs have increased scholarship access across six minority communities. Third, economic programs like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram have improved infrastructure in minority-concentrated areas. These concrete policy actions provide a factual basis for assessing the government's approach to minority rights.
Moreover, under Modi's governance, Muslim women have been freed from the regressive practice of triple talaq, a system that previously allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives instantly through a mere text message. Modi spearheaded the movement to abolish this unjust custom, ensuring greater rights for Muslim women. Historically, India has seen Hindu-Muslim conflicts, as exemplified by the Noakhali riots during Mahatma Gandhi's time, but paradoxically, under Modi, communal riots have significantly decreased. By and large, India today enjoys unprecedented harmony between Hindus and Muslims, marking a shift towards a more peaceful and unified society.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme to ensure the socio-economic development of six centrally notified minority communities—Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Muslims, Buddhists, and Parsis. This initiative focuses on educational empowerment through various scholarships and fellowships, including the Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and Merit-cum-Means based scholarships, as well as skill development programs like "Seekho aur Kamao" and "Nai Manzil." Additionally, economic support is provided through schemes such as the National Minorities Development Finance Corporation loan schemes and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) further enhances infrastructure and basic amenities in minority-concentrated areas. These efforts collectively aim to provide equal opportunities, improve living conditions, and foster inclusive growth.
Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan notably skipped the "Shalom Bollywood" event, organized for visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the presence of several Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan and his family. While the three Khans did not publicly comment on their absence, reports suggested their decision was influenced by concerns over Indian Muslim sentiments regarding India-Israel relations. Some media outlets speculated their move was a protest against Israel's actions in Palestine, while others controversially labeled it as an "anti-national" stance. Meanwhile, Netanyahu, aiming to strengthen Bollywood ties with Israel, expressed his desire to see Indian films shot in his country, even posing for a widely shared selfie with Bollywood stars.
Modi's approach to immigration policy mirrors global trends in balancing national security with humanitarian concerns. India's implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, while controversial, follows similar policy debates occurring in developed nations. Like Germany's recent immigration reforms or America's border policies, India's measures reflect the complex challenge of managing migration while maintaining social stability.
The contrast between India's minority policies and regional approaches is particularly evident when compared to neighboring countries. While Pakistan's expulsion of Afghan refugees and Bangladesh's Rohingya policies have drawn international criticism, India's systematic approach through the Ministry of Minority Affairs demonstrates a more structured policy framework. This regional context helps evaluate Modi's governance approach within the broader South Asian political landscape.
Source: Aljazeera, NDTV, TOLO News, PIB, Hindustan Times, India Today
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