narendra modi a political biography pdf

Narendra Modi: A Political Biography

Narendra Modi, the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, is powerful, popular and controversial. With the general elections due to conclude in May 2014, Modi’s campaign rallies have drawn unprecedented crowds. Yet, the man remains an enigma. His supporters regard him as the visionary, decisive leader India needs today. His detractors see him as a polarizing fi gure. Is Modi authoritative or authoritarian? Decisive or divisive? A team player or a loner? Andy Marino recorded interviews with Narendra Modi during more than half-a-dozen exclusive meetings – unprecedented access to a very private man. What emerged is this riveting, objective biography of a man who could be India’s prime minister. Not shying away from the controversies that have dogged Narendra Modi, including the Gujarat riots and questions about the Gujarat model of governance and development, this political biography provides an unbiased account of possibly the most important figure in Indian politics today. Marino records hour-by-hour details of the 2002 Gujarat riots, presenting a balanced analysis of that raw wound on India’s polity. It also reveals hitherto unpublished, authenticated documents, which makes this one of the most important books of 2014. The author analyses Narendra Modi’s values, the people who shaped his thinking and the sort of national leader he will make. Personal details of Modi’s early life, his wanderings in the Himalayas between the ages of seventeen and nineteen, his rise through the political ranks, his vision for India and his personal philosophy on religion and politics are revealed in a book that is lucid, fast-paced and readable. Narendra Modi: A Political Biography is an insightful, exhaustive and impeccably researched account of the ascent of a political leader.

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Narendra Modi: A political Biography Kindle Edition

Narendra Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, is powerful, popular and controversial. With the general elections due to conclude in May 2014, Modi's campaign rallies have drawn unprecedented crowds. Yet, the man remains an enigma. His supporters regard him as the visionary, decisive leader India needs today. His detractors see him as a polarizing fi gure. Is Modi authoritative or authoritarian? Decisive or divisive? A team player or a loner?

Andy Marino recorded interviews with Narendra Modi during more than half-a-dozen exclusive meetings - unprecedented access to a very private man. What emerged is this riveting, objective biography of a man who could be India's prime minister. Not shying away from the controversies that have dogged Narendra Modi, including the Gujarat riots and questions about the Gujarat model of governance and development, this political biography provides an unbiased account of possibly the most important figure in Indian politics today. Marino records hour-by-hour details of the 2002 Gujarat riots, presenting a balanced analysis of that raw wound on India's polity. It also reveals hitherto unpublished, authenticated documents, which makes this one of the most important books of 2014.

The author analyses Narendra Modi's values, the people who shaped his thinking and the sort of national leader he will make. Personal details of Modi's early life, his wanderings in the Himalayas between the ages of seventeen and nineteen, his rise through the political ranks, his vision for India and his personal philosophy on religion and politics are revealed in a book that is lucid, fast-paced and readable. Narendra Modi: A Political Biography is an insightful, exhaustive and impeccably researched account of the ascent of a political leader.

• Print length 332 pages
• Language English
• Publisher HarperCollins
• Publication date 6 April 2014
• File size 5207 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

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About the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00JJHGGAI
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins; Illustrated edition (6 April 2014)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 5207 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
• #2,411 in Biographies & Autobiographies (Kindle Store)
• #8,886 in Biographies & Autobiographies (Books)

About the author

Andy marino.

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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 59% 25% 9% 3% 3% 59%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 59% 25% 9% 3% 3% 25%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 59% 25% 9% 3% 3% 9%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 59% 25% 9% 3% 3% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 59% 25% 9% 3% 3% 3%

Customers say

Customers find the book good, well-written, and concise. They appreciate the unbiased reporting and detailed narrative. Readers also mention the book is inspiring and informative.

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Customers find the book well-written, with lots of facts, statistics, and research. They say it's a good book to get an insight into the work of the Prime Minister. Readers also mention the author keeps them interested all through.

"... Sincere in service with perfection . Rare in rare kind appropriate for leading a nation without corruption...." Read more

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Customers find the writing quality of the book excellent. They mention it's well-written, concise, and easy to read. Readers also mention the author is excellent and the book takes an objective look at all the controversies surrounding Sri Lanka.

"...The language of the book is not that tough and there are several pictures of Modi in this book...." Read more

"...However his stature grew with time. Coming to the book, Andy Marino is an excellent author ...." Read more

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Customers find the book unbiased, well-researched, and balanced. They say it speaks truth about Modi and discusses all the popular misbeliefs about him.

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"...Narendra Modi, a political biography, is a well researched and a balanced book with solid facts on one of the most powerful Prime Minister, India,..." Read more

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" Good and unbiased account on Narendra Modi's political journey till he ascended to become India's PM...." Read more

Customers find the narrative detailed, inspiring, and informative. They appreciate the wealth of facts regarding both Modi's alleged strong personality and determined influenced by patriotic views. Readers also say the book provides a good overview of the Gujarat riots and covers other topics well.

"...Modi as an individual has a very strong personality, very determined influenced by very patriotic personalities. Sincere in service with perfection...." Read more

"...Marino considers and analyzes a wealth of facts regarding both Modi's alleged complicity in the 2002 Gujarat riots and his much-debated Gujarat..." Read more

"...factual in such places (such as 2002-03 period) and covers other topics very well ." Read more

"A detailed narrative . Not too sure how unbiased a narrative it is in the end, but never the less a counter narrative in favour of Mr. Modi...." Read more

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The chaiwala who became the Prime minister of India : Narendra damodar das Modi

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Narendra Modi

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Narendra Modi : A political Biography

By Andy Marino

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About the book

Narendra Modi, the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, is powerful, popular and controversial. With the general elections due to conclude in May 2014, Modi’s campaign rallies have drawn unprecedented crowds. Yet, the man remains an enigma. His supporters regard him as the visionary, decisive leader India needs today. His detractors see him as a polarizing fi gure. Is Modi authoritative or authoritarian? Decisive or divisive? A team player or a loner? Andy Marino recorded interviews with Narendra Modi during more than half-a-dozen exclusive meetings – unprecedented access to a very private man. What emerged is this riveting, objective biography of a man who could be India’s prime minister. Not shying away from the controversies that have dogged Narendra Modi, including the Gujarat riots and questions about the Gujarat model of governance and development, this political biography provides an unbiased account of possibly the most important figure in Indian politics today. Marino records hour-by-hour details of the 2002 Gujarat riots, presenting a balanced analysis of that raw wound on India’s polity. It also reveals hitherto unpublished, authenticated documents, which makes this one of the most important books of 2014. The author analyses Narendra Modi’s values, the people who shaped his thinking and the sort of national leader he will make. Personal details of Modi’s early life, his wanderings in the Himalayas between the ages of seventeen and nineteen, his rise through the political ranks, his vision for India and his personal philosophy on religion and politics are revealed in a book that is lucid, fast-paced and readable. Narendra Modi: A Political Biography is an insightful, exhaustive and impeccably researched account of the ascent of a political leader.

Available in: Paperback Hardback

Language: English

• Autobiography
• Biography, Memoir and True Story
• About the Author
• Reader reviews

Andy Marino

Andy Marino, who has a PhD in English Literature, is a British author and TV producer who lives and works in London but travels extensively. He is the acclaimed best-selling author of A Quiet American and Hershel: The Boy Who Started World War Two.

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Narendra Modi: A Political Biography Paperback – January 1, 2016

• Language English
• Publisher HarperCollins India (2015-04-09)
• Publication date January 1, 2016
• Dimensions 7.99 x 10 x 1.85 inches
• ISBN-10 9789351770251
• ISBN-13 978-9351770251
• See all details

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 9351770257
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins India (2015-04-09) (January 1, 2016)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9789351770251
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9351770251
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.6 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.99 x 10 x 1.85 inches
• Best Sellers Rank: #2,426,388 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books )

About the author

Andy marino.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 52% 27% 13% 4% 4% 52%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 52% 27% 13% 4% 4% 27%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 52% 27% 13% 4% 4% 13%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 52% 27% 13% 4% 4% 4%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 52% 27% 13% 4% 4% 4%

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-researched, informative, and consistently favourable to the subject. They describe it as a good, well-written account and one of the most important reads for anyone wanting to understand how policy works. Readers also appreciate the balanced and thoughtful evaluation of Modi.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book well-researched, informative, and consistent favourable to the subject. They appreciate the detailed analysis and thoughtful evaluation. Readers also describe the book as practical, inspiring, and an objective appraisal.

" One of the best and careful accounts about Narendra Modi the man, the politician, the political strategist, and visionary...." Read more

"...The book by Andy Marino is consistently favourable to the subject ...." Read more

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"A well written book, gives a fairly good deal of info . At a few places, it appears one sided...." Read more

Customers find the book good and important for anyone wanting to understand how policy works. They also appreciate the well-written account of Narendra Modi.

"...Still, readers should be grateful for this well-written account of Narendra Modi, who might still become the Prime Minister of India, if Indian..." Read more

"...It's worth a read if you are trying to understand the background and reality that the current Indian Prime Minister has grown up in and the..." Read more

"A well written book , gives a fairly good deal of info. At a few places, it appears one sided...." Read more

"Informative and good read about Modi's elevation from a "chaiwala" to an eminent leader. A perfect example of the Great Indian Democracy...." Read more

Customers find the book balanced.

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Customers find the book well-written, readable, and excellent. They also appreciate the great narration and research done on the subject.

"... Far more readable than nilanjan's book" Read more

"...I like reading biographies and autobiographies. This book was well written and expanded my vocabulary. The book put Narendra in a good light." Read more

" Great narration and excellent research done on the subject" Read more

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Narendra Modi

A Case Study of Servant Leadership

• Living reference work entry
• First Online: 09 November 2022
• Cite this living reference work entry

• Satish Modh 3 &
• Sadhana Modh 4  

63 Accesses

2 Citations

1 Altmetric

This chapter presents a case study on the leadership style of Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, to add to the discussion on servant leadership styles of world leaders (which includes Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and even Jesus Christ). In his speech from the Red Fort in Delhi on 15 August 2014 as the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Modi proclaimed: “My beloved countrymen! I have come here not as a ‘ Pradhan Mantri ’ (Prime Minister) but a ‘Pradhan Sewak’ (Prime Servant).” This chapter will ascertain whether he meets the three features that make up the essence of servant leadership, namely its motive, mode, and mindset (Eva et al., The Leadership Quarterly, 30 , 1, 111–132, 2019).

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Modh, S., Modh, S. (2022). Narendra Modi. In: Dhiman, S.K., Roberts, G.E. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Servant Leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69802-7_15-1

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Narendra Modi

Who Is Narendra Modi?

Narendra Modi grew up in the Indian town of Vadnagar, the son of a street merchant. He entered politics as a youth and quickly rose through the ranks of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist political party. Modi joined the mainstream Bharatiya Janata Party in 1987, eventually becoming national secretary. Elected prime minister of India in 2014, he earned reelection to the post five years later.

Narendra Modi was born in the small town of Vadnagar, in northern Gujarat, India. His father was a street merchant who struggled to support the family. Young Narendra and his brother sold tea near a bus terminal to help out. Though an average student in school, Modi spent hours in the library and was known as a strong debater. In his early teens, he joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist political party.

Modi had an arranged marriage at 18 but spent little time with his bride. The two eventually separated, with Modi claiming to be single for some time.

Early Political Career

Modi dedicated his life to politics in Gujarat, joining the RSS in 1971. During the 1975-77 political crisis, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency, banning political organizations such as the RSS. Modi went underground and wrote a book, Sangharsh ma Gujarat ( Gujarat in Emergency ), which chronicles his experiences as a political fugitive. He graduated from Delhi University with a degree in political science in 1978, and completed his master’s work at Gujarat University in 1983.

In 1987, Narendra Modi joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which stood for Hindu nationalism. His rise through the ranks was rapid, as he wisely chose mentors to further his career. He promoted privatization of businesses, small government and Hindu values. In 1995, Modi was elected BJP national secretary, a position from which he successfully helped settle internal leadership disputes, paving the way for BJP election victories in 1998.

Gulbarg Massacre and Alleged Complicity

In February 2002, while Modi served as chief minister of Gujarat, a commuter train was attacked, allegedly by Muslims. In retaliation, an attack was carried out on the Muslim neighborhood of Gulbarg. Violence spread, and Modi imposed a curfew granting police shoot-to-kill orders. After peace was restored, Modi’s government was criticized for the harsh crackdown, and he was accused of allowing the killings of more than 1,000 Muslims, along with the mass raping and mutilation of women. After two investigations contradicted one other, the Indian Supreme Court concluded there was no evidence Modi was at fault.

Narendra Modi was reelected chief minister of Gujarat in 2007 and 2012. Through those campaigns, Modi's hard-line Hinduism softened and he spoke more about economic growth, focusing on privatization and encouraging policies to shape India as a global manufacturing epicenter. He was credited with bringing prosperity and development to Gujarat, though others said he did little to alleviate poverty and improve living standards.

Elected Prime Minister

In June 2013, Modi was selected to head the BJP’s 2014 election campaign to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s parliament), while a grassroots campaign was already in place to elect him prime minister. Modi campaigned hard, portraying himself as a pragmatic candidate capable of turning around India’s economy, while his critics portrayed him as a controversial and divisive figure.

In May 2014, Modi and his party were victorious, taking 282 of the 534 seats in the Lok Sabha. The victory marked a crushing defeat to the Indian National Congress, which had controlled country politics for most of the previous 60 years, and sent a message that India’s citizens were behind an agenda that moved away from a secular, socialist state to a more capitalist-leaning economy with Hindu nationalism at its core.

On May 26, 2014, Modi was sworn in as the 14th prime minister of India, the first to have been born after the country achieved independence from the U.K.

Since becoming prime minister, Modi has encouraged foreign businesses to invest in India. He has lifted various regulations — permits and inspections — so that businesses could grow more easily. He has decreased spending on social welfare programs and has encouraged the privatization of healthcare, although he has devised a policy on universal healthcare for those citizens with serious ailments. In 2014, he launched a "Clean India" campaign, which focused on sanitation and the construction of millions of toilets in rural areas.

His environmental policies have been lax, especially when those policies hamper industrial growth. He has lifted restrictions on protecting the environment and is more open to the use of genetically modified crops, despite protests from India's farmers. Under Modi's power, he has suppressed the influence of civil society organizations, such as Greenpeace, the Sierra Club, Avaaz, and other humanitarian groups, saying they prevent economic growth.

In terms of foreign policy, Modi has taken on a multilateral approach. He has participated in the BRICS, ASEAN and G20 summits, and has aligned himself with the United States, China, Japan and Russia to improve economic and political ties. He has also reached out to Islamic republics, most notably fostering diplomatic ties with Pakistan, although he has repeatedly labeled the country a "terrorist state" and an "exporter of terrorism."

Under his rule, Modi has substantially centralized his power compared to previous administrations.

Global Recognition

In 2016 Modi won the reader's poll as TIME 's Person of the Year. In previous years, he had received top ranking as one of the most influential political figures in the world in both TIME and Forbes Magazine . With high favorability ratings among Indian voters, Modi enjoyed a reputation for actively engaging citizens through social media and encouraging his own administration to stay active on its platforms.

Reelection and Protests

Following a landslide victory for the BJP, Modi was sworn in for his second term as prime minister on May 30, 2019.

By August, controversy was brewing when Modi announced his intention to revoke Article 370, a constitutional provision which had granted autonomy to the state of Jammu and Kashmir since 1949. Amid a reported communications blackout in the area, India's parliament voted to reclassify the Muslim-majority state as a union territory.

In December, parliament passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) to fast-track citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Although Modi lauded the bill as a means for helping religious minorities escape persecution, opponents viewed it as unconstitutional and discriminatory, leading to the eruption of violent protests throughout the country.

Meanwhile, a new problem was brewing with the spread of the coronavirus from its starting point in central China. Following a series of decrees designed to curb an outbreak in India, Modi in late March 2020 ordered all 1.3 billion people in the country to remain at home for the next three weeks.

QUICK FACTS

• Name: Narendra Modi
• Birth Year: 1950
• Birth date: September 17, 1950
• Birth City: Vadnagar
• Birth Country: India
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Narendra Modi is best known for rising from humble beginnings to become prime minister of India.
• Politics and Government
• Astrological Sign: Virgo
• Gujarat University
• Delhi University
• Nacionalities
• Occupations
• Prime Minister

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CITATION INFORMATION

• Article Title: Narendra Modi Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: The Biography.com website
• Url: https://www.biography.com/political-figures/narendra-modi
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• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: March 25, 2020
• Original Published Date: June 10, 2014
• I am a very optimistic man, and only an optimistic man can bring optimism in the country.
• I am not doing any favour, only performing a duty; this victory is a result of struggle of five generations.
• I don’t believe UPA government did nothing; they did whatever they could and they deserve appreciation for whatever good they did.

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100 Days of Modi 3.0: 5 Takeaways

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The BJP is putting on a show of undimmed power even as the opposition displays a newfound confidence.

The recently concluded Lok Sabha election results heralded the return of coalition politics in India as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost its single-party majority in the Parliament. The BJP falling short of its expected results meant that for the first time in his political career, Narendra Modi was at the mercy of allies to remain in office as prime minister. These developments triggered widespread speculations about the future course of Indian politics. 

As the government completes the first 100 days in office on September 17, it is an opportune moment to read the political tea leaves. There are five broad takeaways for observers of Indian politics. 

First, the BJP has looked to project an image of strength even as voices of discord are registering themselves. The continuation of key ministers was meant to signal that a BJP-led government would provide broad policy continuity, despite losing its single-party majority. The top leadership’s behavior would give one the impression that the BJP has decided to dismiss the electoral setback. Addressing a crowd in Chandigarh, Home Minister Amit Shah boldly proclaimed that Modi will return as prime minister in 2029. 

While critics might label this hubris, for the BJP, displaying any sign of weakness goes against the strongman image it has assiduously cultivated for Modi. However, while Modi remains the top politician, the impregnable halo around him has vanished. The backlash by upper-middle-class sections against the Union Budget reveals that he now enjoys less blind devotion even among his most fervent support base. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat too launched a thinly veiled criticism of the prime minister for his statements during the election campaign. Therefore, while Modi will continue to exhibit bravado, his performance and conduct will be under increased scrutiny. 

Second, the government has proven tactically adept at keeping alliance partners in good humor and has reached an amicable modus vivendi. There was concern about how Modi, with his penchant for centralization of power, would manage the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In contrast to the previous two terms, where it frequently steamrolled through legislation despite opposition from its allies , the government is now willing to eat humble pie when confronted with displeasure in its own camp. 

The government, for instance, revoked the advertisement for lateral entry appointments, withdrew the second draft of the Broadcast Bill, referred the contentious Waqf Board Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for review, and restored the indexation benefit on long-term capital gains. The alliance partners have hitherto not raised objections to the style of governance. 

Both critical NDA allies – the Telugu Desam Party from Andhra Pradesh and the Janata Dal (United) from Bihar – are primarily interested in securing economic benefits for their states. The finance minister announced spending of 600 billion rupees on infrastructure projects in the Union Budget for Bihar; meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh received 150 billion rupees in financial aid through multilateral agencies. Modi will approve these indulgences as the cost to be paid to run a coalition government. The BJP can breathe easy as the allies are unlikely to bring down the government out of any ideological differences. 

While the alliance looks fairly stable, the one possible bone of contention is the issue of caste. As the demand for a caste census grows, NDA allies like the JD(U ) and the Lok Janshakti Party have indicated their willingness to join the chorus. These parties cannot afford to ignore the demand of backward castes whose support is critical for them in Bihar, which is scheduled to conduct elections next year. The pressure to agree to a caste census from its allies, besides the opposition, may threaten the NDA’s longevity.

Third, the opposition is emboldened after surviving an existential election. Nowhere was this on display more than in the Parliament. Having lost its single-party majority, the government cannot pass bills in the Parliament without debate and discussion, creating greater space for the opposition parties to make their voices count. The Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition, has emphasized social justice issues inside and outside the Parliament. 

The demand for a national caste census is the top weapon in its armory for blunting the BJP’s attempt to consolidate the Hindu vote bank. The mobilization of backward castes behind a caste census gives the Congress an imprimatur of mass politics, a phenomenon that has been alien to the party in recent decades. Other key issues on its radar include the legal demand for a Minimum Support Price for farmers and pressuring the government for its perceived close association with India’s top business houses. 

The Modi government’s inability to bring a structural transformation of the Indian economy and create adequate formal jobs has rendered it vulnerable to political attack. At a time of growing inequality , the opposition has decided that issues of redistribution and representation have an electoral cache. The challenge for the opposition is to display a better economic model in the states where it’s in power to convince citizens that it is a viable alternative. 

Fourth, caste politics is again emerging as the strongest antidote to Hindutva. The cry for a caste census and greater distribution of government largesse along caste lines helps the opposition create a demographic coalition that undercuts the RSS’ and BJP’s work of socially engineering a unified political bloc of Hindus. 

Will the BJP concede to a caste census? For the party, there are no easy options. Accepting the demand for a caste census will be an ideological defeat for the party that has been working to create a monolithic Hindu identity. On the other hand, rejecting the demand would further weaken the party’s credentials among the backward castes, who recently shifted their allegiance to the opposition in important states like Uttar Pradesh. 

Hindutva has achieved many of its decade-long objectives, like building a Ram Temple at the site of a razed mosque in Ayodhya, and is now ironically a victim of its own success. While evidence suggests that the BJP will keep the communal pot boiling over issues like “love jihad,” conversion, and cow slaughter, they don’t yet have the mass galvanizing effect of the Ayodhya movement. The BJP will look for a fresh rallying cause to unify Hindus and reap electoral dividends. 

Meanwhile, the opposition will work to stitch together the caste arithmetic of the underprivileged. As the contestation around identity politics looks set to sharpen, Hindutva versus caste politics will be the deepest ideological divide in Indian politics. 

Fifth, while the election result has opened up space to arrest India’s descent into unchecked executive power, it has not led to an automatic reversal. Constitutional scholars like to believe that institutions keep power in check; however, it is the configuration of power that determines the behavior of institutions. A more competitive political arena has allowed independent institutions with greater room to assert themselves. The weakening of the executive power incentivizes institutions to hedge their political bets. 

The Supreme Court for instance has granted bail to the opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal , which bucks the trend of the judiciary largely toeing the executive line in important cases. A sterner test for the judiciary would be whether it can stand up for constitutional values when it falls foul of the core ideological projects of the government.

Moreover, a large section of Indian media, especially TV, continues to remain uncritical cheerleaders of the ruling dispensation. It would be naive to expect a radical change in their behavior. Elites who have supported the regime hitherto out of ideological convictions are unlikely to jettison their support instantly. It is therefore premature to believe that India’s liberal democracy will be out of the woods anytime soon. 

Elections in India are breathless and more political action is expected in the coming months. The BJP will look to bounce back in the upcoming state elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Maharashtra to drive home the message that its setback in the national election was a mere aberration. However, if the opposition emerges victorious, especially in the critical state of Maharashtra, it will bolster the impression that the BJP’s political capital is on the slide.

The challenge for the BJP may also come from civil society and social groups. While India may enjoy a reasonably healthy rate of growth , its uneven distribution will create pockets of resentment against the BJP-led government. Unemployed youth and farmers are itching for social confrontation and if economic disenchantment continues to brew, they will not be shy to take to the streets. 

While the BJP will remain the dominant force in Indian politics, the opposition will act as an amalgamation of pressure groups that prevent the BJP from riding roughshod over India’s electoral landscape. After a decade of a singular booming note reverberating across much of the country, Indian politics will now sound like an orchestra of disparate tunes.

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