Those envying India now bracing for Modi’s third term
The largest-ever election in India, the most populous country in the world, is taking place in seven phases to elect 543 members to the lower house of parliament. Though the results are expected to be announced on June 4, 2024, most observers say that NDA is all set to sail through comfortably for the third time in a row with PM Modi getting a third term.
There is no credible opposition party or an alliance to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and no opposition leader who can lead India. The Indian National Congress (INC) and its regional allies in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance grouping have no comparable leader of national stature like Narendra Modi.
As of the third phase of polling, the election this time turns out to be one of the most insipid ones in Indian history, as voter turn out has been low percentage wise.
There may be many reasons behind the relatively lower voter turnout—estimated to be 4 percent lower than in 2019—so far. The unusually early scorching temperatures may have dampened the spirit of the electorate. The assumption that BJP would win anyway may have kept some of the voters from polling booths. In the absence of a visible anti-incumbency wave, the INDIA-grouping may have failed to inspire its supporters into turning out in large numbers.
NDA is fighting the election in all constituencies with local candidates presenting themselves as an extension of the persona of the most charismatic Modi. He is the main face of the NDA : Here, there and everywhere on posters, billboards, selfie-points, banners, television screens, newspaper headlines and videos on the social media. Modi is the colossus leader taking on all gladiators of the opposition for political duels in every constituency. It is indeed a sort of referendum on the DEVELOPMENT platform of Modi. After 72 years and 17 general elections, polls this time are going to either chose for Development or for caste based politics. A charismatic leader is going to be re-anointed on the democratic throne of a country with more than one-sixth of all humanity.
The performance record of Modi’s 10 years in office consists of dazzling successes, though the country has to catch up for the lost years prior to 2014. The masterstroke but a very tough risky decision of Modi was the demonetisation. It caught everyone by surprise including the black money holders who were controlling nearly 50% of the Indian Economy. It also cut to size Pakistan which was flooding India with counterfeit currency. Powerful entities rose up in arms to vilify Modi but the people of India who did face initial problems backed him and re elected him in 2019 India with a bigger majority. A massive tough but correct handling of the Covid-19 pandemic did inflict pain upon the common people, especially in metropolitan cities, but India came out with only bruises unlike most of the rest of the world, especially the Western Countries and China. India also looked after all its neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region during the covid.
Soon industrial activity combined with growth has now reduced the unemployment rate. The GDP rate is the top most in the world, with India now at third place in PPP terms,the true indicator of Wealth. Even in US dollar terms now India is the fifth largest economy, to become third in next two years.
The middle class has started moving up the economic ladder and there has been a massive reduction in poverty. Formal as well as informal sectors of the economy are looking at growth. There has been a tremendous push to infrastructural development. Using IT the government is ensuring that money is reaching directly to the people.
A visible success of the Modi government on the Himalayan fronts has surprised the Communist China totally. Their aggressive PLA got such a bloody nose in Galwan Valley that Xi Jinping had to change his Western Theatre Commander four times in less than two years. China continues to develop large-scale military infrastructure, including an airport, along the Line of Actual control in Occupied parts of Ladhak and Occupied Tibet but now they arebeing matched equally by India. No wonder the PLA,PLAAF and PLAN are not daring to try same antics against India, what they try against Taiwan and Philippines.
The Indian foreign policy is now India based and from our point of view and not dictated by others. India’s relationships with nearly all te countries in Asia has improved under Modi, except of course China, Turkey and Pakistan. Even on the global stage, the rise in India’s stature phenomenal.
The successful Chandrama landing learner Mangal Mission, current Aditya Surya mission and planning for future space station and Indian colony on Chandrama all indicate our potential and strength. Modi has ensured that not only there has been huge reduction in Arms imports but also with massive jump in exports of Arms and equipment. In fact in next 5 years India is likely to Cease import of weapons. With mastery of MIRV technology and expertise in ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, anti missile defence, nuclear weapons expertise, commissioning of nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers etc India has now taken its true place on the world stage.
To make sure that corruption and black money has no place in Indian politics and society, Modi’s government has given full clearance to Enforcement Directorate and other agencies to wage an active war on Corruption. All Corrupts, however mighty are not being spared and the Courts are actively hearing the cases.
India under Modi no more brooks interference in its internal affairs fromany one. The Parliament went ahead and with 2/3 majority abolished Article 370 which was of temporary nature and integrated Jammu & Kashmir fully. Back of Pakistan sponsored has been broken and next time Pakistan is going to pay back very dearly if it tries any thing like Pulwama.
People like Muizzu of Maldives and others will not be able to play any China card against India, any more. Modi will show that he has got all answers.
