Narendra Damodardas Modi, born on September 17, 1950, in the ancient city of Vadnagar in present-day Gujarat, into a middle-class Hindu family with no political background, has carved a remarkable path in Indian politics. On May 29, 2023, Modi surpassed Congress’ Manmohan Singh to become the third-longest serving Prime Minister of India, a testament to his enduring popularity and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) dominance under his leadership.
Modi’s journey to the premiership began as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist volunteer organization. He rose through the ranks of the BJP, holding various positions before becoming the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate in the 2014 general elections.
Modi’s election in 2014 marked a significant shift in Indian politics. He was the first non-Congress Prime Minister in over three decades, and his victory was seen as a mandate for change. Modi’s government has implemented a series of economic reforms, including the introduction of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the demonetization of high-value currency notes. He has also launched several social welfare initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which aims to provide financial inclusion to the poor and unbanked.
Modi’s foreign policy has been characterized by a focus on strengthening India’s strategic partnerships and promoting its interests abroad. He has sought to improve relations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan and China, while also forging closer ties with the United States and other major powers.
Under Modi’s leadership, the BJP has emerged as the dominant force in Indian politics. The party has won a series of state assembly elections and expanded its presence across the country. Modi is widely seen as the BJP’s main vote-getter, and his popularity is expected to play a key role in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
