2024 Indian election results, Modi’s absolute majority in danger

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at a rally in Sydney, Australia, May 23, 2023. Matthew Abbott/The New York Times/Redux

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political rise in many ways reflects India’s journey from a newly independent nation, freed from the shackles of colonialism, to a confident and secure country, moving ever closer to superpower status – even if it is torn by deep and persistent fault lines.

Narendra Modi was born in 1950, three years after India's independence, to his mother Hiraben and his father Damodardas, a tea seller, in the western state of Gujarat.  His entry into politics began at just 8 years old when he enrolled in classes at the local branch of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing organization that advocates for the supremacy of Hinduism in India.
Narendra Modi was born in 1950, three years after India’s independence, to his mother Hiraben and his father Damodardas, a tea seller, in the western state of Gujarat. His entry into politics began at just 8 years old when he enrolled in classes at the local branch of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing organization that advocates for the supremacy of Hinduism in India. NaMo App

Modi’s official party biography tells the story of a poor boy, the third of six children, whose father was a “chaiwallah” or tea seller, who served customers at the local railway station to support his family. young family.

Promoted by the BJP, analysts say this story of humble beginnings makes it accessible to hundreds of millions of people across the country. And this stands in stark contrast to the generations of Indian urban political elites who have historically risen to the highest positions.

As a teenager, Modi toured India with the RSS and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1987, a then-fringe political party that began to gain traction, fueled by the rise of Hindu nationalism in India.
As a teenager, Modi toured India with the RSS and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1987, a then-fringe political party that began to gain traction, fueled by the rise of Hindu nationalism in India. Dipam Bhachech/Hulton Archives/Getty Images

Modi was still a child when he was exposed to the idea of ​​Hindu nationalism during classes at the local branch of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing paramilitary organization that advocates for the establishment of Hindu hegemony in India.

At 17, Modi abandoned his family and wife, left his village and traveled across India with the group in search of spiritual awakening, according to his biography. He devoted himself to the RSS, never remarried and learned to “give up all the pleasures of life”, according to an interview he gave in 2019.

Modi rose through the ranks of the BJP, establishing himself as a respected politician.  Here he is pictured with the party's former general secretary in 1991.
Modi rose through the ranks of the BJP, establishing himself as a respected politician. Here he is pictured with the party’s former general secretary in 1991. Dipam Bhachech/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

By 1972, he had become a “pracharak” of the RSS, according to his biography, someone appointed to propagate their cause through public meetings and lectures.

Modi joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1987, when the fringe political party began to gain traction, fueled by the rise of Hindu nationalism in India.

One of the founders of the BJP, Lal Krishna Advani, saw Modi as a leader, entrusting him with immense responsibilities within the party.

Narendra Modi photographed in India on January 23, 1998.
Narendra Modi photographed in India on January 23, 1998. Negi Yasbant/The India Today Group/Getty Images

Modi flourished under Advani’s leadership, rising through the ranks of the BJP. In 2001, he was appointed chief minister of the wealthy state of Gujarat.

Under Modi’s governance, the state has introduced a wave of infrastructure, industry and innovation into its barren landscape, making the ‘Gujarat Model’ synonymous with development and government efficiency.

Modi ruled the state of Gujarat for nearly 13 years, becoming one of the BJP's most powerful politicians before setting his sights on India's top seat.  Photographed inside his residence in June 2013.
Modi ruled the state of Gujarat for nearly 13 years, becoming one of the BJP’s most powerful politicians before setting his sights on India’s top seat. Photographed inside his residence in June 2013. Amit Dave/Reuters

Modi’s “Gujarat model” had become a model for India and in 2014 the BJP won a landslide victory, crushing the Congress – the party’s worst defeat in its more than 100 years of existence.

In 2019, he surged into the polls again – this time with a more clearly defined Hindu supremacist stance.

With former US President Barack Obama in Washington on September 30, 2014.
With former US President Barack Obama in Washington on September 30, 2014. IMAGO/piemags/Reuters

Modi was once shunned by the United States. Denied a visa for “serious violations of religious freedom,” he was effectively barred from entering the country for nearly a decade.

But in the nine years since that ban was lifted, Modi has gradually been embraced by the White House – more than ever.

With former German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, May 30, 2017. The European Union is India's third largest trading partner.
With former German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, May 30, 2017. The European Union is India’s third largest trading partner. Tobias Schwarz/AFP/Getty Images

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *