Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become stronger politically in India and internationally due for several reasons.
Firstly, Modi has a strong and charismatic personality that has connected with the Indian masses. He has implemented several reforms and initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Make in India, Digital India, Ayushman Bharat, and Atmanirbhar Bharat that have improved the lives of Indians and boosted the economy.
Secondly, Modi has brought a new style of governance and leadership to India, emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and accountability. He has successfully leveraged social media to communicate directly with the people and build his brand as a strong leader.
Thirdly, Modi has made India's presence felt on the global stage, focusing on improving relations with neighbouring countries and getting the world to invest in India. He has undertaken several foreign trips, met world leaders, and invited them to be a part of the Make in India program. His foreign policy has led to India's recognition as a global power.
Fourthly, Modi's government has made significant progress in security matters, including the surgical strikes in Pakistan and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which have strengthened India's position in the region.
Overall, Modi's strong leadership, effective governance, and proactive foreign policy have made him a popular and respected figure both domestically and internationally, contributing to his growing political strength.
Make in India: This national program was launched by Narendra Modi to encourage foreign investment, boost research and development, ensure product originality, and create skill-based jobs by establishing the industrial sector. This initiative has received a positive response from foreign companies, and key labour law reforms in the pipeline will boost the manufacturing industry and foreign investment in India.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Launched in 2014, this nationwide campaign focused on improving hygiene and civic sense. The initiative put the importance of cleanliness on the public agenda and promoted hygiene and sanitation awareness through a network of celebrity endorsements.
Jan Dhan Yojana: Announced on August 15, 2014, this initiative's primary focus was to provide credit facilities, pensions, and insurance to account holders. The program has been successful in reaching every household, with over 44.23 Jan Dhan accounts opened as of December 2021.
Economic Reforms and Policy Implementation: The Modi-led government's primary focus has been to revive the Indian economy through significant reforms in the manufacturing and export sectors. The government has increased the limits of foreign direct investment in Railways, Insurance, and Defense and encouraged the privatization of loss-making public sector companies.
Foreign Policy Put on Fast-track Mode: Modi has focused on improving relations with neighbouring countries and getting the world to invest in India. During his visits to various countries, he invited businesses to be a part of the Make in India initiative.
Confidence-building Measures in Kashmir: The government's efforts to build confidence among the residents of Jammu and Kashmir have been successful. Constant efforts have been made to rebuild infrastructure, provide better healthcare, and create job opportunities for the people of Kashmir.
Mann ki Baat: This is a radio talk show where the PM interacts with the general public and shares his ideas on current issues. Its first episode was aired on October 8, 2014, and till today, a total of 88 episodes have been broadcasted.
Ayushman Bharat: This health insurance scheme was launched by PM Modi in 2018, providing health coverage of a sum of 5 lakh rupees each to poor beneficiary families.
Digital India: This initiative helped in the development of India by increasing internet users every day through the availability of more data at low prices. Many websites were launched for the ease of the citizens, and United Payment Interface (UPI) was also a part of this initiative.
Atmanirbhar Bharat- Vocal for Local: During the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi emphasized the importance of being ‘Atmanirbhar’ and urged people to be Vocal for Local. This initiative aimed to promote local vendors to survive during the economic crisis created by the pandemic.
These initiatives have contributed to the development of India and have put the country on the path to becoming a world leader. The government's focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and foreign investment has created job opportunities and helped build confidence among the people. With a second tenure, the Modi-led government is committed to taking India to new heights of development and progress.
There are several political parties in India that have criticized the Modi government and blamed it for various issues. Some of the criticisms and counter-arguments made by opposition parties are as follows:
Indian National Congress (INC): The INC has criticized the Modi government on several fronts, including the economic slowdown, rising unemployment, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have also accused the government of promoting a divisive and communal agenda, undermining democratic institutions, and eroding civil liberties. However, the INC has faced criticism for its own governance failures during its time in power, including corruption scandals, policy paralysis, and weak economic growth.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): The AAP has accused the Modi government of centralizing power, undermining federalism, and stifling dissent. They have also criticized the government's handling of the farmers' protests and the passage of controversial laws. However, the AAP has faced criticism for its lack of experience in governance and its confrontational approach with the central government.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM): The CPIM has criticized the Modi government's economic policies, including the demonetization of currency, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the privatization of public sector companies. They have also accused the government of promoting communalism, intolerance, and authoritarianism. However, the CPIM has faced criticism for its outdated ideology, lack of electoral success, and internal divisions.
All India Trinamool Congress (AITC): The AITC has accused the Modi government of trying to undermine the autonomy of the states, interfering in the functioning of the judiciary and other constitutional bodies, and promoting a Hindutva agenda. However, the AITC has faced criticism for its own governance failures, including corruption, violence, and authoritarianism.
Overall, the opposition parties have criticized the Modi government for various reasons, but they have also faced criticism for their own governance failures, ideological limitations, and lack of a coherent and viable alternative agenda.
Here is a review of India's inflation rates in recent years based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI):
- 2017-18: The average annual inflation rate based on WPI was 2.9%.
- 2018-19: The average annual inflation rate based on WPI was 4.3%.
- 2019-20: The average annual inflation rate based on WPI was 1.5%.
- 2020-21: The average annual inflation rate based on WPI was 1.2%.
- 2021-22: The average annual inflation rate based on WPI was 11.5%,
which was largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains and food prices.
As per the latest data available, the rate of inflation in January 2023 based on WPI was 4.73%, which was slightly lower than the previous month's rate of 4.95%. The decline in inflation was primarily contributed to mineral oils, chemicals & chemical products, textiles, crude petroleum & natural gas, and food products.
Inflation is a crucial factor that impacts the overall health of the economy. High inflation rates can lead to a decrease in the purchasing power of individuals and can lead to increased borrowing costs for businesses, which can negatively impact economic growth. In recent years, the Indian government has taken measures to control inflation, including implementing measures to increase the supply of essential commodities and controlling government spending.
The recent decline in the rate of inflation is a positive development and can be attributed to a decrease in the prices of essential commodities. However, it is important to note that inflation rates can be volatile and can be impacted by various factors, including global economic trends and domestic policies. The government must continue to monitor inflation rates closely and take measures to control inflation to ensure sustained economic growth in the long run.
