20 years of Modi’s rise and counting...

The unlikeliest of all candidates was sworn in to the office of Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001. From the rubbles of a devastating earthquake rose cries for reforms by the enterprising people shackled by the chains of administrative despondency. And, to the credit of Narendra Modi, the promise of reform he made to the citizenry two decades ago flourishes in its implementation to this day, be it in his tenure as a Chief Minister or his ongoing endeavours as the Pradhan Sevak.

The fact that politics overtook the agenda of development by those who came to office with the promise of a just future was a reality lamented by many. However, Narendra Modi’s politics was founded on the principles of transparent delivery of services to the poor and policy reform and a vision for a strong nation, encompassing in its wake an assurance to justice for all.

While many political legacies were besmirched with instances of appeasement, Narendra Modi’s resolve of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas found early roots in his administrative efforts in Gujarat. A state inundated with complaints of regular power cuts boasted of electrification of all villages, with uninterrupted power supply to every household during Modi’s tenure — a first for the state of Gujarat.

The fact that a well-built road was not just a privilege of a few in urban centres but also the right of every village became evident in the years Gujarat was served by this son of the soil. The establishment of Vikas Path, Pragati Path and Kisan Path — a network of roads covering the needs of the entire state — was one such stellar example.

Is it any wonder then that the Pradhan Sevak in his disposition at the Centre unveils the most ambitious infrastructure projects upon which will be built a New India? Be it the sum of Rs 100 lakh crore allocated to national infrastructure projects or his promise of ensuring a roof over the head of every Indian by 2022, Narendra Modi has not only set administrative targets but is oft also celebrated for achieving these goals within the pronounced timelines.

Though many described Modi as the ‘Infrastructure Man’ during his stint at the state, there were some who were witness to a societal transformation that his administrative agenda brought to the fore. Never before was a state witness to a programme like Mission Mangalam which helped congregate self-help groups in order to strengthen their administrative structures and help engage them with credit institutions to enhance their livelihood prospects. A reflection of this very initiative is visible in the success of schemes like Mudra under which 70 per cent of the beneficiaries are the enterprising women of our country.

The man who directed institutions under his care to reform and perform today is acknowledged as the torchbearer of some of the most significant legislative interventions which have served the purpose of a resilient nation. A man in office who not only swore allegiance to the Constitution but also declared it as his personal guiding light, and ensured that ‘one nation’ is governed under the principles of a single Constitution by abrogating Article 370.

The cacophony of a political clan defeated by the will of the people did not deter Modi from undertaking tasks deemed impossible in the 73 years of our democratic existence. The recent bills which ushered in agriculture reforms, the enforcement of one nation one ration card, the belief that one nation one market under the GST regime which will usher in bountiful opportunities for a nation blessed with ample resources are a manifestation of the slogan, ‘Modi hai toh mumkin hai.’

While his 20 years of administrative journey is publicly measured, what seems to be subdued in the narrative is the possibility called Narendra Modi, as envisioned by many a common citizen. That the chaiwallah jibe created a public and political uproar at the onset of the General Election in 2014 is not forgotten; however, those who struggle to emerge from economic and societal challenges viewed Modi from the prism of aspiration. To them, he became an example of purusharth of what could be achieved through pursuit of excellence and single-minded dedication, no matter how hard the struggle.

Today, as we face the brunt of a global pandemic, citizens take comfort in the leadership of a man with a history of administrative foresight and a reformist temperament. That the past six months have witnessed a humane government reaching out to 80 crore citizens and providing them with free ration, that in time of distress a Rs-20-lakh-crore package addressing the need of small industries and farmers was pronounced along with the unfolding of a sustained reform agenda defines the intent and aptitude of the Modi administration.

The continued attention to issues such as access to free and clean fuel by eight crore families under the Ujjwala Yojana and direct transfer of Rs 30,000 crore in the bank accounts of 20 crore women is testimony that Modi’s governance agenda leaves no one behind. And today, 20 years and counting… we, the citizens of India, are assured that it is on the shoulders of this Pradhan Sevak that we will fulfil the aspirations of an atmanirbhar Bharat.