Narendra Modi

Early Life & Humble Beginnings

• Born on 17 September 1950 in Vadnagar, Gujarat, to a family of modest means.
• Trigger moment: At age 8, he started helping his father sell tea at the railway station, instilling discipline and a connection with common people.
• Left home at 17 to explore India, spending time in Belur Math and with the Ramakrishna Mission, shaping his spiritual and nationalist outlook.

Entry into Politics: The RSS Years

• Joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a pracharak (campaigner) in the 1970s.
• Turning point: During the Emergency (1975-77), he went underground, distributing pamphlets and organizing protests, which honed his organizational skills and resilience.

Rise in Gujarat: From Organizer to Chief Minister

• In 1987, he joined the BJP and quickly rose through ranks.
• Breakthrough: Appointed Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 after the party needed a fresh face post-2001 earthquake. He focused on infrastructure, water management, and attracting investment.
• Controversy: The 2002 Gujarat riots marred his first term, leading to allegations of complicity. He faced a political setback but survived due to his strong base and legal clearance.

Development Agenda & National Fame

• Peak: Under his leadership, Gujarat saw double-digit growth, earning the 'Gujarat Model' tag. His proactive governance and use of technology (e.g., online services) set a template.
• Emotional beginning: His 2012 re-election campaign focused on 'Vikas Purush' (development man) image, distancing from communal issues.

Prime Ministerial Campaign & Landslide Victory

• 2014: Led BJP to a historic majority with the slogan 'Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar'. His mass rallies, use of 3D holograms, and social media outreach revolutionized Indian campaigning.
• Message discipline: Every speech emphasized development, national security, and anti-corruption, creating a centralized narrative.

Governance as PM: Centralized Executive Style

• Key policies: Demonetization (2016), GST (2017), Article 370 abrogation (2019), and Citizenship Amendment Act (2019).
• Emotional end phase: His second term (2019-) faced economic slowdown, COVID-19 crisis, and farmer protests. He maintained control through direct addresses (Mann Ki Baat) and centralized decision-making.

Legacy & Global Stature

• Current: Seen as a strong leader who elevated India's global profile, but criticized for democratic backsliding. His focus on nationalism and digital governance continues to define his tenure.