NARENDRA Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has been a polarizing and controversial figure since his rise to power in 2014.
BJP’s policies are influenced by the mother organization RSS, the flag bearer of the Hindutva ideology. The collective character of BJP under Modi’s leadership has sparked intense debate and controversy, both domestically and internationally. On 17th September, the 75th birthday of Narendra Modi, many of his critics demanded his retirement in line with the precedence prevailing in RSS.
Criticism of Modi mainly revolves around his violent extremist views, which have brought serious consequences for India on both internal and external fronts. According to saner quarters, the RSS-influenced Hindu nationalist stance of the Modi regime has promoted communalism and undermined India’s secular fabric. Modi’s displayed performance has exposed the reality of India’s treatment of minorities, validating Pakistan’s long-held concerns about India’s secular facade. The BJP under Modi has been accused of promoting a narrow, exclusivist agenda that subdues communities on the basis of religion and caste.
Minorities’ persecution in BJP’s controversial rule has validated Pakistan’s rationale for the 1947 partition. The abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is further proof of India’s forceful occupation of the region. Modi’s actions have exposed India’s true face, revealing underlying communal tensions that make it difficult for the country to maintain its secular image. His government’s response to various incidents, including the Delhi riots and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, has been widely criticized for being heavy-handed and discriminatory.
In the foreign policy domain, the BJP government has miserably failed in balancing relations with global powers, as evident from the recent dip in ties with the USA. Diplomatic blunders and military misadventures, such as Operation Sindoor under Modi’s watch, have given Pakistan opportunities to reshape diplomatic outreach with more emphasis on sovereignty. Unwise policies of the BJP are instrumental in destabilizing the South Asian region, adding to regional insecurity.
The Indian media has also been affected by Modi’s policies, with many outlets accused of promoting a biased narrative that serves the government’s interests. This highlights the importance of a free and independent press in holding those in power accountable. India’s relations with Muslim countries have become increasingly strained amid the Modi regime’s pro-Israel stance on the Palestinian issue. BJP’s positions on international matters are more aligned with Western powers, compromising India’s impartiality and credibility in the global arena.
Narendra Modi’s self-styled extremist approach has proved damaging for India and spoiled bilateral relations with neighbouring countries. Under Modi’s rule, India’s secular absurdity is more exposed, and the creation of Pakistan stands further validated. As Modi continues to shape India’s trajectory, it is essential to examine the implications of his ideology and actions on the country’s democratic fabric and regional relations. The international community must recognize the risks associated with Modi’s extremist views and urge India to uphold its acclaimed democratic values with equal respect for the rights of all citizens.
Despite an embarrassing military defeat in Operation Sindoor, PM Modi is not slowing down. Ironically, he chose to threaten Pakistan even during his birthday ceremony. It would not be an overstatement to say that a fascist was born in India 75 years ago.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad
