(Our Special Correspondent)
Narendra Modi’s third consecutive term as the Prime Minister of India began with high expectations, political scrutiny, and challenges. Completing his first 100 days of Modi 3.0, the Prime Minister has sought to consolidate the work of the previous two terms while navigating through a myriad of new challenges.
His government has showcased a mix of policy continuity, bold reforms, and careful political maneuvers. However, while some of the steps taken have garnered praise, others have faced criticism from opposition parties, civil society, and sections of the media.
One of the most significant areas of focus in Modi’s third term has been on revitalizing India’s economy. Coming into office amid global economic uncertainties—heightened inflation, supply chain disruptions, and concerns of a global recession—the Modi government has attempted to walk a tightrope between stimulating economic growth and addressing inflation.
The first budget presented under Modi 3.0, helmed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighted the government’s focus on capital expenditure to boost infrastructure and manufacturing. With increased allocations for sectors like railways, highways, and energy, the government’s objective is to stimulate job creation while laying down a robust foundation for long-term economic growth.
Additionally, Modi has doubled down on his ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, aiming to transform India into a self-reliant manufacturing hub. This has been bolstered by further incentives for sectors like electronics, textiles, and defense. India’s success in space with the Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched during this period, also served as a testament to the country’s technological prowess and vision for future global leadership in science and space exploration.
Despite these efforts, inflation, especially in essential commodities like food, has remained a challenge. The sudden spike in tomato prices and other vegetables in July 2023 led to criticism, with opposition leaders blaming the government for not doing enough to control prices. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has had to maintain a hawkish stance, balancing inflation control with the need to ensure economic recovery.
Modi’s third term has also been marked by a continued focus on foreign policy, seeking to strengthen India’s position as a global player. The successful hosting of the G20 summit under India’s presidency has been one of the major highlights in the diplomatic arena. Modi’s leadership in orchestrating the G20 summit showcased India’s ability to mediate global discussions on critical issues, from climate change to digital infrastructure.
India’s participation in the Quad (comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia) and growing relations with key global powers have solidified the country’s strategic importance. Modi’s government has also maintained a delicate balancing act with its relationships with China and Russia. While relations with China have been strained since the Galwan clash of 2020, India continues to engage diplomatically while building its defense capabilities.
In his third term, Modi has also sought to redefine India’s relationships with its neighbors. The recent dialogues with Bangladesh and Bhutan reflect a positive trajectory in regional diplomacy. However, the situation with Pakistan remains complex, with no significant thaw in bilateral relations during this period.
Modi’s third term has also been marked by bold steps in the social sector. Health and education have received a thrust in policy interventions. The new National Health Mission aims to provide universal access to quality healthcare, while education reforms are focused on skill development and aligning with global standards.
However, some of the government’s decisions have been met with controversy. The passage of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, while hailed by some as a necessary step to protect individual privacy, has raised concerns about its potential misuse by the government. Critics argue that certain provisions might give authorities more leeway to surveil citizens under the guise of national security, igniting debates on data privacy and freedom of speech.
The issue of uniform civil code (UCC) has also been reignited, with the government taking a proactive stance. This has received mixed reactions. While many see it as a step toward equality, others argue that it may cause societal divisions, particularly among minorities.
The political opposition has criticized Modi 3.0 for undermining democratic institutions and curbing dissent. Allegations regarding the misuse of central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to target political opponents have intensified.
Domestically, the Modi government has faced persistent challenges from the opposition, particularly after the formation of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), which brings together several opposition parties aiming to contest the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 general elections. While Modi’s popularity remains high, the opposition alliance has taken aim at the government’s handling of the economy, inflation, and unemployment.
Modi’s leadership has continued to be marked by his strong, charismatic persona. His speeches often emphasize a “New India” narrative, one of national pride, economic resurgence, and global leadership. His approach to governance continues to blend populist policies with a strong emphasis on Hindu nationalism, catering to his core voter base.
In the first 100 days of Modi 3.0, the Prime Minister has attempted to strike a balance between reforming the economy, bolstering India’s global standing, and addressing pressing domestic challenges. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of Modi’s third term, particularly as India approaches the general elections in 2024. Whether Modi can navigate the political and economic challenges ahead will determine the success of his third term and his enduring legacy in Indian politics.
