Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the most influential and widely recognized leaders in modern Indian history. Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi’s early life was marked by humble beginnings. He worked at a tea stall with his father before becoming a full-time campaigner for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization. This early association laid the foundation for his future political career with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Modi rose to national prominence in 2001 when he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He held the post for over a decade, winning multiple elections on a platform focused on development and economic growth. His tenure was marked by rapid industrialization and infrastructure expansion, although it remains overshadowed by the 2002 Gujarat riots. More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the violence. Modi was later cleared of wrongdoing by the Supreme Court of India, but the incident remains controversial.
In 2014, Modi led the BJP to a historic majority in the Indian general elections, becoming the 14th Prime Minister of India. He was re-elected in 2019 with an even larger mandate. His leadership has brought sweeping policy changes, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Digital India campaign, and the Swachh Bharat cleanliness initiative. One of his most controversial moves was the 2016 demonetization, which removed large currency notes from circulation to fight corruption and black money.
Modi’s government has also focused heavily on welfare and health schemes like Ayushman Bharat and the Ujjwala Yojana. On the international front, he has worked to raise India’s global profile through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and stronger relations with countries including the United States, Japan, and Israel.
His policies on national security have been assertive. Notable actions include the surgical strikes across the Pakistan border in 2016 and the 2019 Balakot airstrike. His government also revoked Article 370, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that received both praise and criticism.
Critics accuse Modi of promoting Hindu nationalism, restricting dissent, and weakening democratic institutions. Despite these concerns, he remains one of India’s most popular leaders, known for his powerful speeches, strategic use of social media, and image as a decisive, development-focused leader. His third term bid in the 2024 elections reflects his continued influence over Indian politics.