Narendra Modi’s Eight Years in Power: A Critical Analysis

Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India, has been in power since 2014. His tenure has been marked by both significant achievements and notable failures. This article will analyze Modi’s governance over the past eight years, focusing on areas where he has fallen short of expectations.

Economic Policies

One of Modi’s key promises was to boost India’s economy and create jobs. However, his economic policies have been met with criticism, with some arguing that they have exacerbated inequality and failed to address the concerns of the poor and marginalized.

The demonetization of high-denomination currency notes in 2016 was a controversial decision that caused widespread disruption to the economy. The Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented in 2017, was another major economic reform that aimed to streamline the tax system. However, the GST implementation was plagued by glitches and caused difficulties for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

Modi’s government has also been criticized for its handling of the agricultural sector. The agrarian crisis has deepened under Modi’s watch, with farmers facing mounting debts, low crop prices, and widespread distress.

Social Policies

Modi’s government has made some progress on social issues, such as expanding access to healthcare and education. However, it has also faced criticism for its handling of minority rights, particularly those of Muslims.

The revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was a controversial decision that has been met with protests and international condemnation. The government’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which makes it easier for non-Muslim immigrants from neighboring countries to obtain Indian citizenship, has also been criticized for being discriminatory.

Environmental Policies

Modi’s government has been criticized for its environmental policies, which have been seen as favoring industrial development over environmental protection.

The government has cleared several large-scale projects that have caused environmental damage, such as coal mines and dams. It has also diluted environmental regulations and weakened environmental institutions.

Foreign Policy

Modi’s foreign policy has been characterized by a focus on India’s global standing and its relations with major powers. He has made efforts to strengthen ties with the United States, Russia, and other countries.

However, Modi’s foreign policy has also been criticized for its lack of clarity and its failure to address regional issues effectively. India’s relationship with Pakistan has remained strained under Modi’s watch, and the situation in Kashmir has not improved.

Conclusion

Narendra Modi’s eight years in power have been marked by a mix of successes and failures. While he has made some progress in areas such as infrastructure development and expanding access to social services, his government has also faced criticism for its handling of the economy, its social policies, and its environmental policies. Modi’s foreign policy has also been met with mixed reviews.

Overall, Modi’s legacy as Prime Minister will likely be debated for years to come. While he has undoubtedly made some positive contributions, he has also fallen short of expectations in several areas.