Monday, February 17, 2025

Leadership of PM Modi Beyond 2029: A Roundtable Discussion

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In a riveting session at the Jaipur Dialogues Summit 2024, distinguished panelists Bhau Torsekar, Tuhin Sinha, Shantanu Gupta, and Omkar Chaudhary engaged in a dynamic discussion on India’s political future. The session, moderated by Omkar Chaudhary, explored the evolving political landscape, focusing on PM Modi, the challenges of opposition unity, and the enduring dominance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. With insights spanning historical patterns, grassroots realities, and the dynamics of pro- and anti-incumbency, the panel provided a comprehensive look into the possibilities of India’s leadership beyond 2029.

The Political Vacuum in the Opposition Modi

The discussion began with Bhau Torsekar pointing out the glaring absence of a viable alternative to Narendra Modi. Reflecting on the fragmented state of opposition parties, he noted their inability to present a cohesive vision or leadership, as evidenced by the lack of unity within the much-touted INDIA alliance. He observed that regional parties, while influential in their domains, have failed to create a collective narrative that resonates nationally.

Shantanu Gupta added that the INDIA alliance, although marketed as a counter to the BJP, has consistently failed to deliver on its promise of unity. He cited examples of internal rivalries, such as the clashes between the Congress and Left in Kerala, the TMC and Congress in West Bengal, and the AAP’s divergent strategies in Delhi and Punjab.

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Pro-Incumbency and the Modi Leadership

Tuhin Sinha emphasized the unprecedented phenomenon of pro-incumbency surrounding Modi’s leadership. Unlike previous leaders who faced anti-incumbency sentiment, Modi has redefined governance with his focus on welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and a strong nationalistic vision. He highlighted how even the opposition tacitly acknowledges Modi’s contributions, as evident in Rahul Gandhi’s campaigns, which indirectly benefit from BJP-initiated schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana.

The Futility of Predicting 2029

Omkar Chaudhary steered the conversation towards the challenges of predicting the political landscape of 2029. He humorously likened such discussions to standing outside a mall and asking shoppers what they purchased, only to find that most walked in with no clear intent. He pointed out the futility of speculating on leadership beyond 2029, given the absence of any leader with the mass appeal or organizational capability to rival Modi.

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Bhau Torsekar added an interesting analogy, comparing such debates to a skin ailment where the discussion merely distracts from the real pain. He asserted that the opposition’s focus on Modi as the sole target only highlights their inability to present a credible roadmap for the nation.

The Role of Media and Social Media

The panel also discussed the role of traditional and social media in shaping public opinion. Bhau Torsekar highlighted how misinformation campaigns and international interference attempted to destabilize India but failed to sway the electorate. Shantanu Gupta noted that while the opposition struggles with credibility, Modi’s direct outreach to the people through platforms like Mann Ki Baat has cemented his connection with voters.

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Modi Beyond 2024 and 2029

The panelists unanimously agreed that Modi’s leadership has fundamentally transformed Indian politics. They observed that the electorate’s trust in his governance, coupled with the lack of a strong opposition, has made discussions about alternatives largely redundant. The BJP’s focus on grassroots mobilization and its consistent delivery of promises have made it the natural choice for a majority of Indians.

As Omkar Chaudhary aptly summarized:

“I am very thankful to Bhau Torsekar, Tuhin Sinha, and Shantanu Gupta for their meaningful discussions. The result is that forget about 2029; we are not even able to see the way beyond that. When we look around India—at the opposition parties, their conduct, and their attitude towards the country—we see more conspiracies and less genuine concern. If the people of India are looking towards the Bharatiya Janata Party or the leadership of Narendra Modi, it is a simple matter: they neither want to look for an alternative nor do they need it.”

It rings the sentiment that Modi’s leadership is not just a political preference but a reflection of India’s aspirations for stability, growth, and a stronger global presence. As the nation looks to the future, the question is not who will lead next, but how Modi’s vision will continue to shape India’s destiny.

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