As India stands at the crossroads of its political destiny, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will secure a third term in office. His leadership has been marked by significant achievements, and his popularity remains steadfast.
The Modi Era: A Statistical Triumph
1. Access to Tap Water
In 2019, less than 2% of households in Uttar Pradesh had access to tap water. Fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed—38 times larger—with a relentless push toward achieving 100% coverage.
Across India, over 600 million people now have access to tap water in their homes, thanks to the Jal Shakti initiative. This transformational leap has improved the lives of millions, making clean water a reality for families across the nation.
2. Infrastructure Development
The Modi government’s commitment to infrastructure development is evident in the numbers:
- 133 million new tap water connections
- 113 million toilets built under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- 40 million new homes constructed
- 47,000 km of new national highways
- 500 million people enrolled in the Jan Dhan scheme, promoting financial inclusion
- Distribution of 360 million LED bulbs to the poorest households, promoting energy efficiency
These achievements are not mere statistics; they represent tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens. Basic amenities that should have been addressed decades ago—such as tap water, electricity, cooking gas, and well-maintained roads—are now a reality for millions of Indians.
3. Healthcare and Welfare
The Modi government’s focus on healthcare and welfare has been transformative. Basic healthcare services have been extended to the remotest corners of the country. The poor, who were often left behind, now have access to quality healthcare facilities. The Jan Dhan scheme, which aimed to provide financial services to the unbanked, has empowered millions. These welfare measures have not come at the cost of economic growth.
4. Economic Growth
India has consistently been the fastest-growing economy over the past decade. Despite global challenges, India’s cumulative GDP growth since 2014 stands at an impressive 92% in USD terms. Even during the pandemic, India outpaced China’s growth trajectory. The Modi government’s policies have fostered economic resilience and innovation.
5. Access to Cooking Gas
In 2014, a mere 140 million households in India had access to cooking gas. Fast forward to today, and that number has nearly doubled to 320 million. The LPG Revolution has ushered in cleaner and safer cooking practices, benefiting millions of families across the country.
6. Sanitation and Infrastructure
- Toilets: A decade ago, only 43% of homes had toilets. Now, India boasts universal sanitation coverage. Basic amenities that were once neglected are now a reality for every household.
- Electricity: Access to electricity has also seen a dramatic improvement, reaching previously underserved areas.
- Digital Payments: India’s leap into digital payments has been nothing short of revolutionary. From being reluctant to accept credit or debit cards, shopkeepers now prefer UPI transactions. India’s success story in digital payments serves as a global case study.
7. Healthcare and Welfare
- Immunisation: India’s immunisation rates for key diseases exceed 90%, even as anti-vax sentiments rise globally. This has contributed to a 25% reduction in neonatal and under-5 infant mortality rates from 2014 to 2020.
- Ayushman Bharat: Over 300 million Indians have benefited from the Ayushman Bharat scheme, saving billions of dollars in out-of-pocket medical expenses for the poorest citizens.
8. Infrastructure Development
- Housing: Urban and rural families alike have gained from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with nearly 12 million urban and 29 million rural families receiving new homes.
- Roads: Since 2014, India has witnessed unprecedented road development. The past decade has seen as much road length added as in the first 50 years of independence, and these roads are of higher quality.
- Railways: Railway accidents have decreased by 75% from 2015 to 2022, reflecting improved safety measures.
9. Security and Stability
- India has witnessed enhanced security, with a decline in terror attacks and riots. The dark days of Mumbai bombings and terror threats seem distant, thanks to robust security measures.
Political Reforms and Milestones
- Absence of Scams and Corruption: The Modi government has maintained a clean record, with no major corruption scandals. Even allegations related to fighter jets turned out to be fictional.
- Global Relations: India’s friendly relationships with most powers across the world (except China) have strengthened diplomatic ties and fostered international cooperation.
- Economic Growth: India’s status as the fastest-growing economy, with Q2 growth surpassing all others, underscores the resilience of its economic policies.
- Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): The CAA aims to bring sanity to refugee management, providing a pathway to citizenship for persecuted minorities from neighboring countries.
- Ram Mandir: The long-awaited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has finally been inaugurated, fulfilling centuries-old aspirations.
- Article 370: The removal of Article 370 for Kashmir has paved the way for peace and normalcy in the region.
Narendra Modi’s leadership has been marked by bold initiatives, unwavering commitment, and tangible results. As India heads to the polls, voters recognize the transformative impact of the Modi era. Whether it’s tap water, infrastructure, healthcare, or economic growth, the statistics speak for themselves. Narendra Modi’s legacy is one of progress, and it’s no wonder that many celebrate him like a god. The road to a third term may be challenging, but the groundwork has been laid, and the journey continues.