Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, is the 15th Prime Minister of India and the first Prime Minister born after the country's independence. He took office on May 26, 2014, and was re-elected in 2019 for a second term. Modi is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization.

Modi's premiership has been marked by a focus on privatization and liberalization of the economy, based on a neoliberal framework. He has liberalized India's foreign direct investment policies, allowing more foreign investment in several industries, including defense and the railways. Modi's government has also implemented labor reforms, which have been met with support from institutions such as the World Bank but have drawn opposition from some scholars and unions within the country.

Modi's economic policies have been controversial, with some critics arguing that they have led to job losses and increased inequality. However, Modi's supporters argue that his policies have helped to boost economic growth and create jobs.

Narendra Modi ji

In addition to his economic policies, Modi has also been known for his strong leadership style and his emphasis on nationalism and Hindu identity. He has been praised by some for his efforts to promote India's interests on the global stage, but criticized by others for his handling of domestic issues such as religious tensions and human rights.

Modi's premiership has also been marked by allegations of corruption and misuse of investigative agencies. The Income Tax Department has raided the offices of several politicians, with the majority of those targeted belonging to opposition parties. The Central Bureau of Investigation has also targeted opposition leaders, with 95% of those booked, arrested, raided, or questioned under Modi's government coming from the opposition.

Modi's government has also been accused of cracking down on independent journalists and media houses with raids and investigations. Offices of Dainik Bhaskar, BBC India, Bennett Coleman and Company Limited, India Today Group, Kashmir Times, The Quint, The News Minute, Theo Connect (parent of HW News Network), Newslaundry, Bharat Samachar, NewsClick, Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Walla, and other media outlets have been raided by investigative agencies. Journalists such as Sidheeq Kappan and Manash Baruah have also been targeted with arrests and summons.

Modi's government has also been criticized for extending the tenure of the director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Sanjay Kumar Mishra, beyond the legal limit of two years. The government passed two ordinances giving itself the power to extend the tenure of chiefs of ED and CBI for up to five years, which has been seen by critics as an attack on the independence of these agencies.

Despite these controversies, Modi remains a popular figure in India, with a strong base of support among the country's Hindu majority. His premiership has been marked by a focus on nationalism and Hindu identity, as well as efforts to promote India's interests on the global stage. However, his government's handling of economic and social issues, as well as allegations of corruption and misuse of investigative agencies, have also been major points of contention.