Off-centre | Modi vs Modi: Birthday reflections on India’s Millennium Man

First, a disclaimer. The phrase, “Modi vs Modi,” which is both the title and the theme of this birthday greeting to our well-loved and highly regarded prime minister, is not my invention. Who is the author of the phrase “Modi vs Modi”? I believe it is Ruchir Sharma, the well-known investor, writer, and economic commentator, currently head of Rockefeller Capital Management’s international business. Perhaps, some people know this already. Because Sharma used this phrase recently in a nationally televised “adda” of a leading newspaper group. Commenting on the prospects of the 2024 general elections, Sharma said, “But I fundamentally believe that the 2024 election will be Modi vs. Modi because there is no one who is going to be able to stand up against him.” The episode was broadcast on 28 July, 2023, but after some more research, I discovered that the same phrase headlined an article Sharma published on May 23, 2019, in another major newspaper, just after the BJP led by Narendra Modi was voted to power at the centre, with a huge majority, for a second term. Sharma’s op-ed was titled “Modi vs Modi: Time for unchallenged leader to decide his legacy.” Sharma’s thesis was that Modi had to save himself from what is termed “the second term curse” after American historian Michael Beschloss, who argued that “no American president in two centuries has accomplished what he set out to do in a second term.” Re-reading this article, one realises that Sharma has been proven wrong. Riding on the confidence reposed in him by 100 million new voters and enjoying a popularity rating of 70%, Modi, in his second term, has dared to accomplish more than anyone would have dreamed of. I am not speaking of reducing statism or delivering on “more governance less government” or delivering more development, while reducing unemployment that Sharma expected of him. Or of refreshing his administration by bringing in “new voices into his brain trust, reflecting the complex fabric of Indian society, including more voices from the south, the regional parties, private business and technocrats.” Sharma did not imagine that Modi would deliver on Article 370, CAA, Ayodhya, G20, Varanasi and Mahakal corridors, central vista, or Bharat instead of India — and much more. In fact, contrary to Sharma’s suggestions, Modi has accomplished this and much more by greater, not less, centralisation of power and authority. However, history has shown that great leaders are most vulnerable when they are most powerful. The most admired and charismatic monarchs, emperors, heads of state, dictators, as well as popularly elected leaders have had a swift fall from grace and exit into oblivion. Sometimes, their cults and legacies have been artificially propped up after their departure and death in large, state-funded mausoleums, as in the case of Stalin and Mao. Not just the general populace but history too can be cruel. Perhaps, Modi will escape such a fate. One certainly hopes so. In that sense, the phrase “Modi vs Modi” does not refer to the political non-contest that India’s tallest leader faces as he gears up to be the ruling party’s face in the upcoming 2024 general elections. Rather, “Modi vs Modi” is about those traits of his public persona, if not private personality, that might obstruct him from entering those exalted portals of the truly great. In ancient times, the Bharatiyas used to call it Shreyas akshitam or everlasting fame, which the Greeks termed Kleos aphthiton or eternal glory and renown. In Modi’s case, what are some of the traits and tendencies that block his path to true greatness? Cornering credit and deflecting blame. All leaders do it. They hog the credit for everything good, from sports to space, let alone economics, politics, and military. But the truly great also accept responsibility for failures. They are not afraid to take blame or accept their weaknesses. They do not always seek scapegoats who can take the fall for their mistakes. Being the singular and sole leader. Leadership styles vary. So true. Some prefer a collective approach, while others favour the single, strong leader. But monopolising attention, never being seen with any other leader, walking alone, being the only one on the dais or at the table, may reflect an obsession with one’s own magnificence that borders on the narcissistic. Encouraging a personality cult. Again, this, to some extent or other, is inevitable in politics. Remember Dev Kant Barooah’s hosannas to Indira Gandhi? “India is Indira and Indira is India”? Or the 100 ft cut outs of MGR or J Jayalalithaa? Where are they today? A personality cult only goes so far because the public sees through the façade. An excess of events, schemes, and slogans. If the public is kept busy with one event after another, one scheme after another, and one slogan after another, they will not focus on real issues and things that actually matter to them. Again, this is true only up to a point just as pandering to populism with doles and handouts only works for a short while. After that the backlash that follows is usually quite severe. But enough analysis, albeit constructive, for now. After all, it is our prime minister’s birthday. As India heads into the 2024 general elections there seems to be no doubt about who will emerge victorious. Narendra Modi, the charismatic and popular prime minister, has no serious rivals or challengers from any of the Opposition parties. Or, for that matter, from his own party either. He has consolidated his power and influence over the past decade, leading his own reinvention of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to successive landslide victories in several state and two national elections. He has also reshaped India’s image and role in the world, forging close ties with major powers like the US, Japan, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, while taking a tough stance against Pakistan, China, and Turkey. He has championed a vision of a strong, self-reliant, and proud India, rooted in its ancient culture and traditions, but a nation that is also modern, dynamic, and innovative. Congratulations and felicitations! Happy 73rd birthday, Mr Prime Minister. I join your multitudinous admirers and the citizens of India in wishing long life, good health, and many more years in the service of Bharat Mata. The writer is an author, columnist, and professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the  Latest News ,  Trending News ,  Cricket News ,  Bollywood News , India News  and  Entertainment News  here. Follow us on  Facebook,  Twitter and  Instagram.