Modi has transformed himself deliberately

April 06, 2014 11:21

In an in-depth interview with Gulf News, Sardesai shares his views on the hottest topic at the moment in India '" the upcoming general elections.

In a recent blog post, you said that Narendra Modi's real role model in the 2014 election is Indira Gandhi. Both the Congress and the BJP, for different reasons, may find that offensive.Narendra Modi is running a presidential-style campaign, wherein the campaign is about Modi's personality. It is not about any specific issue.

It is largely about Modi claiming that he has the answers to all the crises and problems facing the country. In my view, the last time an individual positioned himself/herself in this manner in an election campaign was Indira Gandhi in 1971. In that sense, I see a similarity. I also see a similarity in force of personality '"

Mrs Gandhi was also in many ways seen as an authoritarian, very much as someone around whom power was concentrated. She was seen as building a personality cult. I see the same thing happening with Modi.There are positives to that and negatives as well. On the positive side, it means that the voter has someone clear and identifiable; someone who can provide him leadership. Modi is making the 2014 election about 'who do you think is best placed to lead India'. Which individual, not which party. Mrs Gandhi did the same in 1971. As a result, Modi has been successful in changing the terms of the election debate. So that is the strength.

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