He might have faced more than his share of criticism, but one has to admit that Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, has been one of the better performers among India’s political structure. Here’s a look at this man’s political involvement so far.
Modi joined the BJP in 1987. Through the following years, he helped this party grow and was recognized as a master strategist, well qualified with a Masters Degree in Political Science.
Later in 2001, he was called upon by the BJP to head the Gujarat government, and as soon as he came to power, he faced one great challenge, the reconciliation and rehabilitation of the areas affected by the Gujarat Earthquake. However, Modi, being the man he is, took the bull by the horns. It is here, where Modi’s capabilities were witnessed. He made an international record of restoring 876618 houses in just 500 days. He converted Bhuj, from virtually nothing to a city of opportunity. Gujarat govt got UN Sasakawa Award for outstanding work in the field of disaster management, thanks to Modi’s efforts.
However, year 2002 was not too kind to him. Violence broke out across the state, resulting in a large number of deaths and injuries. The main cause was believed to be the Godhra Train massacre, where communal violence had taken place. However, there was no sufficient evidence of a single community’s involvement.
The after-effects of the riots raised quite a few questions against Modi, and some voiced that he should resign as the Chief Minister. Opposition parties pressurised the parliament for a change in rule. This was quite a bad phase, and he stepped down.
In the following state re-elections, the BJP under Modi, won 127 seats in the 182-member assembly. In 2007, Modi took charge of reviving Gujarat’s dormant economy. He implemented cost-cutting strategies and thoroughly went about formulating a new administrative structure for the state. There were immediate signs of improvement. Gujarat’s GDP had the highest growth rate amongst all Indian states. His zeal for development did not stop here. He formed numerous Yojanas (schemes) for state-wide growth and development. Through these Yojanas, he made sure that water of the state was used efficiently, infant mortality rate was decreased, electricity was provided to all rural areas in the state, agriculture research labs were set up, campaigns to improvesex ratio were implemented, government employees were educated and trained, steps were taken to empower education of women, and many more measures were taken to provide for a comprehensive state-wide revamping. Other states were suggested to look upon Gujarat as a model state in order to change our nation into a developed one.
Modi has stood out of the political crowd mainly because of his passion, knowledge and ability to lead. He was declared by India Today as the Best Chief Minister, a few years ago, and also has a few other honours under his belt. Some of his efforts have had a few critics, for instance, the height issue of the Narmada Dam. But the changes made by Modi, have improved the infrastructure of the state as a whole.
Clearly, it can be said that he is the heart of the Gujarat we know now.
He has also been a part of our “Best politicians of 2009” post.