MODI by Minhaz Merchant: The Challenge of 2024 (English)

Amaryllis. Hardcover. NEW. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), a coalition consisting of 26 opposition parties, is gearing up to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election. Despite the diverse ideologies and regional rivalries within the coalition, their primary goal is to prevent Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister, from achieving an unprecedented third consecutive term. If Modi manages to secure this victory, he will be the first Indian leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to do so. The significance of the 2024 Lok Sabha election cannot be understated. Minhaz Merchant, in his comprehensive analysis of the events leading up to the election, explores the ways in which Modi has influenced Indian politics, economics, and culture during his ten-year tenure as Prime Minister. The book dives into whether the opposition's strategy of presenting a united front can impede the BJP's strong political momentum. Can leaders like Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, and various regional satraps in opposition-ruled states set aside their differences to pose a formidable challenge? Merchant, who has had multiple meetings and interviews with Modi since 2012, delves into a range of topics to analyze the Prime Minister's policies across different domains. These domains include geopolitics, economics, technology, and social reform. The book is divided into ten broad sections and thirty-one chapters, meticulously decoding Modi's evolution from a regional leader to a global statesman over the past decade. Modi's tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by his attempts to reform multiple facets of Indian society. One of the key areas addressed in the book is geopolitics, where Modi has sought to redefine India's position on the global stage. His "Neighborhood First" policy aimed to build stronger ties with neighboring countries, promoting regional stability and economic cooperation. Simultaneously, Modi focused on strengthening relationships with major powers like the United States, Russia, and China to bolster India's influence in world affairs. By analyzing the Prime Minister's foreign policy decisions, Merchant sheds light on Modi's vision for India's role in international relations. Economically, Modi has been credited with launching several ambitious initiatives, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Make in India campaign. The book delves into the impact of these policies on India's economic growth, job creation, and industrial development. Additionally, Merchant explores Modi's approach to technology and the role it plays in shaping India's future. From digital initiatives like Digital India and Aadhaar, as well as the promotion of renewable energy and smart cities, the author assesses the Prime Minister's strategies and their implications for Indian society. As the Lok Sabha election approaches, the focus turns towards whether the opposition can effectively challenge the BJP's dominance. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress Party, Mamata Banerjee, the influential Chief Minister of West Bengal, and other regional leaders hold significant sway in their respective territories. The book critically examines whether these leaders can bridge their differences and present a united opposition front capable of derailing the BJP's political juggernaut. In conclusion, Minhaz Merchant's forthcoming book offers an insightful analysis of Narendra Modi's tenure as Prime Minister, exploring his impact on Indian politics, economics, and culture. By examining Modi's policies and their consequences, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of his evolution as a leader. Moreover, the author raises important questions about the ability of the opposition to forge a united front and pose a serious challenge to the ruling BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election.