2014 Indian general election campaign

2014 Indian general election campaign

Modi played a significant role in the BJP's 2009 general-election campaign.

On 31 March 2013 Modi was appointed to the BJP parliamentary board, the highest decision-making body in the party, and at the party's 9 June national executive meeting he was appointed chair of the BJP's central election campaign committee for the 2014 general election Senior leader and founding member Lal Krishna Advani resigned his party posts after the appointment in protest of leaders who were "concerned with their personal agendas". His resignation, which was described by The Times of India as "a protest against Narendra Modi's elevation as the chairman of the party's election committee", was withdrawn the following day at the urging of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. In September 2013, the BJP announced that the chief minister would be their candidate for prime minister in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

Modi was a candidate in two constituencies: Varanasi and Vadodara During the campaign, he pledged to speed up government decision-making and remove bureaucratic hurdles which slowed development He won in both constituencies, defeating Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal in Varanasi and Madhusudan Mistry of the INC in Vadodara by 570,128 votes The BJP-led NDA won the general election overall and the INC experienced its worst-ever defeat Modi, who was unanimously elected leader of the BJP after his party's victory, was appointed prime minister by India's president To comply with the law that an MP cannot represent more than one constituency, he vacated the Vadodara seat. In what CNN described as "India's first social media election", Modi used Twitter, Facebook, Google Hangouts and holographic projections for campaign appearances. His victory tweet was the most re-tweeted tweet in India.

Prime Minister (2014–present)

Further information: Swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi

Modi reading from a paper into a bank of microphones

Modi (far right) being sworn in as Prime Minister, in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee (far left), 2014.

Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister of India on 26 May 2014 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He became the first Prime Minister born after India's independence from the United Kingdom. He was the first to invite all South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation leaders to attend his swearing-in ceremony. His first cabinet consisted of 45 ministers, 25 fewer than the previous UPA government. He started a monthly radio program titled "Mann ki Baat" on 3 October 2014. He repealed 1,159 obsolete laws in first two years as compared to 1,301 such laws repealed by his preceding governments over a span of 64 years. As of May 2016, more than 1.04 crore people have been trained under Skill India Mission launched by him in 2015.

Economic policies

See also: Make in India

As Prime Minister, Modi announced measures to speed up the efficiency of India's economy and reform the red tape that had traditionally hindered Indian business, streamlining the bureaucratic requirements on companies such as a complex permit and inspection system and numerous regulations, so as to make business easier.[197][198] Modi also ordered reform among the bureaucrats of the Indian Administrative Service to ensure a more efficient government bureaucracy.[199][200] The Planning Commission was abolished and replaced with a think tank called NITI Aayog.[201] In October 2014, the Modi government deregulated diesel prices.[202]

Modi with Iranian Finance Minister, Ali Tayebnia in Tehran, 22 May 2016

Modi's government also liberalised India's foreign direct investment policies, allowing more foreign investment in numerous industries.[203][204] In May 2015, it was reported that foreign direct investment in India had risen 61% since the previous year.[205] In September 2015, India was the world's top foreign direct investment destination, overtaking China and the United States.[206] In November 2015, his government eased foreign investment regulations in 15 major sectors of the economy.[207]

In September 2014, Modi introduced the Make in India initiative to encourage foreign companies to manufacture products in India, with the goal of turning India into a global manufacturing hub.[208]

Modi's government has increased infrastructure spending to massively expand the country's transportation infrastructure. Projects to improve and expand the country's road and railway networks were undertaken, with railway reform being among the government's top priorities. In November 2015, the Indian government signed major deals with General Electric and Alstom to supply India with 1,000 new diesel locomotives, which would be built in India as part of the "Make in India" scheme.[209][210] In December 2015, Modi's government signed an agreement with Japan to jointly build a bullet train system linking Mumbai and Ahmedabad.[211] The Indian government also began a massive expansion of India's highway network, and is intent on building transport links to remote areas. In addition, an expansion of the country's water transport network was put forward, with a plan on converting 101 rivers into national waterways for the transport of goods and passengers. Construction was started for new sea and river ports, and plans were drawn up for waterbus and hovercraft services.[212][213][214][215][216]

Modi launched a flagship scheme for developing 100 smart cities on 25 June 2015.[217] In addition to the smart cities initiative, Modi unveiled the "smart villages" initiative, under which rural villages will be given Internet access, clean water, sanitation, and low-carbon energy, with Members of Parliament overseeing the programme's implementation in select villages in their constituencies, other than their own or those of their relatives, with the goal of at least 2,500 smart villages by 2019.[218]

On 22 January 2015, Modi launched two schemes - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojana and Sukanya Samriddhi Account.[219] In June 2015, Modi launched the "Housing for All By 2022" project, which intends to eliminate slums in India by building about 20 million affordable homes for India's urban poor.[220][221] In May 2016, he claimed that his government have been able to plug leakages worth ₹360 billion (US$5.3 billion) across various schemes by identifying and stopping 1.62 crore fake ration cards.[222]

In 2016, he announced his target to double the farmers income by 2022.[223][224] He also launched Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in 2016.[225]

Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana in August 2014, in which 21.90 crore accounts have been opened and an amount of ₹377.75 billion (US$5.6 billion) have been deposited by 18 May 2016.[226] He launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) on 1 May 2016 to distribute LPG connections to women of BPL families.[227]

Health and sanitation policies

See also: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

PM Modi participates in cleanliness drive at his constituency in Varanasi.

Modi's government developed a draft policy to introduce a universal health care system, known as the National Health Assurance Mission. Under this plan, the government was to provide free drugs, diagnostic treatment, and insurance coverage for serious ailments, although budgetary concerns have delayed its implementation.[228][229][230]

In October 2014, Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ("Clean India") campaign, a national cleanliness drive to eliminate widespread open defecation prevalent in rural areas, as well as reduce widespread littering throughout the country, so as to improve India's poor sanitary conditions. As part of the programme, a public awareness campaign against littering was launched, and the Indian government stepped up construction of toilets in rural areas, as well as efforts to encourage people to use them.[231][232][233] The Indian government also announced a series of projects to build new sewage treatment plants

The PM of India Narendra modi

The primeminister of India

On 26th May 2014 Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India, becoming the first ever PM to be born after India attained Independence. Dynamic, dedicated and determined, Narendra Modi reflects the aspiration and hope of over a billion Indians.

Ever since he assumed office in May 2014, PM Modi has embarked on a journey of all-round and inclusive development where every Indian can realize their hopes and aspirations. He remains deeply inspired by the principle of ‘Antyodaya’, of serving the last person in the queue.

Through innovative ideas and initiatives, the Government has ensured that the wheels of progress move at rapid pace and the fruits of development reach every citizen. Governance has become open, easier and transparent.

In a first, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana marked a paradigm shift in ensuring that every citizen is integrated in the financial system of the Nation. His clarion call for ‘Make in India’ complimented by a focus on making business easy has stimulated unprecedented vigour and enterprise among investors and entrepreneurs. Labour reforms and dignity of labour under the ‘Shrameva Jayate’ initiative has empowered several workers of small and medium industries, also providing a boost to our skilled youth.

In a first, the Government of India launched three social security schemes for the people of India and also focused on giving pension to the elderly and insurance cover to the poor. In July 2015 the Prime Minister unveiled the Digital India Mission to create a Digital India where technology plays a key role in bringing a qualitative change on people’s lives.

Shri Narendra Modi has attached great importance to strong ties with the Arab world. His visit to UAE in August 2015, the first by an Indian PM in 34 years, covered tremendous ground in enhancing India’s economic partnership with the Gulf. In July 2015 Shri Modi visited the five central Asian Nations in a visit that was seen as path breaking. Vital agreements were signed between India and these nations in spheres like energy, trade, culture and economics. In October 2015 a historic India Africa Summit was held in New Delhi, in which 54 African nations participated. Leaders of 41 African nations graced the summit, in which extensive deliberations on deepening India-Africa ties. The Prime Minister himself held bilateral meetings with the visiting African leaders.

In November 2015 the Prime Minister joined the COP21 Summit in Paris, where he, along with several world leaders deliberated on climate change, Shri Modi and President Hollande of France unveiled the International Solar Alliance, a forum to harness energy of the Sun to light homes.

In April 2016 the Prime Minister joined the Nuclear Security Summit where he put forth a strong message on the importance of Nuclear Security at the world stage. He visited Saudi Arabia, where he was conferred the highest civilian honour of Saudi Arabia Sash of King Abdulaziz. 

Several world leaders including Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott, President Xi Jinping of People’s Republic of China, President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka, President Vladimir Putin of Russia and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany have visited India and these visits have achieved breakthroughs in improving cooperation between India and these Nations. The 2015 Republic Day saw President Barack Obama visit India as the Chief Guest, a first in the history of India-USA relations. In August 2015, India hosted the FIPIC Summit, which was attended by top leaders from the Pacific Islands. Key aspects relating to India’s ties with the Pacific Islands were discussed.

Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi
14th Prime Minister of India
Incumbent
Assumed office
26 May 2014
President Pranab Mukherjee
Preceded by Manmohan Singh
14th Chief Minister of Gujarat
In office
7 October 2001 – 22 May 2014
Governor
Sunder Singh Bhandari
Kailashpati Mishra
Balram Jakhar
Nawal Kishore Sharma
S. C. Jamir
Kamla Beniwal
Preceded by Keshubhai Patel
Succeeded by Anandiben Patel
Member of the Parliament of India (Lok Sabha)
for Varanasi
Incumbent
Assumed office
16 May 2014
Preceded by Murli Manohar Joshi
Majority 3,71,784 (36.07%)
Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly
for Maninagar
In office
1 January 2002 – 16 May 2014
Preceded by Kamlesh Patel
Succeeded by Suresh Patel
Personal details
Born Narendra Damodardas Modi
17 September 1950 (age 65)
Vadnagar, Bombay State (presently Gujarat), India
Nationality Indian
Political party Bharatiya Janata Party
Spouse(s) Jashodaben Narendrabhai (m. 1968) (estranged)
Residence 7, Race Course Road
Alma mater
University of Delhi
Gujarat University
Religion Hinduism
Signature
Website
Official website
Government website
PM Modi 2015.jpgThis article is part of a series about
Narendra Modi
Early life and education Public image
Early political career

Gujarat Legislative Assembly
2002 2007 2012
Prime Minister of India

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Global Contributions

Foreign policy Asian South Asian Middle Eastern Neighbourhood first Act East policy Trips abroad India–Pacific Islands Forum Yoga Day New Development Bank Solar alliance SAARC Satellite
National

Union Budgets 2014 2015 2016 Railway Budgets 2014 2015 2016 Antodaya Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Sukanya Samriddhi DELP Diamond Quadrilateral HRIDAY Housing for All Jeevan Pramaan Jan Dhan Yojana Mission Indradhanush Mudra Yojana Jeevan Jyoti Krishi Sinchai Suraksha Bima Atal Pension Yojana Adarsh Gram Yojana Gram Jyoti Soil health cards Ujjwala Projects Bharatmala Sagar Mala Setu Bharatam Campaigns Accessible India Digital India Make in India Swachh Bharat Skill India Startup India Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Missions AMRUT Smart cities TB-Mission 2020 Establishments NITI Aayog Statue of Unity War Memorial MUDRA Bank Laws Aadhaar Act Black Money Act Goods and Services Tax Bill National Waterways Act Real Estate Act Road Transport and Safety Bill Securities Laws Act
Works

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Prime Minister of India
v t e
Narendra Damodardas Modi (Gujarati: [nəreːnd̪rə d̪ɑːmoːd̪ərəd̪ɑːs moːd̪iː] ( listen), born 17 September 1950) is the 15th and current Prime Minister of India, in office since 26 May 2014.[1][2] Modi, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. He led the BJP in the 2014 general election, which gave the party a majority in the Lok Sabha, for the first time since 1984.[3]

Since taking office as Prime Minister, Modi's administration has focused on reforming and modernising India's infrastructure and government,[4] reducing bureaucracy, encouraging increased foreign direct investment,[5] improving national standards of health and sanitation and improving foreign relations.[6][7][8] Earlier, as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Modi's economic policies have been praised,[9] although his administration has been criticised for failing to significantly improve the human development in the state and also failing to prevent the 2002 Gujarat riots too.[10][11][12] A Hindu nationalist and member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Modi[13][14] remains a controversial figure domestically and internationally
                               

Early life and education
Modi was born on 17 September 1950, to a family of grocers in Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Bombay State (present-day Gujarat).[19][20] He was the third of six children born to Damodardas Mulchand (1915–1989) and Heeraben Modi (b. c. 1920).[21][22][23] Modi's family belonged to the Modh-Ghanchi-Teli (oil-presser) community,[24][25][26] which is categorised as an Other Backward Class by the Indian government.[27][28][29]

As a child, Modi helped his father sell tea at the Vadnagar railway station, and later ran a tea stall with his brother near a bus terminus.[30][31] Modi completed his higher secondary education in Vadnagar in 1967, where a teacher described him as an average student and a keen debater, with an interest in theatre.[30] Modi had an early gift for rhetoric in debates, and this was noted by his teachers and students.[32] Modi preferred playing larger-than-life characters in theatrical productions, which has influenced his political image.[33][34]

Modi being fed by his mother
Modi with his mother, Heeraben, on his 63rd birthday on 17 September 2013.
At age eight, Modi discovered the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and began attending its local shakhas (training sessions). There, Modi met Lakshmanrao Inamdar, popularly known as Vakil Saheb, who inducted him as an RSS balswayamsevak (junior cadet) and became his political mentor.[35] While Modi was training with the RSS, he also met Vasant Gajendragadkar and Nathalal Jaghda, Bharatiya Jana Sangh leaders who were founding members of the BJP's Gujarat unit in 1980.[36][37][38][39]

Engaged while still a child to a local girl, Jashodaben Narendrabhai Modi, Modi rejected the arranged marriage at the same time he graduated from high school.[40] The resulting familial tensions contributed to his decision to leave home in 1967.[41]

Modi spent the ensuing two years travelling across Northern and North-eastern India, though few details of where he went have emerged.[42] In interviews, Modi has described visiting Hindu ashrams founded by Swami Vivekananda: the Belur Math near Kolkata, followed by the Advaita Ashrama in Almora and the Ramakrishna mission in Rajkot. Modi remained only a short time at each, since he lacked the required college education.[43][44][45]

Reaching the Belur Math in the early summer of 1968 and being turned away, Modi wandered through Calcutta, West Bengal and Assam, stopping by Siliguri and Guwahati.[46] Modi then went to the Ramakrishna ashram in Almora, where he was again rejected, before travelling back to Gujarat via Delhi and Rajasthan in 1968-69.[47] Sometime in late 1969 or early 1970, Modi returned to Vadnagar for a brief visit before leaving again for Ahmedabad.[48] There, Modi lived with his uncle, working in the latter's canteen at the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation.[49][50]

In Ahmedabad, Modi renewed his acquaintance with Inamdar, who was based at Hedgewar Bhavan (RSS headquarters) in the city.[36][37][51] After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, he stopped working for his uncle and became a full-time pracharak (campaigner) for the RSS.[50] In 1978, Modi became an RSS Sambhaag Pracharak (regional organiser), and received a degree in Political Science after a distance-education course from Delhi University.[52][53] Five years later, he received a Master of Arts degree in political science from Gujarat University in 1982.[54][55]

Early political career, 1975–2001
On 26 June 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India which lasted until 1977. During this period, many of her political opponents were jailed and opposition groups (including the RSS) were banned.[56][57] As pracharak in-charge of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, Modi was forced to go underground in Gujarat and frequently traveled in disguise to avoid arrest. He became involved in printing pamphlets opposing the government, sending them to Delhi and organising demonstrations.[30][58][59][60] During this period, Modi wrote a book in Gujarati, Sangharsh ma Gujarat (The Struggles of Gujarat), describing events during the Emergency.[61][62]

                                                       

He was assigned by the RSS to the BJP in 1985.[38] In 1988, Modi was elected organising secretary of the party's Gujarat unit, marking his entrance into electoral politics.[52][63] He rose within the party, helping organise L. K. Advani's 1990 Ayodhya Rath Yatra in 1990 and Murli Manohar Joshi's 1991–92 Ekta Yatra (Journey for Unity).[30][64] As party secretary, Modi's electoral strategy was considered central to BJP victory in the 1995 state assembly elections.[38][65][66] In November of that year Modi was elected BJP national secretary and transferred to New Delhi, where he assumed responsibility for party activities in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.[65][67] The following year, Shankersinh Vaghela (one of the most prominent BJP leaders in Gujarat) defected to the INC after losing his parliamentary seat in the Lok Sabha elections.[30] Modi, on the selection committee for the 1998 Assembly elections in Gujarat, favoured supporters of BJP leader Keshubhai Patel over those supporting Vaghela to end factional division in the party. His strategy was credited as key to the BJP winning an overall majority in the 1998 elections,[65][68] and Modi was promoted to BJP general secretary (organisation) in May of that year.[69]

           

Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001–14)
Modi flanked by three other men at a table
Chief Minister Modi and his cabinet ministers at a Planning Commission meeting in New Delhi, 2013.
In 2001, Keshubhai Patel's health was failing and the BJP had lost seats in the by-elections. Allegations of abuse of power, corruption and poor administration were made, and Patel's standing had been damaged by his administration's handling of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake.[65][70][71] The BJP national leadership sought a new candidate for chief minister, and Modi (who had expressed misgivings about Patel's administration) was chosen as a replacement.[30] Although senior BJP leader L. K. Advani did not want to ostracise Patel and was concerned about Modi's lack of experience in government, Modi declined an offer to be Patel's deputy chief minister and told Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee he was "going to be fully responsible for Gujarat or not at all". On 3 October 2001 he replaced Patel as Chief Minister of Gujarat, with the responsibility of preparing the BJP for the December 2002 elections.[72][73] As Chief Minister, Modi favoured privatisation and small government; this was at odds with political commentator Aditi Phadnis' description of the RSS as anti-privatisation and anti-globalisation.[70]