A Comprehensive Analysis of Narendra Modi as India’s Prime Minister: Overrated or Not?

Is Narendra Modi overrated? This question has been heavily debated based on various perspectives. While many respect him and hold him in high regard, others perceive a level of blind loyalty and exaggeration in his achievements. This article aims to objectively evaluate his performance through a comprehensive rating system, drawing parallels with other notable Prime Ministers of India.

Rating System for Comparison

To objectively compare the performance of Prime Ministers, I propose a rating system out of 5 points. The indicators include:

Economic Growth: Based on Average GDP growth, adjusted for inflation and fiscal deficit. Inclusivity: Based on assertions on social justice. Welfare: Based on fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Infrastructural Development: Everything requiring investment for creation and innovation. General Popularity: Based on skills, charisma, approval rating, and electoral performance.

Performance Comparison - Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi has been in office since 2014 and has implemented many large-scale development and welfare projects. Here's his detailed rating:

1. Economic Growth (3.5/5)

Annual growth rate of 6.8% (higher than global average). India is the fifth-largest economy globally. Poverty reduction was halved from 2011 levels. 30% improvement in the MSME sector.

2. Inclusivity (3/5)

Launched several welfare schemes such as Jan Dhan, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, and PM Awas Yojana. 10% reservation for economically weaker sections. Used to face backlash for promoting majoritarianism.

3. Welfare (4/5)

Improved access and quality of public goods and services. ODF (open defecation free) achieved. Introduced welfare schemes benefiting a total of 60.72 crore people. New Education Policy, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and PM Garib Kalyan Yojna.

4. Infrastructural Development (4.5/5)

Heavily invested in physical and digital infrastructure. Led several flagship projects such as Smart Cities (45k crore), Sagarmala, Bharatmala (26k KM built), UDAN (74 Airports), and Digital India (900 million internet users). Promoted innovation and entrepreneurship through Startup-India and Make in India.

5. General Popularity (5/5)

Won two consecutive Lok Sabha elections. 71 Global and 68 India approval ratings.

Overall rating: 4/5

Performance Comparison - Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi served as Prime Minister twice, from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984. Her charisma and authoritarian leadership were notable, yet her tenure had its challenges. Here's her detailed rating:

1. Economic Growth (2.5/5)

Average annual growth rate of 4.1%, lower than the global average and previous decades. High inflation and fiscal deficit. Dependent on devaluation and borrowing from the IMF.

2. Inclusivity (2/5)

Coined the term ‘Garibi Hatao’. Abolished privy purses. Violated public democratic rights and civil liberties. Imposed a draconian Emergency. Alienated Sikhs and Tamils, leading to her assassination.

3. Welfare (3/5)

Improved food grain production and distribution. Expanded public sector and provided subsidies and loans to farmers. Neglected health, education, and sanitation. No reduction in poverty.

4. Infrastructural Development (3.5/5)

Invested in steel, coal, oil, and nuclear energy. Initiated the space programme (first nuclear test in 1974). Led to the initiatives INSAT and STD/ISD.

5. General Popularity (4/5)

Won three Lok Sabha elections with majority. Dominated politics for 20 years. Part of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth.

Overall rating: 3/5

Performance Comparison - Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 2004, spanning three non-consecutive terms. Here's his detailed rating:

1. Economic Growth (4/5)

Average annual growth rate of 5.8%, higher than the global average and previous decades. Low inflation and fiscal deficit. Adoption of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act. Liberalized economy.

2. Inclusivity (4/5)

Followed the principle of "upliftment of the last person in society" and launched several schemes for the poor. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana initiated. Initiated a dialogue with Kashmiri separatists and Pakistani leaders. Tried to contain communal violence.

3. Welfare (3.5/5)

Improved the quality and quantity of public goods and services. Mid-day meal scheme in schools. Implemented the new pension system and national health policy. Failed to achieve desired outcomes.

4. Infrastructural Development (4.5/5)

Launched the ambitious Golden Quadrilateral project. Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana, Telecom policy, and IT act introduced.

5. General Popularity (4/5)

Enjoyed support from allies and opposition. Won two Lok Sabha elections with a stable coalition. A great orator and a poet. Tried to improve relations with neighbors and the world.

Overall rating: 4/5

Conclusion

Based on the comparison, it is evident that Narendra Modi surpasses the performance of both Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Despite facing challenges and crises, Modi has shown resilience and determination. While no leader is flawless, at present, Narendra Modi undoubtedly stands as India's leader, deserving another term as Prime Minister.