Tue Sep 17 06:53:05 UTC 2024: ## Narendra Modi Turns 74: A Look Back at the Controversial and Celebrated Leader
On September 17th, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates his 74th birthday. While his supporters celebrate his achievements and leadership, his detractors remain critical of his past and policies.
Modi’s political journey is inextricably linked to the 2002 Gujarat riots. Following a train fire incident in Godhra, where 59 Hindu pilgrims were killed, widespread communal violence erupted in Gujarat. Over 1,000 people, primarily Muslims, were killed in the ensuing violence. The incident sparked criticism of Modi’s role as the then Chief Minister, with allegations of his government’s complicity in the violence. Although he has faced multiple investigations and legal challenges, Modi was exonerated from all charges related to the riots.
Despite the controversies, Modi has consistently maintained his political dominance in Gujarat. He is credited with the state’s economic development and the implementation of “Gujarat Model,” which became a key factor in his rise to national prominence.
In 2014, Modi led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a landslide victory, becoming Prime Minister. During his tenure, he implemented key policies like demonetization, abrogation of Article 370, the Triple Talaq bill, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He also oversaw the completion of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a long-standing goal of the BJP.
Modi has also gained popularity for social welfare schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which have targeted the poor and middle class.
As Modi enters his 74th year, he continues to remain a polarizing figure. His supporters hail him as a strong leader and visionary, while his critics remain skeptical of his policies and past controversies. His political career is a testament to his resilience and his ability to connect with the electorate, and he remains a dominant force in Indian politics.
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