Modi Govt’s 12 years: Viksit Bharat in making

When Narendra Modi first took the oath as Prime Minister 12 years ago, India was going through a tough phase. It was a difficult time to assume charge as the nation was facing policy paralysis, corruption was rampant, and the morale of citizens was at an all-time low. People were waiting in anticipation, ready to support a leader who had the real capabilities to lead the nation. They found a leader in Modi and entrusted him with the responsibility to transform and reform India, the way he changed the fortunes of Gujarat.

The journey of Narendra Modi as India’s longest continuously serving Prime Minister is not a simple story of effective and transformative governance. The story of the Modi era is that of restoring confidence in the masses about a responsive and sensitive Government; it is about unleashing the aspirations of all; rediscovering the ethos, rich culture and history of a nation; regaining lost stature in the international arena, et al.

Though 12 years in the life of a nation is a relatively short period, the long-lasting impact the Modi era has created, it has led to a change in India’s growth trajectory, which is going to impact generations to come. Though previous Prime Ministers will be remembered for their commendable achievements, the Modi era is a class apart from numerous reasons, particularly for tackling issues which were considered “untouchable” or “impossible”.

By surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru as longest serving Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has been able to carve several unique distinctions. Both Prime Ministers served the nation in two different eras, facing varied challenges and creating legacies.

Jawaharlal Nehru inherited a newly independent nation emerging from colonial rule, suffering the pains of Partition, tackling poverty and several serious challenges. He was tasked with building institutions, preserving democracy, and laying the foundations of a modern republic.

On the other hand, Narendra Modi faced numerous modern-day challenges. His primary task was to restore a nation’s confidence and bring transformational changes in order to make India future-ready.  

There are several factors which are incomparable when it comes to India of 1947 versus that of 2014. India’s population had swelled from 34 crore in 1947 to 130 crore in 2014 (now surpassing China to become the most populous nation). From the governance point – economy, infrastructure, social welfare, education, healthcare, security – today’s India operates on a massive scale compared to a newly independent nation.

Since Independence, India’s electoral democracy has grown multifold – from 17 crore voters and 53 political parties in the first general elections in 1951-52 to nearly a billion voters and 744 parties in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. From one-party national dominance to intense competition, regional and coalition politics today – Indian democracy is more robust than ever. 
Narendra Modi’s political success in today’s political environment is truly remarkable. No Indian Prime Minister has governed for so long under such high political contestation and public expectation. It is the impact of governance on the masses that differentiates the Modi era from his predecessors. The most enduring contribution of the last 12 years may well be the shift from a culture of entitlement to a culture of empowerment.

Since Independence, poverty alleviation has remained a recurring political promise. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, governance increasingly focused on creating systems through which citizens could directly access dignity, opportunity and state support. Financial inclusion through Jan Dhan accounts, direct benefit transfers, housing and sanitation for all, electricity, clean cooking fuel, healthcare protection, and tap water connections have transformed everyday life for millions. Today, governance is no longer distant and bureaucratic; it is increasingly immediate, accountable, and citizen-centric.

The Nehruvian model of development was all about state-led planning and centralised institutions. But the Narendra Modi model of development combines state capacity with mass participation. It believes in the development and participation of all. The philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” has shaped India’s economic growth and prosperity.
At the time of Independence, India’s GDP was estimated at approximately `2.7 lakh crore, while in 2014 it was around  `113 lakh crore. Under Prime Minister Modi, it has grown to a whopping  `357 lakh crore, making it one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. And this has been achieved despite facing tough times, which include a global pandemic, conflicts leading to supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. From being in the list of “Fragile 5” in 2013, today India is seen as a driver of global growth. 

The Modi Government has realised this through major economic reforms which include GST implementation, a push to the digital economy and e-governance, major infrastructure expansion, a technology and startup boom, and improvement in social parameters. Massive investments being made today are shaping India’s economic future opportunities that will help our generations to come.

Two other sectors where the Narendra Modi Government has made decisive strides are tackling national security challenges and reshaping our foreign policy. 
From being a nation with a limited strategic approach, today’s India acts with confidence, deterrence and national resolve. From the abrogation of Article 370 to cross-border strikes and stronger responses to terrorism, under Modi, India has shown the world that old doctrines have no place in modern India.
Similarly, from Nehru’s non-alignment policy to Modi’s multi-alignment doctrine, which focuses on being a part of the multipolar world while preserving strategic independence, India is no longer a mere participant in global forums. Today, India is shaping the global discourse — from playing the role of the G20 Presidency, to helping shape the Global South or displaying leadership during global crises.

For decades, our nation reeled under so much of external and internal pressures that it forgot what ‘Bharatvarsh’ stood for. While dealing with global challenges, Prime Minister Modi has toiled hard to establish our cultural and spiritual identity, and re-connected us from our roots. Today, Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a reality. Redevelopment and renovation of the symbols of our historical identity is a sterling story of 12 years of Modi’s rule.

History often judges leaders not merely by the challenges they inherited but by the direction in which they moved the nation. Jawaharlal Nehru will be remembered for laying the foundations of a democratic republic. Narendra Modi’s legacy may be defined by his effort to scale governance for 140 crore citizens, accelerate development and position India for the next phase of its national journey. 

As India moves towards 2047 — the centenary of Independence — Modi’s ambition of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ has become a defining national goal. The strong foundations being laid by Prime Minister Modi today will play a crucial and decisive role in shaping the India of tomorrow.