Twelve years of dedication, a legacy of success

TTwo high-profile incidents occurred just days before the end of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12-year tenure: he received the Norwegian Royal Norwegian Order of Merit and the esteemed Swedish Royal Order of the North Star. In the last 12 years, Mr Modi has received 32 international honours.

This great son of India has been consistently honored by his motherland, besides receiving the highest civilian honors from about 20 other nations. This honor is shared by the country’s 1.4 billion citizens and also by Mr. Modi. These are the same individuals who steadfastly supported Mr. Modi in three straight elections. In addition, the Prime Minister’s leadership received support from the international community.

The fact that the Prime Minister and his government Mr. Modi have been in existence for 12 years is a direct proof of the unwavering public confidence in him. Even the most successful leaders struggle to gain such trust. It’s much more challenging to keep her going and watch her grow stronger every day. This is what Mr. Modi has done. Behind it all is his unwavering devotion to the country, a strong belief in his philosophy and a diligent work ethic that keeps him engaged and motivates others to strive.

Mr. Modi has set an example of what leadership should be — first as Chief Minister of Gujarat for 13 consecutive years and now as Prime Minister for 12 consecutive years. Continuing to fulfill people’s desires continuously for a total of 25 years is by no means an easy task.

He’s just not the type to get tired, stop or take a break. For this reason, he has served the country continuously for the past 12 years without taking a single day off. No other leader is as committed as Mr. Modi, who immediately returned to serving the country after performing his mother’s last rites. He recently chaired a crucial marathon meeting of the Council of Ministers in Delhi, shortly after returning to the national capital from an arduous five-nation diplomatic tour.

New India came into existence in 2014 when he took oath as the Prime Minister in the courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan. While taking the oath, Mr. Modi was aware of the aspirations and wishes of the people. Even today, after 12 years, he remains deeply connected with ordinary citizens.

Versatile development

In these 12 years, India has progressed in every direction under the leadership of Mr. Modi. India’s voice has been amplified across the world. We are witnessing the all-round development of the country. This is why the people of India have showered Mr. Modi with their blessings in the form of votes in every election.

The Shiv Sena, as part of the National Democratic Alliance, has always supported Mr. Modi. The only exception was the period when the then party leadership deviated from the ideals of Shiv Sena’s respected founder Balasaheb Thackeray and took an unethical path. However, in June 2022, we Shiv Sainiks rejected this immorality and once again extended our support to Mr. Modi.

Mr. Modi’s tremendous work energy, his extraordinary decision-making ability and ability to take accurate decisions no matter how difficult the matter or the adverse circumstances are remarkable qualities. It also ensures strict implementation of these decisions.

Be it the historic decision to remove Article 370, construction of Ram temple, anti-triple talaq law, surgical strikes for national security or Operation Sindoor after Pahalgam attack – he took all these bold steps and took full responsibility for those decisions.

The opposition criticizes him. They have nothing else left. Their tendency is not to achieve anything themselves, but to hinder those who are trying to do something. Yet, when it comes to Mr. Modi, the opposition does not even think of making allegations against him. Such is the immaculate nature of his tenure.

The implementation of many fundamental decisions seemed difficult at first. However, his attitude was always to think long-term and prioritize the interest of the nation. Implementing GST and translating the concept of ‘One Nation, One Tax’ into reality was not easy. It required changing the tax system that had existed for decades. Yet Mr. Modi brought all the states together and did this revolutionary economic reform.

Through the New National Education Policy, he initiated fundamental changes in education. This policy includes a vision of skill-based education, mother tongue priority and first-class educational opportunities. He rightly recognized that modernization of education is necessary to realize the dream of a developed India.

He also took important decisions for the empowerment of women. By providing greater opportunities for women in the armed forces and through initiatives such as the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, he gave new impetus to women’s participation in society. He was not only talking about introducing the Women’s Reservation Act in Parliament; took concrete steps. However, due to the narrow-minded attitude of the opposition, the proposal could not be accepted.

Through the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, direct financial assistance has been provided to farmers. Earlier, social programs often remained stuck on paper, but Mr. Modi ensured their implementation. The direct transfer of benefits helped to reduce corruption. So far, benefits have been deposited directly into the accounts of millions of farmers across the country.

A new force for national security

He has given new strength to national security by investing heavily in border infrastructure. Roads, bridges and tunnels were built in border areas that had long been neglected. Through his emphasis on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defense sector, he worked to make India self-sufficient in arms production.

During the terrifying period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the entire world was confused and struggling, Mr. Modi provided strong leadership and reassurance to the nation. He ensured food security for the poor. Free vaccinations were provided. In addition, it established India as a capable alternative in the pharmaceutical sector. India has supplied vaccines to many countries. It wasn’t just about foreign policy; it was a renewed demonstration to the world of India’s humanitarian values.

He gave the nation a grand vision of a ‘developed India’ and an ‘independent India’. He showed the way to achieve it and laid a solid foundation for it. The world is now becoming more and more digital. Internet connectivity has reached villages. Through the Digital India campaign, India has become one of the largest digital economies in the world.

Schemes like Prime Minister Mudra Yojana, Udyogini Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana have been successfully implemented for women. Initiatives like Prime Minister Employment Generation Program and Startup India have been launched for the youth. A new educational policy was introduced. Through PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Kisan Credit Cards and other measures, farmers have been empowered in various ways. To facilitate business, the Modi government has introduced the Atmanirbhar Bharat package besides various schemes. It has also launched ambitious programs like PM GatiShakti and National Industrial Corridor.

India has seen unprecedented progress in infrastructure development. The network of roads and highways was expanded. Railway doubling and electrification are progressing rapidly. Metro services reached 23 cities. The number of operational airports has doubled. Vande Bharat trains brought new speed and efficiency. Railway stations are being comprehensively rebuilt. Projects like Atal Setu, Metro projects, Samruddhi Expressway, Coastal Road and Jal Jeevan Mission were possible due to the support given by the Prime Minister.

The world is now looking at India as a safe investment destination. Through concepts like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, India is also becoming stronger in the manufacturing sector. India is emerging with more confidence on the global stage. India has shown leadership through forums like the G-20. India’s voice in foreign policy became more influential and its international relations strengthened.

Before 2014, the country was directionless. Mr Modi gave it the right direction. He gave the nation a stable, strong and decisive government. He amplified the voice of Indian identity and pride. From our point of view, one of the happiest moments was Mr. Modi’s decision to grant classical language status to Marathi, a decision that was awaited for many years.

The issues that Mr. Modi raises are being discussed across the country and are being taken seriously by citizens. A recent example is the positive response across all strata of society to his call for savings in the context of current global conflicts.

A multifaceted personality

Mr. Modi’s personality comes in many forms. Among them, his emotional sensitivity and fatherly nature are particularly touching. Despite holding such a high office, he retained his humanity and compassion, which was evident on many occasions.

One such incident happened in 2019. After the failure faced by the Chandrayaan-2 mission, the then ISRO chief K. Sivan was very emotional. Mr. Modi hugged him, consoled him and assured him that the entire nation was behind him.

There is another recent incident. I was one of the many leaders on stage at the government’s swearing-in ceremony in Calcutta. I said ‘namaskar’ to Mr Modi. He immediately asked me how I was. My helicopter went off the runway due to bad weather a few days ago. He specifically asked about it, remembering this incident and asked me to travel carefully. He remembered the problem and took the time to ask about it despite his incredibly hectic schedule. That’s what makes him so great.

He has a great deal of empathy for the citizens of our nation and shows such concern for everyone. This is why Mr. Modi is incredibly popular with the common people. Undoubtedly, the administration can achieve even more outstanding things in the coming years under his able leadership.

Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra