Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
Video Producer: Debayan Dutta, Hera Khan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had complete control over the script in the first year of his second term. But the same year, a new character appeared without his permission – coronavirus. Modi is known for taking audacious and big risks, so he decided to deal with the current crisis in his own style.
The Quint’s Editorial Director, Sanjay Pugalia, decodes how despite some big failures, heavily criticised moves and risky decisions, Prime Minister Modi has managed to maintain his popularity and continues to be a ‘Khatron ke Khiladi’ (The one who plays with danger).
Even before the coronavirus outbreak hit the country in a big way, the prime minister imposed one of the world’s strictest lockdowns. But, before that, he had already arranged for a ‘Talli and Thaali’ show.
The government gave Rs 2 lakh crore as relief package, but counted it as Rs 20 lakh crore. Many countries are fighting this battle but no one knows how to end it. Therefore, despite a massive exodus of migrant workers, no one can claim that Modi government has failed in controlling the spread of coronavirus.
In fact, everyone believes that whatever Modiji is doing, is right.
You can call PM Modi a ‘Khatron ke Khiladi’, but how does the PM take such risky steps?
In the last few years, he has taken many such steps, which others leaders might just not be able to practically implement. How does he act beyond the scope of our imaginations?
His most shocking move was demonetisation, which turned out to be a futile exercise and critics felt that after this failure, Modiji would think twice before venturing on such adventures again.
Next, he implemented a complicated GST system, which further hurt the economy. The Opposition thought the public will give him a befitting reply in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, but it didn’t happen.
Soon after, he took oath as PM for a second term. Everyone expected him to go easy this time around, but he left everyone in shock by revoking Article 370 in Kashmir and making it a Union Territory.
He even detained and house arrested Opposition leaders. This could have had serious repercussions on the international forum and Pakistan could have reacted with more hostility.
While understanding BJP, here’s a theory. When out of power, the BJP is a communal party, but when in power it turns secular.
But the second term showed us that their polarisation factory produced some bigger products, like abolishment of Triple Talaq, and the amendment of the Citizenship Act.
After a grand ‘Namaste Trump’ event, the US president returned to manage the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. And after analysing PM Modi’s efforts to battle COVID-19, no one can say that India is doing less than any other country.
But, we will pay a heavy price because of the impending economic crisis in the days to come. Despite the migrant crisis and millions being left unemployed, PM Modi’s popularity is touted to rise.
Watch the video for a detailed analysis of Modi 2.0 and the continuous rise in the popularity of the prime minister.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)