In a campaign characterized by fervent appeals to both faith and nationalism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared a striking personal revelation during a recent interview, asserting that he believes he is an emissary of divine guidance. As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks to secure a third term in office in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Modi’s statements have sparked considerable discussion and controversy.
Reflecting on his campaign activities and personal beliefs, Modi remarked, “When my mother was alive, I used to believe that I was born biologically. After she passed away, upon reflecting on all my experiences, I was convinced that God has sent me. This energy could not be from my biological body, but was bestowed upon me by God…whenever I do anything, I believe god is guiding me.” These comments were made during an interview with News18 while Modi was campaigning in Varanasi.
While Modi’s comments have galvanized his supporters, they have also drawn sharp criticism from political adversaries. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera has accused Modi of adopting a position above divine authority, pointing to a broader trend of arrogance within the BJP. The controversy intensified after BJP leader Sambit Patra made a provocative statement that “Lord Jagannath is a devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Khera lambasted the prime minister for not addressing or apologizing for Patra’s remarks, arguing that “arrogance” is so high in the BJP that one leader is thinking that the PM is above God and the prime minister is silent on the issue though 48 hours have passed. He further contended, “If you tell a lie, people can tolerate but if you say that God is your ‘bhakt’, no one will tolerate it.”
The intersection of religious symbolism and political narrative is not a novel phenomenon in Indian politics, but Modi’s explicit claim of divine guidance marks a bold and, for some, contentious assertion. Whether this will resonate positively with the electorate or backfire remains to be seen as the nation approaches the final phases of the elections.
As Modi campaigns vigorously in Varanasi and other key constituencies, his reliance on both his political track record and his proclaimed spiritual mission underscores the multifaceted strategy deployed by the BJP. The final phases of the elections, scheduled for May 25 and June 1, will test the effectiveness of this approach in swaying voters amid the heightened scrutiny and critique from opposition parties.
The upcoming results will reveal whether Modi’s invocation of divine guidance will indeed fortify his quest for a historic third term, shaping the trajectory of India’s political landscape for years to come.
Relevant articles:
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi convinced to be ’emissary of God’, questions his biological origins, telegraphindia.com, 05/23/2024
– Time has come to break arrogance of PM Modi: Pawan Khera, The Economic Times, 05/22/2024
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