For more than a decade, Narendra Modi has remained at the center of Indian politics, shaping national debates, influencing policy priorities, and redefining the contours of electoral campaigning.

His political journey from a modest upbringing in Gujarat to becoming India’s longest-serving non-Congress prime minister represents one of the most significant leadership stories in modern democratic history.Since first taking office as prime minister in May 2014, Modi has led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through multiple national elections and overseen a period of profound political transformation.

His continued prominence in public life has made him one of the most recognizable political figures globally and one of the most influential leaders India has produced in the post-independence era.Modi’s rise was neither sudden nor accidental.

Born in Vadnagar in Gujarat, he spent decades working within the organizational framework of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) before becoming a key strategist and political organizer for the BJP. His reputation as an effective administrator grew during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, where he promoted industrial development, infrastructure expansion, and investment-driven growth.

By the time he entered the national stage in 2014, India was witnessing growing public demand for decisive leadership, economic development, and administrative efficiency. Modi positioned himself as a leader capable of delivering change, presenting a vision centered on governance, growth, and national confidence.

The BJP’s landslide victory that year marked a turning point in Indian politics.What has distinguished Modi from many of his predecessors is his ability to maintain a direct connection with voters across social, economic, and regional divides. Through mass rallies, digital outreach, radio broadcasts, and extensive travel, he has cultivated a public image that extends beyond traditional political structures.

Political analysts frequently point to this communication strategy as one of the principal reasons for his durability. Rather than relying solely on party machinery, Modi developed a personal rapport with supporters, turning elections into leadership-centered contests.

Another factor behind his longevity has been the BJP’s organizational strength. Under Modi’s leadership, the party expanded its electoral footprint into regions where it had historically struggled. State-level victories, grassroots mobilization, and a disciplined campaign structure helped transform the BJP into India’s dominant political force.

His tenure has also been marked by major policy initiatives. Programs aimed at expanding financial inclusion, increasing access to sanitation facilities, improving digital connectivity, and delivering welfare benefits directly to citizens have formed a central pillar of his governance model.

Supporters argue that these initiatives have improved state capacity and brought government services closer to ordinary citizens.Modi’s leadership has coincided with India’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

During his years in office, India strengthened its position in global supply chains, expanded digital infrastructure, and increased its international profile through active diplomacy and participation in multilateral forums.On the world stage, Modi has cultivated relationships with leaders across ideological and geographic divides.

His engagements with the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific region have reflected an effort to position India as a leading global power.Several international leaders have publicly acknowledged India’s growing influence during Modi’s tenure.

Former and current world leaders have often described him as a strong political mandate-holder capable of implementing long-term policy goals. International forums including the G20 have provided platforms where India’s voice has become increasingly prominent.

At home, Modi’s supporters frequently cite his work ethic, disciplined lifestyle, and focus on execution as qualities that distinguish his leadership. His political messaging often emphasizes national pride, cultural heritage, self-reliance, and development.

These themes have resonated with large segments of the electorate and helped sustain his popularity across multiple election cycles.Yet longevity in democratic politics also invites scrutiny. Modi’s years in office have been accompanied by intense political debate over economic decisions, social policies, institutional reforms, and questions relating to governance.

Critics have challenged aspects of his administration’s approach, while supporters argue that difficult decisions were necessary to pursue broader national objectives.This combination of strong support and strong criticism has, paradoxically, reinforced Modi’s centrality in Indian politics.

Few leaders in contemporary India have generated such sustained public engagement, ensuring that political discourse often revolves around his policies and leadership style.Beyond electoral success, Modi’s influence can be seen in how political campaigning itself has evolved.

Modern Indian elections increasingly emphasize leadership branding, digital communication, data-driven outreach, and direct voter engagement. Many political parties have adapted elements of the campaign model refined during the Modi era.His journey has also become a source of inspiration for many supporters who view his rise from humble beginnings as evidence of the opportunities available within India’s democratic system.

The narrative of perseverance, organizational dedication, and long-term political commitment has become a defining feature of his public image.Historians and political observers will ultimately debate the long-term impact of Modi’s tenure. However, there is little disagreement about the scale of his influence.

He has presided over a period in which India experienced major economic, technological, diplomatic, and political changes while remaining one of the most electorally successful leaders in the country’s history.

As India continues its development journey, Modi’s legacy will be assessed through multiple lenses: economic performance, governance reforms, social transformation, foreign policy achievements, and his ability to reshape the political landscape. Regardless of where those debates lead, his place among the most consequential leaders of modern India is already firmly established.

Ekta or unity is the only way forward

In 2002, their faces had defined the emotional extremities of the Gujarat riots. Ashok Parmar had a rod in his hand and rage on his face. Qutubuddin Ansari, his bloodshot eyes welling up, had his hands folded in a prayer for mercy.

On Friday, Parmar’s footwear shop here called “Ekta Chappal Ghar” was inaugurated by Ansari, sealing a gradual friendship that started in 2014 when they were brought together on the dais of a communal harmony programme for the first time.

Seventeen years earlier, Parmar, now 45, had been captured on camera in Ahmedabad with a saffron band around his head and brandishing an iron rod. Burning tyres formed the backdrop to the raw aggression in his eyes, turning him into the face of the riots. Ansari’s cry, frozen in images, typified the vulnerability and fear of those at the receiving end.

Both faces were beaming at Parmar’s shop in the bustling Delhi Darwaja area on Friday. It had been a long journey for the two of them before culminating in the catharsis of that moment.

Parmar used to be a cobbler. He had lost his parents when he was in Class 10 and had to drop out of school to continue his father’s roadside business. He remains unmarried and lives in a nearby school that has been his night shelter for a few years.

Parmar’s life changed when Kaleem Siddiqui, a Leftist from Kerala, took him to his state in 2014 to campaign for CPM ahead of general elections.

P Jayarajan, a CPM leader, started assisting him financially and even offered him a job there, which he refused. “I decided not to go to Kerala as language was a big hurdle,” Parmar said.

Parmar was aware of the struggles faced by Ansari who, supported by Bengal CPM leader Mohammed Salim, had shifted to Kolkata with his family by then. But unable to adjust, Ansari chose to return to Ahmedabad after some years.

He now runs a successful tailoring business and has a wife and children. Parmar has struck a rapport with Ansari over the years and had been invited to release the latter’s biography in Malayalam, “Me Qutubuddin Ansari”, in Kerala.

“I am happy that a new chapter has started in Ashok bhai’s life,” Ansari said on Friday. The duo, who weren’t named in any case pertaining to the 2002 riots as a perpetrator or victim, are overwhelmed by the compassion shown to them. Both believe that horrors like 2002 are best forgotten.

“Ekta or unity is the only way forward,” Parmar said.

Article first published on Times of India.

22-years-old, Kaminiben Chanchiya, was brought to Sonawala Government Hospital when she started experiencing labor pains. The chief medical officer of the hospital and senior doctor, Dr. Paresh Lakhani, reluctantly operated Chanchiya while he was heavily drunk.

This resulted in heavy bleeding, and she was rushed to a private hospital. The blood-loss was profuse that she lost her life in the ambulance. No sooner she died, her baby too passed away.

Dr. Lakhani has had 15 years of experience, but the relatives of Chanchiya have accused Dr. Lakhani for negligence. He has been arrested under Prohibitions Act.

“The police found that the doctor was drunk while on duty. He was first booked under the Prohibition Act and was arrested. His blood sample was sent for testing,” said Botad Superintendent of Police Harshad Mehta.

The dead bodies are sent for autopsy to conclude if the deaths occurred due to negligence.

“As per Supreme Court guidelines, only a committee headed by a civil surgeon can determine negligence charges. If the report is positive, we will book him under provisions of IPC related to negligence,” Mr. Mehta added.

According to top sources in the two agencies, Sandesara and other family members including brother Chetan Sandesara and sister-in-law Diptiben Sandesara were believed to be hiding in Nigeria.

Since India doesn’t not have an extradition treaty or a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with Nigeria and bringing them back from the African country would be difficult, sources said.

However, the investigation agencies are planning to send a request to UAE authorities asking them to “provisionally arrest” the Sandesaras if they are seen there. Agencies are making efforts to get Interpol red corner notices against Sandesaras.

The ED arrested Delhi-based businessman Gagan Dhawan and Garg and attached assets worth Rs 4,700 crore of the pharmaceutical firm in June. However, officials said bringing the Sandesaras back to India to face criminal trial was important as they had diverted huge amounts of money abroad.

Officials said the modus operandi for money laundering used by the Sandesaras involved formation of more than 300 shell/benami companies, manipulating balance sheets, inflating turnover and insider shares trading. 

These firms were controlled by the Sandesaras through dummy directors, who were or are employees of various companies of the Sterling group. 

Bogus sales/purchases were shown between the benami companies and the Sterling group firms to divert loans and inflate turnover to obtain further loans from banks.

[Based on Marathi report in Maharastra Times]