Unlike Nehru, Modi had no help, no patron, in his journey to the Prime Ministership. All he had was confidence in his own abilities and the love of his mother and her certainty that Naru would change India, being a child of destiny.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has crossed yet another milestone in an expanding list of political firsts. He is now the longest-serving Prime Minister in independent India’s history. Over the years, he has accumulated a range of records unmatched by any of his predecessors, including receiving the highest number of top civilian honours from foreign countries.
According to those closely familiar with his life and political journey, the story began more than 76 years ago in Vadnagar, Gujarat, where the infant “Naru”—his childhood nickname—was born.
Only two people, they say, possessed unwavering faith that the young boy would one day transform India and alter global perceptions about the country. The first was his mother, who saw qualities in her son that convinced her he was destined for greatness. Her confidence in him never wavered despite the hardships and setbacks he encountered throughout his life.
The second person was Narendra Modi himself.
From an early age, he believed he was destined to accomplish significant things. That self-belief gave him the strength to endure adversity and overcome obstacles with determination.
As a child, Modi enjoyed games and outdoor activities like any other boy. Yet, family members and acquaintances recall that he would often withdraw into books and immerse himself in literature far beyond his age. The habit has remained with him throughout his political life. Whether as Chief Minister of Gujarat or Prime Minister of India, Modi has consistently set aside time for reading and reflection.
His supporters argue that the hardships of his early years prepared him to deal with the challenges that later came his way. Born into a modest family and belonging to a socially disadvantaged section of society, he treated these circumstances not as barriers but as realities to overcome.
Many view this confidence as the defining characteristic that makes him unique.
In many ways, India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru represented a contrasting background. Born into one of the country’s most affluent and influential families, Nehru was the son of Motilal Nehru and Swaroop Rani Nehru. Motilal’s success as a lawyer enabled the family to enjoy considerable prosperity.
To his credit, Motilal abandoned that comfortable lifestyle and dedicated himself to India’s freedom struggle, supported by his wife. With the affection of a father for his only son, he also worked tirelessly to prepare Jawaharlal for a future in public life.
Narendra Modi had no such political patronage. According to his supporters, he relied only on his own abilities and on the encouragement of his mother, who believed her son was destined to make a difference.
Jawaharlal Nehru became India’s first Prime Minister with the support of Mahatma Gandhi, who preferred him over Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Patel’s death soon afterwards left Nehru firmly in command of both the Congress party and the government.
Modi’s rise followed a different trajectory.
His years of organisational work in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his reputation as a tireless worker eventually brought him into the Bharatiya Janata Party. His performance led to his appointment as BJP General Secretary, followed by his elevation as Gujarat Chief Minister and eventually as Prime Minister in 2014.
To this day, Prime Minister Modi maintains cordial relations with RSS chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale.
As Chief Minister, Modi worked closely with serving and retired officials to transform Gujarat. Supporters argue that he adopted a similar model at the national level after assuming office in New Delhi.
One area where Modi’s approach intersects with that of Jawaharlal Nehru is foreign policy.
While Nehru championed non-alignment, Modi’s supporters describe his approach as “multi-alignment”—maintaining friendly relations with all countries willing to reciprocate. Since 2014, he has cultivated personal relationships with numerous world leaders across continents, from Africa and Europe to North and South America.
In 2014, Modi achieved something that had eluded the BJP since its formation: securing a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. Neither Atal Bihari Vajpayee nor any previous BJP leader had managed such a feat.
Before the 2024 elections, Modi forged a pre-poll alliance with the Telugu Desam Party led by N. Chandrababu Naidu. The strategy helped the NDA secure a third consecutive term and prevented the return of the opposition alliance to power.
Today, however, the government faces fresh challenges arising from the ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf. Rising energy prices and external economic pressures have affected inflation and employment, issues which the government argues are driven largely by global developments beyond India’s direct control.
Supporters of the Prime Minister contend that his opponents are attempting to exploit these difficulties by creating political instability and discouraging investment. They believe that, as in previous crises, Modi will find ways to navigate the challenges.
The objective of the third NDA government, they argue, remains the creation of a confident and economically strong India.
Having already won three consecutive electoral contests, Prime Minister Modi and the NDA are now looking ahead to the next major political test—the 2029 Lok Sabha elections—with the hope of extending their winning streak once again.
