The book by journalist Kingshuk Nag provides a very objective account of Modi's personality and evolution from a Chaiwallah to Prime minister of world's largest democracy. He had observed Modi from close quarters thus the Book is supported by personal references and anecdotes. However, it is not "The biography" of Modi. It leaves a lot more to be desired. Nag is very frugal in his description and biopsy of Modi's persona. It is more like a book on the evolution of RSS and BJP. Most of the details and accounts he has mentioned are openly available on the internet.
The book covers Modi in a sparse fashion. It gives very little detail of his childhood struggle. Further, it does not cover the Modi 4.0 i.e. Modi's transformation after becoming PM. However, his description of certain incidents helps the reader in capturing the personality of Modi.
Modi, as I understood from this book and from observation of his actions and speeches is a master player of "Chankya Niti". A hardcore Nationalist and hindutva ideologue who understands the political utility of the concept has evolved gradually in his thoughts and actions. He is very practical in his approach. He possesses focus, intent, and grand ambitions of making it big in his life. In some way, I find him as a "karma yogi" who plays the game by rules of Chanakya-Niti. He is hard working and extremely political person. As his party men describe him, Modi is constantly thinking about possible moves of his friends and opponents and thus always outsmart them by making right moves at the right time.
In the process, He does not refrain from hitting under the belt and using cheap tactics. For example, He called Shashi Tharoor's wife as 50 crore's wife. Similarly, he called the author and asked him if he is facing any threat because he is writing so much negative about Modi. Indirectly he was threatening him. His statement of "every action has some reaction" during Godhra also marks the political dark side of his personality.
His talks and actions are moderated by the political expediency of the situation. Modi's supporter justifies his action on the ground of pragmatism and shrewd politics.However, it also runs the risk of turning the country's institutions into monolithic undemocratic structures which run the risk of sudden collapse. But given the politically hostile neighborhood and grand developmental challenges which we face, maybe this is what India needs today. Moreover, Modi as RSS Pracharak was way different than Modi as Gujrat CM. Same looks like a case in Modi as PM. He has infused new energy, efficiency, and leadership in the administration. Time will tell when he will have to make hard choices which may put his vote bank in peril. Till then, I consider him as a good prime minister but probably not the best human being or the best prime minister.
The book covers Modi in a sparse fashion. It gives very little detail of his childhood struggle. Further, it does not cover the Modi 4.0 i.e. Modi's transformation after becoming PM. However, his description of certain incidents helps the reader in capturing the personality of Modi.
Modi, as I understood from this book and from observation of his actions and speeches is a master player of "Chankya Niti". A hardcore Nationalist and hindutva ideologue who understands the political utility of the concept has evolved gradually in his thoughts and actions. He is very practical in his approach. He possesses focus, intent, and grand ambitions of making it big in his life. In some way, I find him as a "karma yogi" who plays the game by rules of Chanakya-Niti. He is hard working and extremely political person. As his party men describe him, Modi is constantly thinking about possible moves of his friends and opponents and thus always outsmart them by making right moves at the right time.
In the process, He does not refrain from hitting under the belt and using cheap tactics. For example, He called Shashi Tharoor's wife as 50 crore's wife. Similarly, he called the author and asked him if he is facing any threat because he is writing so much negative about Modi. Indirectly he was threatening him. His statement of "every action has some reaction" during Godhra also marks the political dark side of his personality.
His talks and actions are moderated by the political expediency of the situation. Modi's supporter justifies his action on the ground of pragmatism and shrewd politics.However, it also runs the risk of turning the country's institutions into monolithic undemocratic structures which run the risk of sudden collapse. But given the politically hostile neighborhood and grand developmental challenges which we face, maybe this is what India needs today. Moreover, Modi as RSS Pracharak was way different than Modi as Gujrat CM. Same looks like a case in Modi as PM. He has infused new energy, efficiency, and leadership in the administration. Time will tell when he will have to make hard choices which may put his vote bank in peril. Till then, I consider him as a good prime minister but probably not the best human being or the best prime minister.
Nice review...
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