Will Narendra Modi Retire from Politics?
The question of whether Narendra Modi will retire from politics after a potential defeat in the 2019 elections has been met with strong beliefs on both sides. Clearly, the narrative has been dominated by pro-BJP supporters, while critics remain highly critical of his leadership.
Modi's Leadership and Autocracy
Many argue that the matter of Modi stepping down is far from the truth. Unlike figures like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who was ultimately sacrificed by those who brought them to power, Modi has shown no inclination to leave the position he so fiercely fought for. In fact, his hunger for power and autocratic tendencies have been evident throughout his tenure. He has consistently taken full credit for all achievements, allowing no room for his colleagues and specifically praising himself publicly.
The 2019 Election Fund Controversy
Even before the 2019 elections, Modi faced criticism for the HUB Power Company's election fund contributions to the BJP. This raised questions about the legitimacy of his financial backing for his party and forced him to acknowledge such contributions after significant pressure. This early exposure of potential conflicts of interest sets a worrying precedent for future elections.
BJP's Political Tactics and Corruption
The discourse around Modi's leadership extends beyond personal integrity concerns. Critics argue that the BJP has been plagued by allegations of corruption and authoritarianism. The TMC Mamata Benerjee's alleged corruption, the Shinde case, and the ongoing arrest of Hemanta Soren, a leader aligned with the JMM, have been used to illustrate the BJP's prioritization of personal vendettas over political stability or justice.
The BJP has been accused of selective law enforcement, targeting opposition figures while shielding its own members who face legal issues. From Lutyens' to bust cases like Vijaya Mallya, several corruption cases have been handled in ways that are perceived as biased towards the BJP's interests.
Fear and Political Tactics
The fear of political repercussions has led to the BJP taking extreme measures against political opponents. For instance, despite multiple cases against leaders of the AAP, most of them have been granted bail after being involved in legal disputes. Similarly, leading figures of the BJP like Z crypto 5000 crore scam in the Rajya Sabha have kept ongoing pending. These tactics have been used to discredit and undermine opposition parties, further cementing the BJP's control over the political landscape.
Implications for Future Elections
The current political climate suggests that the BJP will continue to dominate upcoming elections, with Modi at the helm. However, the constraints of political reality may leave the BJP short of its projected 400 MP seats. Additionally, recent resignations of election officials due to personal problems and the indecisiveness of Modi's alliance partners like the YCP indicate internal fragmentation within the BJP's coalition.
Even amidst these challenges, Modi's unrelenting focus on maintaining power through any means necessary leaves little doubt about his intentions. Whether this will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but it is clear that the BJP's methods and leadership style have changed the political game dramatically.
In conclusion, while the question of Modi's retirement is contentious, his strong will to remain in power and the BJP's unwavering dedication to control further the political narrative. The coming elections will be an important test of both their ambitions and their chances of success.