Narendra Modi

Narendra Damodardas Modi is a prominent Indian politician.

He has served as the Prime Minister of India since 2014. Modi is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is also part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS is a right-wing Hindutva paramilitary volunteer organization. Modi is the longest-serving prime minister from a party other than the Indian National Congress. He currently represents the Varanasi constituency as a Member of Parliament.

Modi's early life began in Vadnagar, in what is now Gujarat.

He was born on 17 September 1950. He was the third of six children born to Damodardas and Hiraben Modi. As a child, he worked at his father's tea stall at the Vadnagar railway station. In 1967, he completed his higher secondary education. His teachers noted he was a gifted debater and enjoyed theatre. He often played large characters in plays, which shaped his later political image. At age eight, he joined the RSS and attended local training sessions called shakhas.

His journey into political leadership involved many stages of training. In 1971, he became a full-time pracharak, or campaigner, for the RSS. He later moved into the BJP in 1985. He rose through the party hierarchy to become general secretary in 1998. During the Emergency in 1975, he worked underground to oppose the government. He used disguises, such as a monk or a Sikh, to avoid arrest. He also helped create safe houses for political activists. In 1978 and 1983, he earned degrees in political science from Delhi University and Gujarat University.

In 2001, Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

He replaced Keshubhai Patel during a time of political difficulty. His administration faced intense scrutiny due to the 2002 Gujarat violence. Official records state that over 1,000 people died, mostly Muslims. Independent sources estimated the death toll at 2,000. A Special Investigation Team found no evidence to prosecute him in 2012. While he encouraged economic growth, critics noted failures in health and education indices.

Modi's national leadership began with a major victory in 2014.

The BJP won a parliamentary majority, the first since 1984. His government increased direct foreign investment. However, it also reduced spending on social-welfare, education, and healthcare. He launched a large sanitation campaign and the "Make in India" plan.

In 2016 and 2017, his policies on demonetization and the Goods and Services Tax caused controversy.

His second term included several significant and difficult events. In 2019, his administration launched an airstrike against a camp in Pakistan. His government also revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The Citizenship Amendment Act led to widespread protests. In 2020, the Delhi riots occurred, where Muslim communities were targeted. His administration also faced protests over three controversial farm laws. These laws were eventually repealed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization reported 4.7 million deaths in India.

The 2024 general election brought new political changes.

The BJP lost its majority in the lower house of Parliament. Modi now leads the National Democratic Alliance coalition. He also presided over the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict. This conflict ended with a ceasefire following a terrorist attack. Some observers note a trend of democratic backsliding under his leadership. This refers to the weakening of individual rights and democratic institutions. Despite this, Modi maintains consistently high approval ratings.