Narendra Modi’s Promises and the Reality of His Administration’s Policies
Since 2014, when Narendra Modi took office as the Prime Minister of India, he has been hailed for his ambitious promises to the citizens. However, the question remains: how many of his bold and seemingly utopian pledges have been fulfilled? This article delves into the failed promises that Modi kept since his election, focusing on the claims regarding bank accounts, employment, and the return of black money.
Failed Promises Regarding Bank Accounts
Among the most notable and perhaps the most criticized of all his promises was the claim that every individual of India would get Rs. 15 lakhs (approximately $21,000) in their bank accounts. This promise was initially made in 2014 during his election campaign, promising to tackle corruption and bring back black money from people and Swiss banks. The speech is alleged to have been highly influential and a cornerstone of his campaign.
However, it has been widely recognized that this promise was not only unrealistic but also a form of authoritarian cheating. The claim that black money from foreign banks are equal to Rs. 15 lakhs was made without specifying that such money would be returned to individual accounts. Many argue that this false promise was part of a broader strategy to capitalize on the fears and aspirations of the Indian populace to win the election.
The Reality Post-Monetization
The period after demonetization (Nov 2016) and subsequent financial policies brought significant challenges. The declaration that black money would be repatriated within 100 days, coupled with the promise of Rs. 15 lakhs in bank accounts, did not materialize. In reality, these policies had a disruptive impact on the economy, leading to cash crunches and unemployment. Businesses faced severe difficulties due to poor implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which was meant to simplify and streamline India’s tax structure.
Employment and Economic Policies
Another significant promise was the creation of 2 crores (20 million) jobs annually. Despite these claims, the job scenario in India is far from what was promised. The demonetization and subsequent economic reforms have hit the job market hard, and unemployment rates continue to rise, particularly among the youth.
Modi’s Legacy and the Future
The reality is that a substantial portion of Modi’s promises has not been met. Instead, his administration has increasingly relied on tried-and-true measures—a copy-paste approach reminiscent of the Congress Party, such as the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).
It is also important to note that his efforts to bring back black money have been met with limited success, and the problem of corruption and scams remains persistent. Additionally, while there have been efforts to build the Ram Mandir, it is more a political statement than a concrete achievement that addresses broader governance issues.
As we reflect on the past five years, it becomes clear that the gap between promises and reality is significant. Whether it is about bank accounts, employment, or the return of black money, the Modi administration has faced numerous challenges. These challenges are not just about promises unfulfilled; they are also indicative of a deeper struggle to balance development goals with the realities of governance and economic policies.