Signals from 100-day achievements

Differences between 100-day celebrations in 2019 and 2024 point to a changed focus in governance

- A K BHA'ITACHARYA

Last week, the Modi government celebrated its achievements during the first 100 days since its formation on June 9. How different were they from similar celebrations held five years ago after it was sworn in for a second consecutive term on May 30, 2019? Essentially, these celebrations led to a listing of major achievements in the first 100 days. Comparing them, therefore, will tell you how the nature of policymaking and the focus of governance in the early days have changed between what is commonly referred to as Modi 2.0 and Modi 3.0.

On top of the list of achievements publicised by the Modi government in 2019 was its decision on August 5 to declare Article 370 of the Constitution inoperative, extending the application of all Indian laws to Jammu & Kashmir and, thereby, ending the special status the state was enjoying. Converting the state into two Union Territories was another decision taken on August 6. This marked the fulfilment of a major political promise the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had made before the general elections.

By the end of July 2019, the Modi government secured Parliament's approval to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, popularly known as the triple talaq Bill, which made oral divorce in one sitting illegal and a criminal offence. The Supreme Court had earlier declared such a procedure for divorce legally invalid. The Modi government's decision to frame this law was opposed by many, but this was one of the promises of the BJP and its government fulfilled that within the first 100 days in office in its second term.