A few weeks ago, I had written on the unstoppable Modi juggernaut and the impotent resistance from the opposition in the form of an INDIA bloc that was splitting at the seams even before it got a chance to demonstrate its ability to fight. I underscored Modi's supreme confidence in his ability to win the battle by himself, with the BJP and the NDA merely applauding from the sidelines.
PM Modi exuded confidence in responding to the motion of thanks for the president's address in the previous session of parliament. Not only would the BJP and the NDA cross past majorities, but the former would win 370 seats out of an NDA tally of 400, he claimed. I felt that the miscalculations of the Congress and their inability to bring together the INDIA bloc could well presage a long period of uninterrupted BJP rule, the break-up of the Congress and the emergence of a Congress-mukt Bharat, the final destination the BJP wishes to reach.
I now have to eat my words. So does Prime Minister Modi, who suddenly finds himself with not even a majority for his party. To form a government, he needed the support of two seasoned warriors with long experience of political fights sometimes winning, sometimes losing knowing full well that nothing is static in politics and that today's enemies can become tomorrow's friends. As chief minister and as PM, Modi has never faced a strong opposition. He was convinced that 'Modi ki guarantee' alone would win the election.
He was so self-assured that he asked his officers to prepare a 100-day plan well before the election, so that he could hit the deck running. The expectation was that Modi 3.0 would be a seamless continuation of Modi 2.0, with the PM in a stronger position than ever before. The campaign became a glorification crusade.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Peter Dinklage joins Roofman
THE cast of the upcoming film Roofman is getting bigger with the addition of Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage.
Tom Holland to star in Christopher Nolan's next?
PREVIOUSLY, we reported that Christopher Nolan has set his next film at Universal Studios, with Matt Damon cast in a prominent role.
Beyond the Boundary
LIFE doesn't always give you second chances, but when you get one, you ought to make the best Tamil appearance, Swaswika has now made a smashing comeback with the sports drama Lubber Pandhu, in which her performance has garnered unanimous appreciation.
Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone join cast of In Memoriam
EARLIER, we reported that actor-stand up comedian Marc Maron is starring in a film titled In Memoriam, an independent comedy from writer-director Rob Burnett. The latest development about the project is that Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone are all set to join the cast.
Culinary heritage preserved in GI tags
TAMIL Nadu is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its food history too. The state is a foodie's dream destination with each region giving a unique gastronomic experience. This vibrant food scene includes festival delicacies, temple prasadams, street food, and snacks made from the finest local and seasonal ingredients making each dish a culinary masterpiece.
Sips of success
FROM the vibrant petals of floral arrangements to the rich aroma of spiced chai, Navanethan Ponniah's entrepreneurial journey is an example of adaptability and innovation. His transition from the floral business to creating chai-making machines showcases creativity. What began with crafting beautiful bouquets for South Asian weddings evolved into a quest to bring the comforting taste of chai to the Canadian market.
M-powering
Transitioning from a drab healthy alternative to a trending everyday superfood, millets have emerged as a popular choice of grain
Impressions of Chettinad mores
EVERY corner of The Folly, Amethyst was loaded with aesthetics on Monday as we entered the venue lured by the aroma of filter coffee served in a davara set five-foot wooden cupboards with glass doors, brass utensils, lantern-shaped chandeliers, wooden cradles, and rows of fashionable attires inspired by the heritage of Chettinad. The outfits are part of 'Payanam', the latest collection by Anavila, a luxury womenswear brand.
THE BALANCE IS BROKEN!
In 'saving' Blue Water, and neglecting Green Water, humankind has put a dent in the laws of nature, as the water cycle, for the first time in recorded history, has gone off balance
Budgam village loses the healer in terror attack
WE have lost the healer and an honest man,\" said Abdul Gaffar, an elderly resident of Nadigam village of central Kashmir's Budgam district. Dr Shahnawaz was among seven persons killed on Sunday in the terror attack on a workers' camp at an under-construction site belonging to APCO Infratech company at Gagangir in central Kashmir's Ganderbal.
