Back to 'political' economy
Business Standard|June 17, 2024
Exactly 30 years ago, writing in this space, I argued there were two companies in Reliance Industries.
DEBASHIS BASU
Back to 'political' economy

One set up manufacturing plants and sold products while the other was focused on raising capital and managing it well through its treasury. They were in a symbiotic relationship. Similarly, there are two Narendra Modis: One administers the country from a vastly expanded Prime Minister's Office while the other is on a perpetual political campaign to win votes by maintaining a larger-than-life image in numerous ways. For 10 years this strategy worked well. Modi the politician won most of the elections using a recipe of Hindutva, nationalism, and welfarism, supported by welloiled party machinery.

On the other hand, under Prime Minister Modi, interest rates were moderate, the fiscal deficit was within control, indirect taxes and levies were raised sharply, and higher revenues were deployed to roll out massive infrastructure projects. The stock markets cheered and part of the urban elite were in raptures, buying into every idea and utterance of Mr Modi, no matter how many times he shifted the goalpost or replaced old slogans with new ones. They were confident that he was on his way to a historic landslide in the general elections of 2024.

This story is from the June 17, 2024 edition of Business Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 17, 2024 edition of Business Standard.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS STANDARDView All
In the shadow of the mighty Annapurna
Business Standard

In the shadow of the mighty Annapurna

The unusual charm of trekking to Mardi Himal in the rainy season

time-read
4 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Business Standard

Govt to organise Global IndiaAl Summit on July 3-4

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will organise a global AI summit on July 3-4 to discuss issues related to artificial intelligence with India firmly committed to ethical and inclusive growth of this new-age technology.

time-read
1 min  |
July 02, 2024
ON THE BOIL
Business Standard

ON THE BOIL

Why are milk prices rising when the supply is healthy?

time-read
4 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Asset monetisation helped RIL create value: Morgan Stanley
Business Standard

Asset monetisation helped RIL create value: Morgan Stanley

Asset monetisation cycles have created 2-3x value for the shareholders of Reliance Industries in the last three decades, with each decade witnessing $60 billion in market cap creation, according to a report by the US-based financial services firm Morgan Stanley.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Weak steel prices rob metal sector's sheen
Business Standard

Weak steel prices rob metal sector's sheen

Slowdown in mining activity due to monsoon season will continue to remain a challenge in near-term, say analysts

time-read
2 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Business Standard

MF Lite norms proposed for passive AMCs

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Monday proposed to introduce a lighter version of mutual fund (MF) regulations for 'passive only' fund houses.

time-read
1 min  |
July 02, 2024
Business Standard

Clear skies ahead: Strong long-term gains for IndiGo

Long-term macro trends indicate growth in demand for air travel.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Regulator directs exchanges, other MIIs to levy same fees
Business Standard

Regulator directs exchanges, other MIIs to levy same fees

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Monday directed stock exchanges and other market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) to discontinue with the practice of levying slab-wise fee structures.

time-read
1 min  |
July 02, 2024
Business Standard

Niva Bupa files draft papers for ₹3,000 cr IPO

Niva Bupa Health Insurance has filed a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to raise ₹3,000 crore via initial public offering (IPO).

time-read
1 min  |
July 02, 2024
Business Standard

Mkts start July on strong note, log new highs

Indian equities extended their winning run during the first session of July by logging new highs on Monday, supported by gains in banking and technology stocks.

time-read
1 min  |
July 02, 2024