Modi Discusses Election Strategies at Ramnath Goenka Lecture

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a significant address at the sixth Ramnath Goenka Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, emphasising the importance of emotional engagement in politics and India’s economic resilience amid global challenges.

High Aspirations of the People

During his speech, Prime Minister Modi reflected on the recent Bihar assembly elections, where the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, achieved a decisive victory. The NDA secured 202 out of 243 seats, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the largest party, winning 89 seats. Modi stated, "The results of the Bihar elections have once again taught a lesson on the high aspirations and ambitions of the people of India."

He elaborated on the necessity for political parties to be genuinely committed to fulfilling the aspirations of their constituents. Modi noted, "The people of India today trust those political parties who have good intentions and fulfil the aspirations of the people and prioritise development. One needs to be always in emotional mode to work for people, not election mode, to win elections."

Emphasising Development

The Prime Minister urged state governments to engage in healthy competition to attract investments and enhance economic growth. He suggested that organising competitions to improve the ease of doing business could be beneficial. Modi remarked, "We win elections because we are committed to development and welfare 24/7."

Modi also addressed the impact of global events on India's economy, highlighting that despite the European crisis disrupting supply chains and energy markets in 2022, India managed to sustain robust growth. He stated, "At a time when the world grapples with uncertainty and fears of disruption, India is charting a path toward a vibrant and promising future. India isn't just an emerging market, it's an emerging model, too."

India's Resilience

The Prime Minister noted that even amidst ongoing instability in regions like West Asia, India's growth rate remains approximately seven per cent. He remarked, "Our GDP is growing at nearly seven per cent despite global instabilities."

Modi further discussed the decline of Naxalism and Maoist terrorism in India, contrasting it with the political positioning of the Congress party. He stated, "Throughout the country, Naxalism and Maoist terrorism have been steadily declining. However, surprisingly, these forces seem to be gaining traction within the Congress party."

Conclusion

The address encapsulated Modi's vision of a politically engaged, emotionally connected leadership that prioritises development and economic growth. His reflections on the Bihar elections and India's economic resilience serve as a reminder of the evolving political landscape in India and the expectations of its citizens.

The Ramnath Goenka Memorial Lecture is named after Ramnath Goenka, a prominent Indian journalist and newspaper publisher, whose legacy continues to inspire discussions on media, politics, and society in India.