Journey of Chief Minister Narendra Modi
JOURNEY OF CHIEF MINISTER MODI
In 2001, journey of Narendra Modi as a chief minister of Gujrat started. Allegations on Keshubhai Patel’s administration of mishandling the Bhuj earthquake, corruption and poverty damaged the chief minister’s image and led him to quit. It was then, Modi’s name emerged as a candidate for Gujrat by-elections in 2001, where he was elected as the chief minister.
Modi had expressed misgivings about Keshubhai’s government in Gujrat. Now, BJP leaders were looking for a new candidate as a replacement to Keshbhai. At that time, Modi’s name emerged. L.K.Advani did not want to ostracise Patel. So, Modi was offered the Deputy Chief Minister’s position, as he had a lack of experience. Modi declined the offer saying he will either have the full responsibility of Gujrat or no responsibility at all.
Modi succeeded in assuring BJP leaders that he is the best suitable person for the position of Chief Minister of Gujrat. In 2001, he replaced Patel and took the oath on 7th October. He became the member of the Gujrat legislative assembly by winning the by-election to Rajkot-II constituency in 24th February 2002.
Source :- http://nasheman.in/gujarat-court-acquits-118-post-godhra-riot-accused/
After the Gujrat riot of 2002, he was heavily criticized all over the world. Politicians from other parts of India demanded his resignation. So, he gave his resignation but, it was not accepted. Instead, his cabinet resigned and the state assembly was dissolved.
In December 2002, Modi again succeeded to win the election from Maninagar. This time, his party won the two third seats. It is said he framed the criticism of his administration for the human rights violation as an attack on Gujarati pride, which was his strategy to win the 2002 elections. On 7th December 2002, he sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Gujrat for the second time.
Modi was held responsible for the defeat of BJP in the Lok Sabah election of 2004 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He was also banned to enter USA (United States of America), UK (United Kingdom) and EU (European Union). Later, UK and EU lifted their ban as Modi’s prominence was rising in India.
In 2007 Modi, was elected as the Chief Minister of Gujrat, again. His administration led to the decrease in corruption. He favored privatization and small government. He also established financial and technology parks in Gujrat in 2007. Gujrat became the largest producer of Genetically Modified Cotton in India during his tenure.
Gujrat’s agricultural production grew at an average rate of 9.6% from 2001 to 2007 due to the boom in cotton production and use of semi-arid land. From 2007-2010 its agricultural growth rate rose to 10.97%, highest in any state of India.
GDP of Gujrat during Modi’s tenure was 10% which is the highest. Gujrat topped the World Bank’s “Ease Of Doing Business” rankings, during his tenure. Special Economic Zones were created to attract foreign investment, but the labors laws were weakened.
Despite growing economically, Gujrat’s record for Human Development, education, health care and poverty relief was very low. Social inequality was rising because of his administration’s social policies.
Source:- http://www.aftfund.org/
In 2012 by-elections Modi again won from the constituency of Maninagar. BJP won 115 seats out of 182 and he was made Chief Minister again. After his victory in 2014 General Election, he had to resign from the seat of MLA of Maninagar and from the position of Chief Minister.
