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February 24, 2023 | 09:25 IST
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“It is up to the custodians of the leading economies and monetary systems of the world to bring back stability, confidence and growth to the global economy”
“Focus your discussions on the most vulnerable citizens of the world”
“Global economic leadership can win back the confidence of the world only by creating an inclusive agenda”
“The theme of our G20 Presidency promotes an inclusive vision - One Earth, One Family, One Future”
“India has created a highly secure, highly trusted, and highly efficient public digital infrastructure in its digital payments ecosystem”
“Our digital payments ecosystem has been developed as a free public good”
“Examples like UPI can be templates for many other countries too”
Excellencies,
I warmly welcome the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to India. Your meeting marks the first Minister-level dialogue under India's G20 Presidency. Even as I convey my best wishes to you for a productive meeting, I am aware of the challenges you face. You represent the leadership of global finance and economy at a time when the world is facing serious economic difficulties. The COVID pandemic has delivered a once-in-a-Century blow to the global economy. Many countries, especially developing economies, are still coping with its after-effects. We are also witnessing rising geo-political tensions in different parts of the world. There are disruptions in global supply chains. Many societies are suffering due to rising prices. And, food and energy security have become major concerns across the world. Even the financial viability of many countries is threatened by unsustainable debt levels. Trust in international financial institutions has eroded. This is partly because they have been slow to reform themselves. It is now up to you - the custodians of the leading economies and monetary systems of the world to bring back stability, confidence and growth to the global economy. It is not an easy task.
However, I hope that you will draw inspiration from the vibrancy of the Indian economy. Indian consumers and producers are optimistic and confident about the future. We hope that you will be able to transmit the same positive spirit to the global economy. I would urge that your discussions should focus on the most vulnerable citizens of the world. Only by creating an inclusive agenda will the global economic leadership win back the confidence of the world. The theme of our G20 Presidency also promotes this inclusive vision 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'.
Excellencies,
Even as the world population has crossed 8 billion, progress on Sustainable Development Goals seems to be slowing down. We need to collectively work to strengthen Multilateral Development Banks for meeting global challenges like climate change and high debt levels.
Excellencies,
In the world of finance, technology is increasingly dominant. During the pandemic, digital payments enabled contactless and seamless transactions. However, some recent innovations in digital finance also pose risks of destabilization and misuse. I hope that you will explore how the power of technology can be used for good, while developing standards to regulate its possible risks. India's own experience can be a model. Over the past few years, we have created a highly secure, highly trusted, and highly efficient public digital infrastructure. Our digital payments eco-system has been developed as a free public good. This has radically transformed governance, financial inclusion, and ease-of-living in India. As you are meeting in Bengaluru, the technology capital of India, you will have first-hand experience of how Indian consumers have embraced digital payments. In fact, during our G20 Presidency, we have created a new system. This allows our G20 guests to use India's path-breaking digital payments platform, UPI. As you make use of it and experience its ease of use, you will understand why Indian consumers have adopted it so willingly. Examples like UPI can be templates for many other countries too. We would be happy
to share our experience with the world. And, the G20 can be a vehicle for this.
Excellencies,
I once again thank you all for your participation in this important meeting, and wish you all the best for very productive and successful discussions.
2024 - Vikas Ki Vijay: Decoding the Modi Era of BJP’s Electoral Dominance
December 31, 2024
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The 2024 elections cemented the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s place in the annals of Indian political history. With 240 seats for BJP and 49 from its allies, Modi’s third consecutive term is not just a mandate but a movement exemplified; a movement for development, a movement for India’s rise. While this triumph stands as a testament to the BJP’s governance model and the enduring connection PM Modi has forged with the masses, it is the remarkable success of the BJP and NDA (National Democratic Alliance) in Assembly elections of various states that have demolished Congress’s attempts to undermine PM Modi’s influence post-2024.
The Inflection Point: Modi’s Ascendancy in 2014
The 2014 general elections marked the BJP’s shift from opposition to dominance. Shri Modi’s leadership turned the BJP into into a cohesive and relentlessly innovative political powerhouse. His mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas gave voters a vision of inclusive growth. In fact, for the first time in the history of the Indian republic that a leader not only led his party to victory three consecutive times, but did so while increasing the votes polled in every election. From more than 17 crore votes in 2014, the party surged to nearly 23 crore in 2019, and a historic 23.5 crore in 2024.
When compared with Congress under Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress’ votes dropped by over 60 lakh votes after his consecutive election. This growth underscores the impact of a leader who has not just inspired but galvanized the nation.
From the heart of rural India to the bustling urban centres, PM Modi’s vision for building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, when India celebrates the centenary of its Independence from the British, has resonated universally. In six states and UTs, the BJP managed to win all seats, and in Odisha, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, the BJP missed the 100% mark by just one seat.
The Congress would be well suited to recollect that the total seats it managed to win in 2014, 2019 and 2024 falls short of the BJP’s tally in 2024 alone – a mandate the Congress said, is synonymous with the ‘Grand-old’ Party’s resurgence.
Defying Anti-Incumbency: Breaking Records in Multiple States
In a country where anti-incumbency has traditionally dominated electoral narratives, the BJP under PM Modi has redefined the rules of engagement. The party’s ability to retain power in states like Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra exemplifies this shift.
In Haryana, the BJP’s journey from 4 seats in 2009 to an unprecedented 48 seats in 2024 demonstrates how a consistent focus on governance and development can overcome political fatigue. The party’s appeal extended across Jat-dominated regions and urban centers, increasing its vote share in every successive election.
Meanwhile, in Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP’s governance model achieved an emphatic third term with 46 out of 60 assembly seats. The vote share crossed 54%, a ringing endorsement of its people-centric policies. In Maharashtra, the Mahayuti Alliance’s triumph with 235 out of 288 seats is a testament to the BJP’s coalition strategy and its resonance with voters across the state. From urban strongholds to rural bastions, Modi’s leadership and the alliance’s cohesive vision captured the electorate’s trust.
Charting New Territories: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
PM Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in the NDA’s ability to breach strongholds of regional parties, as evidenced by the remarkable victories in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. In Odisha, the BJP not only ended the BJD’s 24-year reign but also formed a government for the first time, capturing 78 of the 147 assembly seats and 20 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats. This triumph was driven by grassroots mobilization and a focus on last-mile development, embodying Modi’s vision of inclusive progress.
Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, the BJP-led NDA alliance achieved a landslide victory, securing 164 out of 175 assembly seats. The coalition’s ability to address developmental concerns resonated with voters across the state. The election saw a surge in female voter turnout, a reflection of PM Modi’s efforts to empower women through policies like the Naari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Modi’s Magic: The Ultimate Differentiator
While the BJP’s organizational strength is a significant factor in its electoral success, it is PM Modi’s unparalleled connection with the electorate that remains the defining element. Modi’s image as a leader who delivers on promises has become synonymous with transformative governance. Programs like the PM Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Jal Jeevan Mission have not only improved lives but also created an enduring trust in Modi’s leadership.
The Naari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, ensuring 33% reservation for women in legislatures, highlights Modi’s commitment to gender equality. In 2024, women voters constituted nearly half the electorate, a fact reflected in the BJP’s robust performance across the nation. Additionally, states under BJP’s double-engine governance model—where central and state governments work in tandem—have witnessed exponential growth.
The Vision Ahead: Electoral Reforms for a Modern Democracy
Our electoral process is not merely a tool for choosing leaders but a celebration of collective decision-making that reflects the aspirations of over a billion people. To uphold the sanctity of this process, it is imperative to ensure elections are efficient, transparent, and inclusive, thus strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation.
The BJP, under PM Modi, is moving forward with a vision to strengthen the democratic process itself. The “One Nation, One Election” proposal represents a bold step towards synchronizing state and national elections, aiming to reduce costs, streamline governance, and minimize disruptions. With an estimated saving of Rs. 4.5 lakh crore, this initiative reflects the BJP’s commitment to optimizing resources and enhancing efficiency.
The Congress, which invariably cites discrepancies in the EVMs, conveniently forgets that it was under the BJP and NDA rule that VVPAT – a second layer of authentication – was fully integrated into the election process. These reforms signify a vision where electoral processes are not just a means to an end but a reflection of India’s vibrant democracy.
The Unwavering Connection with India
As Congress’s narratives of a diminishing impact of the Prime Minister’s influence collapse under the weight of BJP’s electoral achievements, it becomes evident that PM Modi’s leadership is unparalleled in Indian politics.
The BJP and NDA are now in government in as many as 16 States and UTs. Even when we consider the past one year alone, the NDA has managed to win in every region vis-à-vis Haryana in the North, Maharashtra in the West, Odisha in East, Andhra Pradesh in the South and Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in the Northeast.
From retaining strongholds to breaching new territories, the BJP’s rise under PM Modi is a story of transformation, trust, and triumph. His unwavering connection with the electorate and his ability to translate vision into action ensure that the BJP’s momentum remains unstoppable, term after term, year after year.
These elections therefore, are not just a testament to Shri Modi’s leadership but were, in all fairness, a celebration of India’s collective aspirations for a brighter, more prosperous future.
