The old ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ came together… How did Modi change India’s politics more than Indira?

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed the politics of India to a great extent. Modi has changed the very nature of Indian politics within a few years. he/she has molded the old ‘left’ and ‘right’ ideologies of politics into a new form. It can be said that even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi could not change politics so much. Before the rise of Modi, it was easy to differentiate political parties on the basis of left and right ideologies. But, since the BJP has become strong, the meaning of the word ‘right wing’ has changed. Earlier the right wing ideology supported small government, free market and liberal economic policies, but now in the era of Modi, being right wing means only being pro-Hindu or anti-Muslim.

The same people paying tribute to Noorani and Yechury

In his/her article published in the news website The Print, senior journalist Vir Sanghvi says that in the 1980s, the famous lawyer and writer A.G. Noorani was known for his/her right-wing views and critical attitude towards the communists. Many people often disagreed with Noorani, but respected his/her dedication and commitment to his/her work. Similarly, Sitaram Yechury also had a period. Yechury was considered a staunch leftist leader, who raised his/her voice against Indira Gandhi and the policies of America from his/her early days. he/she emerged as a prominent leader of the CPM and was ready to cooperate with other parties to work for the poor. The point to note here is that Noorani and Yechury were people standing at two opposite poles of ideology. Yet, when both died, the people who paid tribute to them were the same.

Modi has changed the politics of India

The only reason for this is the rise of BJP and especially Narendra Modi. Under Modi ji’s leadership, BJP has changed the entire scenario of Indian politics. Earlier, it was easy to differentiate between ‘left’ and ‘right’ ideologies, but today BJP has changed the definition of ‘right-wing’. Earlier, the right-wing ideology supported small government, free enterprise and liberal economic policies. But the current government does not meet any of these criteria. This government supports policies like huge government machinery, dependence on welfare schemes and promoting a select few companies.

What is the meaning of right wing now?

Vir Sanghvi further says, being ‘right-wing’ in the Modi era means only supporting Hindu interests and being anti-Muslim. Everything else is secondary. Those who believe in pluralism oppose the BJP, while those who are in favour of a Hindu nation support the BJP. This is why today thinkers like Noorani and Yechury are seen as the same. They may have disagreed on all issues, but they both believed in a secular and diverse India.

Brought left wing and right wing ideologies together

This polarisation of politics will have long-term effects. It will be Modi’s greatest gift, which will last long after all his/her plans are over. Modi has changed the very nature of political debate. he/she has brought together the old left and right ideologies, which were once bitter rivals of each other. Now these two ideologies are fighting together against the India that Modi envisions. They may not agree on many issues, but they share a common vision of the shape of India.

This is perhaps Narendra Modi’s biggest and most lasting contribution. In a way, he/she has brought together the old ‘Left’ and ‘Right’. People who were once bitter opponents of each other are today joining hands to fight to protect the India he/she had envisioned.