Modi's Misguided Claims and Gandhi's Enduring Legacy

Fr. Gaurav Nair Fr. Gaurav Nair
03 Jun 2024

Modi's outlandish assertions have been making headlines and eliciting waves of disbelief for some time now. His most recent claim was that MK Gandhi was an obscure figure until the 1982 Richard Attenborough biographical masterpiece. It's truly staggering that a student of 'Entire Political Science' could be oblivious to Gandhi's global influence. It's also worth noting that he's now expressing support for Gandhi, a stark contrast to his party ancestor, Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Gandhi. Some may argue that there's a method to his madness. But could it be that madness is the method instead?

It is well-known that Gandhi inspired many leading figures. Martin Luther, Nelson Mandela, and Albert Einstein, among others, acknowledged the greatness of his non-violent philosophy. There is ample proof of this in historical archives and conspicuous statues bearing his characteristic features peppered worldwide, originating long before his namesake movie. Since the 2024 elections began, Modi and his chums have been making ridiculous remarks. These seem more akin to gimmicks to keep the opposition preoccupied with refuting his words rather than doing anything productive.

At this point, expecting anything logical or substantial from the PM's mouth is insensible. As if in tandem with him, most media outlets and efforts are focused on supporting or digging up proof to rebut his theory as if doing so is worthwhile. As the final phase of the elections ends and the results are declared on June 4, it will become clear how far these antics have helped the BJP.

Many experts speculate that Modi will secure a third term, although it may not be as triumphant as he hopes. Whether his dream of 400 paar ever materializes remains to be seen. However, the opposition has a challenging task ahead. Based on a thorough examination of governance, or rather the lack thereof, citizens can hardly expect 'Guarantees' to be fulfilled. To stay relevant, Rahul and Co. must confront the government, its actions, and policies, rather than simply responding to the BJP's attempts to boost their ratings. If they come to power, they must then rectify all the injustices that have been inflicted upon the nation and its people.

Inadvertently, Modiji may have just reminded us of the tactics that need to be employed. The persistent use of non-violent protest by Gandhi needs to be resurrected if we are to liberate our country from its current state. The British may have departed long ago, and India may have made significant strides (the facts may be contrarian for Modi bhakts); we have yet to overcome our past, narrow-mindedness and gullibility in the name of religion and caste. Let us once again recall and revive the profound legacy that Gandhiji left behind.

Recent Posts

India's oldest mountain range is facing its most modern threat. As mining expands and legal definitions narrow, the Aravallis' role as a climate shield, water source, and wildlife corridor is being qu
apicture Joseph Jerald SJ
05 Jan 2026
India was built by defying religious orthodoxy, not sanctifying it. Science, education and equality advanced when prejudice was challenged—and regressed whenever cultural nationalism revives the fears
apicture A. J. Philip
05 Jan 2026
The end of a year offers individuals, institutions, nations, and the global community an opportunity for introspection and learning from the experiences of the past twelve months. Life is a blend of s
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
05 Jan 2026
The 2025 Zilla Panchayat elections exposed how local self-governance in Goa has been overtaken by high-stakes party politics. BJP's all-out mobilisation contrasted sharply with the fragmented Oppositi
apicture Pachu Menon
05 Jan 2026
In recent years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly reached out to India's Christian community. On several occasions, especially around Christmas, he has visited churches, hosted gatherings w
apicture Bishop Savio Fernandes
05 Jan 2026
Christmas violence against Christians is diagnostic. It is a stress test of India's constitutional guarantees. Vigilantes policing public celebration with impunity is an attack on civic space.
apicture Oliver D'Souza
05 Jan 2026
Give work to all the hands Give wages to all the families
apicture Prakash Louis
05 Jan 2026
I was born like anyone else. Yet I was never treated like anyone else. The name Pariah was given to me. And its meaning was carved into my skin.
apicture Dr Suryaraju Mattimalla
05 Jan 2026
While Xi Jinping was at Mahabalipuram admiring Indian art and listening to Modi's 'political wisdom,' the People's Liberation Army was pushing the Chinese frontier in the Galwan Valley. The Chinese sp
apicture Archbp Thomas Menamparampil
05 Jan 2026
The oath is complete. Applause follows. And as the fake fog of falsehood settles over the nation once again, truth is the victim, as it has been the last ten years...
apicture Robert Clements
05 Jan 2026