A Decade of Progress or Cronyism? Unpacking the Glorious Achievements of the Modi Government

 

A Decade of Progress or Cronyism? Unpacking the Glorious Achievements of the Modi Government

Once again, I find myself compelled to write this blog—not because I wish to sound harsh or critical, but because the truth must be laid bare. Some readers argue that I’ve ignored the "achievements" of the current Indian government. Well, I’ve decided to dig deeper, present some facts, and provide you with a more informed perspective.

Facts may not tell the entire story, but they offer us glimpses into the broader picture. Understanding these developments is not just an intellectual exercise; it’s a safeguard for our future. After all, history has shown us how unchecked governance can lead to financial catastrophe—think of Argentina’s currency collapse post the Falkland War. As citizens, it is our responsibility to stay vigilant and critically analyze the actions of those in power.

Now, let’s take a closer, albeit sarcastically professional, look at the “progress” India has witnessed in the past decade under the Modi government. Spoiler alert: the benefits seem heavily skewed toward a select few.

Paved with Gold (and Debt): The Road to Development

When Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, India had 91,287 kilometers of roads. By 2023, this figure ballooned to 141,285 kilometers—a nearly 60% increase! A commendable achievement on paper. But the devil, as always, is in the details.

Many of these new roads are toll roads, ensuring that Indian citizens now contribute regularly to the coffers of the very corporations that built them. And who are these corporations? None other than Adani-owned companies. They operate under different names across states, but make no mistake—there’s only one beneficiary.

India spent a jaw-dropping ₹80 trillion (roughly $1 trillion) on roads and bridges over the past decade, and a significant chunk of this went directly to Adani’s empire. But here’s the kicker: this development didn’t come from thin air. It came at the expense of India’s financial stability.

India’s national debt exploded from ₹55 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹220 lakh crore in 2023—a staggering increase of ₹175 lakh crore in just 10 years. That’s a fourfold surge in debt, one that every Indian citizen now carries. So, while you enjoy that smooth toll road, remember you’re also footing the bill for a billionaire’s dreams.

Flying High: Airports for All (or Some)

India went from having 74 airports in 2014 to a remarkable 220 in 2023. Another feather in the government’s cap, right? But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that many of these airports are now controlled by—you guessed it—Adani.

The government’s aggressive push to privatize airports ensured that this monopoly flourished. So, while the terminals sparkle and shine, it’s worth pondering whether the average citizen has traded financial security for corporate convenience.

Port of Call: Monopoly on Maritime Trade

The ports are no exception. Adani didn’t stop at roads and airports; the company also acquired key maritime hubs, including a port in Gujarat infamous for drug trafficking. Disturbingly, Adani not only owns the port but also oversees its security, effectively making it a gatekeeper to what enters or exits the country.

Opposition leaders raised alarms about a ₹22,000 crore drug trafficking racket operating from this port, but the blame was conveniently shifted to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Domestic accountability? Not under this administration.

When Dissent Becomes a Crime

The Indian government’s response to dissent has been nothing short of theatrical. When Rahul Gandhi dared to raise Adani’s name in Parliament, the Modi administration dug up an old defamation case and secured a quick conviction in Gujarat, sentencing him to two years in prison. The Supreme Court intervened to stay the sentence, but the message was clear: Question the government-Adani nexus at your peril.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, however, refused to back down. They raised concerns about crony capitalism in State Assemblies and Parliament, exposing shady dealings. The cost? Top AAP leaders were jailed in the now-infamous cooked-up liquor scam case.

Mr. Sanjay Singh’s slogan, “Modi Adani Bhai Bhai, Desh Bech Ke Khayo Malayi,” struck a nerve because it wasn’t mere rhetoric—it reflected insider knowledge of how the government’s policies were enriching a select few while the nation bore the burden. The AAP also highlighted a ₹16 lakh crore loan waiver for India’s ultra-rich. No investigation followed, thanks to a media that dutifully peddled government propaganda and shielded the regime from scrutiny.

A Bounty for Farmers? Think Again.

The three farm laws were marketed as a boon to farmers but were, in reality, a death sentence for small-scale agriculture. By opening up markets without safeguards, the laws nearly handed over the agricultural sector to corporate giants like Adani and Ambani, who had already established warehouses to hoard and control produce.

After months of protests, the laws were repealed, but the episode revealed the extent of corporate influence on government policy.

Privatizing Banks and Insurance: A New Frontier

The Modi government’s attempts to privatize LIC and SBI—India’s most trusted financial institutions—are a textbook example of reckless governance. LIC alone, worth ₹50,000 crore, became a juicy target for private hands. And with the debt-laden government borrowing heavily, the financial stability of these institutions was quietly put at risk.

The genius behind this strategy? Shift public savings into private hands, ensuring that when the next financial crisis hits, it’s the citizens—not the corporations—who bear the brunt.

Development at What Cost?

If these figures are to be believed, the last decade has been less about national progress and more about mortgaging the future. Roads, airports, ports, and financial institutions have all been handed over to corporate interests at the cost of soaring national debt. At ₹220 lakh crore, every Indian now carries a share of this burden—a sobering reminder of what we’ve sacrificed for “development.”

The Verdict

India deserves better. The citizens deserve a government that prioritizes public welfare over corporate profits, transparency over cronyism, and accountability over repression. As the saying goes, “Follow the money.” And in Modi’s India, all roads, ports, and airports lead to one place: Adani.

This is not just about lost opportunities; it’s about stolen futures. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember: the true power of a democracy lies in its people, not in its billionaires.