Representational (AI generated).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the longest-serving head of an elected government in India, surpassing Pawan Kumar Chamling in cumulative tenure. While the milestone underscores his enduring political dominance, it has also revived scrutiny of a career long marked by controversy, polarisation, and competing narratives about governance and accountability.
A central point of criticism remains Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister during the 2002 Gujarat riots, in which more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed. Critics have consistently alleged state complicity or failure to act decisively to prevent the violence. Although multiple investigations and court-monitored probes have not established personal criminal culpability, the episode continues to shape both domestic and international perceptions of his leadership.
Beyond this, opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, and sections of analysts have raised concerns about alleged proximity between the government and major industrialists such as Gautam Adani and the Ambani brothers. These criticisms have intensified following the 2023 report by Hindenburg Research, which scrutinised the Adani Group and triggered international attention. Opponents have framed these developments as indicative of a broader pattern of corporate influence in policymaking, often described as a “Modi–Adani nexus.”
Further allegations have emerged linking Modi to geopolitical pressures, particularly from the United States. Critics have pointed to an ongoing US legal case involving Adani and references found in materials connected to Jeffrey Epstein, released by the US Department of Justice. These disclosures, though contested and not independently verified in political contexts, have been used by opposition figures to argue that the government faces external pressure influencing policy decisions.
Trade relations have also drawn criticism, particularly a controversial agreement with former US President Donald Trump. Opponents have described the deal as one-sided, alleging concessions across sectors such as agriculture, tariffs, data security, textiles, and energy imports, including Russian oil. These claims have been incorporated into a broader critique of economic diplomacy under Modi’s leadership.
Domestically, critics have questioned the Prime Minister’s engagement with the media, pointing to the absence of a formal press conference throughout his tenure, which has now extended to 8,931 days. This has been framed as a lack of transparency and accountability in direct public communication. Additionally, questions have been raised regarding his academic credentials, with discrepancies in documentation cited by critics, although Modi has consistently maintained that he holds degrees from the University of Delhi and Gujarat University.
Several major policy decisions have also attracted sustained criticism. The 2016 demonetisation drive, which invalidated ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes—amounting to roughly 86% of cash in circulation—was intended to curb black money and counterfeit currency. However, critics argue that it caused widespread economic disruption, particularly affecting the informal sector through cash shortages, job losses, and a slowdown in economic activity.
The Citizenship Amendment Act triggered nationwide protests, with opponents arguing that it introduced religious criteria into citizenship provisions and undermined India’s secular framework. Concerns were further amplified by discussions around a proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). Similarly, three agricultural reform laws aimed at liberalising markets led to prolonged protests, especially from farmers in Punjab and Haryana, who feared the erosion of minimum support price protections and increased corporate control. The government eventually repealed these laws in 2021, citing responsiveness to farmers’ concerns.
The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the devastating second wave in 2021, also drew sharp criticism. Opponents accused the government of complacency and inadequate preparedness as the country faced acute shortages of medical oxygen, hospital beds, and essential healthcare resources.
Concerns about democratic institutions have been another recurring theme. Reports by organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Freedom House have pointed to issues including declining press freedom, alleged misuse of investigative agencies, and challenges to minority rights. India’s press freedom ranking has dropped significantly during Modi’s tenure, remaining in what observers describe as a “very serious” category despite minor recent improvements.
Opposition parties have also raised questions about electoral integrity, particularly in 2025, citing concerns over voter roll revisions, transparency in the Election Commission of India, and alleged manipulation of processes—claims the government has rejected. These concerns have been framed by critics as potential threats to free and fair elections.
Human rights groups and advocacy organisations have reported an increase in incidents targeting minority communities, including Christians and Muslims. Monitoring bodies such as the United Christian Forum and Evangelical Fellowship of India have documented cases of violence, harassment, and disruptions of religious practices. Critics argue that these patterns reflect rising communal tensions, sometimes linked to issues such as anti-conversion laws and cow protection vigilantism.
Specific instances of violence, including the 2020 Delhi riots and ongoing unrest in Manipur, have drawn scrutiny over the government’s response. Opposition leaders and international observers have cited delays in intervention and insufficient public messaging, alongside broader concerns about accountability and law enforcement.
Despite these controversies, the government and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance maintain that Modi’s tenure represents a period of transformative governance. They highlight economic growth that has positioned India as one of the world’s largest economies, alongside expanded welfare programmes such as Ayushman Bharat and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Infrastructure development, digital expansion, and reforms, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and labour codes, are presented as evidence of a shift toward performance-driven governance and the pursuit of a “Viksit Bharat” vision.
As Modi’s tenure reaches this historic milestone, it continues to be defined by a sharp divide between critics and supporters—one emphasising allegations of institutional erosion and social division, and the other projecting a narrative of development, stability, and global ambition.
Based on Maktoob Media story titled "From Gujarat genocide to Epstein files: Modi becomes longest-serving elected head of government in India"