Critics remind PM Modi’s follies to slam his ‘sent by god’ claim

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s self-deification has triggered a political debate, with politicians from various parties raising objections and pointing out several of his follies, including demonetisation, GST, fuel price increases, claiming to use a digital camera when there was none, and his cloud theory for escaping radar, questioning if these were divinely revealed.

PM Modi sparked a political firestorm with his remarks suggesting he was "sent by god," attributing his energy and strength to divine intervention rather than biological origins, a statement made during an interview with News 18 that has drawn sharp reactions from opposition leaders and stirred a significant debate across the country.

In his interview, Modi reflected on his life experiences, particularly after the death of his mother, which he said led him to believe that his capabilities and inspiration were divinely endowed. He described himself as an instrument sent by god, suggesting his strength and purity of heart were gifts from a higher power, intended to enable him to fulfil his duties as Prime Minister.

The comments were met with strong criticism from various political figures. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Modi during an election rally. Gandhi accused Modi of seeking praise and deification at a time when the country faced severe challenges, particularly referencing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gandhi criticized Modi’s earlier calls for symbolic gestures like lighting lamps and clapping to show solidarity during the pandemic, contrasting these actions with the dire situation faced by many Indians, who were struggling to access medical care and losing loved ones.

Gandhi further ridiculed Modi's divine self-assessment by suggesting that if anyone else made such claims, they would be dismissed or asked to keep such beliefs private. He used this opportunity to highlight what he sees as a disconnect between the Prime Minister and the realities faced by the common people, portraying Modi’s statements as self-aggrandizing.

The controversy did not end there. Leaders from other political parties also joined the fray. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader A Raja invoked the rationalist philosophy of Periyar, a prominent social activist from Tamil Nadu, to criticize Modi’s remarks. Raja suggested that Modi’s statements reinforce Periyar’s long-held views against the existence of god and the folly of propagating religious myths.

Adding to the chorus of criticism, Mahua Moitra of the Trinamool Congress mocked Modi’s self-perception as divine. She suggested that if the BJP truly believed in Modi’s divinity, they should start consecrating his idols in temples instead of those of traditional deities like Lord Ram. Moitra’s comments were laced with sarcasm, highlighting what she sees as the absurdity of Modi’s self-proclaimed divine mission.

This is not the first time Modi has made statements suggesting a divine purpose. In his inaugural speech at the new Parliament building in September 2023, he stated that god had chosen him to implement the Women’s Reservation Bill, a legislative effort that had seen numerous failed attempts in the past. Modi claimed that his role was to fulfil this long-standing goal, reinforcing the notion that his political journey has a higher purpose.