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By:

Devendra Fadnavis

9 June 2026 at 5:42:34 pm

Trust, Development and India’s Rise

The story of India’s rise in the last decade has been marked by economic reform, infrastructure expansion and renewed national confidence When a public journey completes twelve years, it is often seen as a significant milestone marked by perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a larger goal. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes twelve years of leadership, this period must be assessed through the lens of sustained effort, transformative governance and...

Trust, Development and India’s Rise

The story of India’s rise in the last decade has been marked by economic reform, infrastructure expansion and renewed national confidence When a public journey completes twelve years, it is often seen as a significant milestone marked by perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a larger goal. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes twelve years of leadership, this period must be assessed through the lens of sustained effort, transformative governance and measurable outcomes. Viewed from this perspective, these years represent a remarkable era of service, commitment and good governance. Every enduring journey has two dimensions. When it is undertaken for the welfare of society, its benefits ultimately reach society itself and positively impact diverse sections of the population. The outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s efforts are visible in the unprecedented transformation witnessed in the lives of ordinary citizens. From 2014 to 2026, his twelve-year tenure has emerged as a defining phase in India's contemporary history. It has not merely been a period of political leadership, but a unique confluence of trust, development, good governance, cultural resurgence and public welfare. Global Leader Today marks another significant milestone. As an elected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has completed 4,399 consecutive days in office, surpassing the record set by Jawaharlal Nehru. Some may argue that comparisons between Nehru and Modi are inappropriate. However, when Nehru assumed office, there was a widespread perception that he had no political alternative. By contrast, when Modi became Prime Minister, Indian democracy had matured considerably. Citizens understood both the power and significance of their vote. They were aware of their aspirations and expectations, and recognised that governments exist to serve public welfare. It was under these circumstances that Modi assumed office in 2014. The electorate entrusted him with responsibilities that successive Congress governments had failed to fulfil over five decades. Accepting that challenge, he articulated the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which later evolved into “Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” After securing victories in 2014, 2019 and 2024, he today stands at the forefront of India’s emergence as a global leader. The mandate of 2024, following the decisive verdicts of 2014 and 2019, was not merely an electoral victory. It represented a renewed endorsement of development, good governance and stable leadership. Modi became the first leader since 1962 to serve a third consecutive term as Prime Minister. At a time when many democracies across the world are grappling with political instability, India chose continuity, stability and decisive governance. Over the past decade, the country has strengthened its position through economic reforms, social transformation, infrastructure development, national security and an assertive foreign policy. The more than twenty-four highest civilian honours conferred upon him by nations around the world reflect this growing global recognition. This has not been the journey of a single leader alone; it has been a collective national endeavour. As a result, India’s economy has expanded from approximately $2 trillion to $4.18 trillion, making it the world’s fourth-largest economy. Economic prosperity is indispensable for achieving social justice. Modi not only recognised this reality but also worked consistently to realise it. Initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat instilled confidence among Indians and enhanced global trust in Indian products. Today, demand for indigenous defence equipment has risen so sharply that projected production for the next decade may struggle to meet requirements. This reflects the true strength of a self-reliant India. Historic Achievements One of the government’s historic achievements has been the substantial reduction of Left-Wing Extremism across twelve affected states. Regions that remained untouched by development for decades are now witnessing tangible progress. Nearly 20 crore people had long lived under the shadow of fear and deprivation. Naxalism stalled development and adversely affected thousands of young lives. Today, the situation is changing. Industrial projects, including steel plants, are being established in areas such as Gadchiroli. Universities, medical colleges and major educational institutions are being set up. The voice of development is gradually replacing the sound of conflict. Over the last twelve years, India has witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure development. The national highway network has expanded from approximately 91,000 kilometres to nearly 1.46 lakh kilometres. Highways are being constructed at an average pace of 34 kilometres per day. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, millions of kilometres of rural roads have transformed the lives of farmers, students and rural communities. Railway electrification has accelerated significantly, while initiatives such as Vande Bharat Express and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme have redefined the image of Indian Railways. The country’s metro network has grown from 248 kilometres to more than 1,095 kilometres. The Modi government has placed the farmer at the centre of the development agenda. Through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, direct financial assistance has been extended to more than 11 crore farmers. Significantly, the first file cleared during the government’s third term pertained to farmer welfare, underscoring this priority. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, the “Per Drop More Crop” initiative has brought millions of hectares under micro-irrigation. Agricultural output has reached record levels, and India has emerged as the world’s largest producer of milk. Through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, free food grains have been provided to 81 crore citizens. More than four crore families have received permanent homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Ujjwala scheme has enabled over eleven crore women to access LPG connections. Under Ayushman Bharat, millions of citizens have benefited from free health insurance coverage. The Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured access to clean drinking water for more than sixteen crore households. Women’s empowerment has occupied a central place in government policy. Women account for a significant share of Jan Dhan account holders. The Lakhpati Didi initiative has helped millions of women achieve greater economic independence. Programmes such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, maternity benefits, the strengthening of self-help groups and the growing participation of women in the armed forces have advanced the vision of women-led development. Digital Transformation India has also scripted a new chapter in digital transformation. Through the JAM trinity—Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile—lakhs of crores of rupees have been transferred directly to beneficiaries. India has emerged as a global leader in UPI transactions. BharatNet has connected lakhs of gram panchayats through optical fibre networks. Digital governance, faceless taxation and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) have enhanced transparency and efficiency in public administration. India today engages with the world on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The nation seeks trade, investment and technology, but without compromising its dignity or self-respect. During the Russia–Ukraine conflict, India demonstrated its ability to pursue an independent foreign policy, placing national interests above external pressures. Today, India is the world’s fourth-largest economy. Initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have accelerated manufacturing growth. India has become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Electronics production has increased manifold. Significant investments have been attracted for semiconductor manufacturing, and the country is rapidly positioning itself as a global manufacturing hub. Encouraged by policy support, India’s startup ecosystem has grown to more than two lakh startups and hundreds of unicorns. During these twelve years, India has also reaffirmed its cultural identity with renewed confidence. The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok and the redevelopment of Kedarnath have infused new energy into the nation’s spiritual consciousness. Modi, who began his public life by paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has also advanced initiatives such as the Panchteerth dedicated to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the observance of Birsa Munda Jayanti as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Statue of Unity honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, commemorative initiatives for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Kartavya Path and the new Parliament building—each symbolising national pride and identity. Maharashtra has been among the principal beneficiaries of this development trajectory. Prime Minister Modi has extended support to the state in addressing its major developmental needs and challenges. From facilitating land for the Indu Mill Memorial to supporting projects such as the Amravati Textile Park, Vadhvan Port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Samruddhi Mahamarg, Atal Setu, the Coastal Road and metro rail networks, his backing has been instrumental in advancing key infrastructure initiatives. Today, the world no longer views India merely as a large market. It increasingly recognises India as a reliable, responsible nation capable of contributing solutions to global challenges. India stands confidently on the world stage. These twelve years have laid a strong foundation for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The journey of trust, development and people’s participation is poised to gather even greater momentum in the years ahead—a belief shared by millions of Indians. (The writer is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.)

Mahayuti Avenges Lok Sabha’s ‘Panipat’

Updated: Nov 25, 2024

BJP shines in its best-ever run in State; allies Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP come into their own, as Mahayuti onslaught leaves MVA in tatters

Eknath Shinde

Mumbai: The ruling Mahayuti resoundingly avenged its Lok Sabha debacle, staging a stunning comeback in Maharashtra’s Assembly polls by sweeping 230 of the 288 seats. This emphatic performance was powered by the BJP, which recorded its highest-ever seat tally in the state, reshaping the political landscape and leaving the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in tatters.


Belying opinion poll predictions of a tight contest, the Mahayuti, and the BJP in particular, staged a momentous comeback like no other in the annals of Maharashtra’s political history paving the way for Devendra Fadnavis to be a natural claimant to the Chief Minister’s post.


The BJP led by Fadnavis, which garnered more than 135 of the 149 seats it contested on, surpassed its 2014 Assembly poll tally of 122 seats achieved during the peak of the Modi wave. The saffron party’s rank and file, buoyed by a historic victory, are in no mood for compromise, unlike 2022 when Eknath Shinde was anointed Chief Minister after his coup despite the BJP’s commanding the greater number of MLAs.


That said, CM Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Deputy Pawar Ajit Pawar’s NCP performed creditably, vastly enhancing their dismal Lok Sabha strike rates by snaring 56 and 41 seats respectively – evidence of a superbly coordinated ground campaign by the Mahayuti.


Shinde Sena’s crackerjack performance, which outdid the combined performance of the three MVA parties, settles the question of which faction is the ‘real’ Shiv Sena – a debate that has simmered since his dramatic split from Uddhav Thackeray’s party in 2022. By orchestrating this win, Shinde has finally shed the perception of him being a ‘BJP puppet,’ asserting himself as a credible force in Maharashtra politics.


Ajit Pawar’s performance was equally noteworthy. His eight consecutive Assembly win in the keenly contested Baramati Assembly segment was particularly personal as he routed his nephew Yugendra Pawar (aligned with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP) by a whopping margin, delivering a stinging blow to the elder Pawar’s political legacy.


While the Mahayuti conducted a coordinated and focused campaign, refraining from ad hominem attacks and emphasizing development, the MVA floundered due to complacency, infighting, and poor candidate selection. Prolonged seat-sharing negotiations within the opposition alliance led to delayed campaigning, leaving many constituencies poorly covered. The Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) were also plagued by ego clashes and an inability to project a cohesive vision, which alienated voters seeking clarity and competence.


The MVA’s misplaced focus on national issues, such as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s repeated targeting of industrialist Gautam Adani, further undermined their appeal. These issues failed to resonate with voters in Maharashtra, who prioritized local governance and development.


The electoral rout saw several MVA stalwarts like former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan (Karad South) and senior Congressman Balasaheb Thorat (Sangamner) suffer humiliating defeats. These setbacks have raised questions about the MVA’s future and the ability of its top leaders to rejuvenate the alliance.


Conversely, the Mahayuti showcased its depth and cohesion. While top leaders like Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar won by huge margins, second-rung leaders such as Nitesh and Nilesh Rane also performed impressively. Even debutantes like Srivijaya Chavan (Bhokar) and younger leaders like Aditi Tatkare (Shrivardhan) won emphatically, underscoring the Mahayuti’s ability to bury their internal differences and mobilize voters across diverse demographics.


The Mahayuti tsunami swept away that the so-called ‘third front’ in the form of the ‘Parivartan Mahashakti Aghadi’, with its prime force - Prahar Janshakti Party leader and sitting MLA Bacchu Kadu - biting the electoral dust in Achalpur in Amravati district.


The electorate also delivered a harsh verdict on flip-floppers and emotive campaigns. Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) failed disastrously, with his son Amit Thackeray crashing in his debut from Mahim. Likewise, agitators like Manoj Jarange-Patil, who relied on caste-based appeals, were decisively rejected as voters aligned with the Mahayuti’s promise of development.


Most notably, the election results mark a remarkable comeback for Devendra Fadnavis, demonstrating his resilience and acumen in the State’s politics and a figure to be reckoned on par with Sharad Pawar at his canniest.

Written off after the BJP’s Lok Sabha loss, Fadnavis has emerged stronger than ever, demonstrating his ability to adapt and lead in challenging circumstances.


The results place the BJP in an enviable position, as it can retain power should one of its two key allies—Shinde’s Sena or Ajit Pawar’s NCP—decide to exit the Mahayuti over potential disagreements on the Chief Minister’s post. However, given the emphatic nature of this mandate, it is unlikely that either ally would risk breaking away at this stage.


While the question of who will be Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister now looms large, BJP leader Amit Shah has sought to pre-empt internal discord by emphasizing unity within the alliance. With the largest seat tally within the Mahayuti, it is advantage BJP for the top post.

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