Modi's recent rallying cry to followers: 'Divine mandate for me'
Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister, has a fresh rallying cry for his supporters during the campaign: He believes it's a divine mandate.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes that he has a special purpose chosen by God. He shared in an interview with local news channel NDTV that he is convinced of this calling and fully dedicated himself to it.
Modi expressed that God's plans are not always clear to him. He feels guided to take certain actions without knowing the full picture.
Since coming into power in 2014, Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been advocating for a strong form of Hindu nationalism in a country where the majority of the people follow a polytheistic belief system.
During India's extensive national election, which will reveal results on June 4th, Modi has been emphasizing his belief of being a leader chosen by God. This message has become more prominent as he strives to secure a third consecutive five-year term in office. Throughout this election period, Modi has conducted numerous interviews and delivered speeches to various media outlets, echoing similar sentiments expressed to NDTV in the past.
Subir Sinha, Director of the South Asia Institute at SOAS University of London, mentioned that he has embraced the identity of a devout Hindu openly. According to Sinha, this has resonated with his supporters who take pride in his religious beliefs.
Photo Illustration by Jason Lancaster/CNN/Getty Images/Adobe Stock
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Narendra Modi is a well-known leader in India who is seeking a third term in office. He is both popular and controversial among the people. India is a country with strong religious beliefs, but its leaders after Independence have typically maintained a secular stance in public. This is done to prevent any perception of favoritism towards a particular religion, especially in a nation with a history of religious conflicts.
Sinha said that Modi is known as the first prime minister who openly embraces his faith. When Modi ran for elections ten years ago, he selected Varanasi, India's spiritual hub, as his constituency. This decision allowed him to blend his religious beliefs with his political aspirations in the historic city.
Modi mentioned that Mother Ganga had summoned him to Varanasi, a city along the sacred Ganges River worshipped as the embodiment of the Hindu goddess Ganga.
During a recent visit to the river's banks, Modi once again alluded to his divine connection.
Modi shared with CNN affiliate CNN News-18 that when his mother was alive, he thought his birth was just a biological event. However, after her passing, he reflects on his life experiences and believes that God has a purpose for him.
According to Modi, God has shaped him into nothing but an instrument for a greater plan.
Modi showed his strong connection to divinity in January by consecrating the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a Hindu temple built on the site of a former mosque. Billboards promoting the temple's opening displayed an image of the deity Ram next to Modi's face, with some even calling the prime minister "The King of Gods."
Modi went through an 11-day fasting period as a purification ritual before the event. He also traveled to various temples across the country, taking part in customs sacred to India's majority religion. During this time, he openly referred to himself as a chosen "instrument" of Lord Ram, meant to symbolize all the people of India.
During the consecration ceremony, Modi took on a significant role by presiding over the "Pran Pratishtha." This involved the unveiling of the highly anticipated Ram idol, a duty typically carried out by priests.
During the election, Modi stirred controversy by making comments about Muslims, accusing them of being "infiltrators" and spreading a false conspiracy about them displacing the Hindu population in India. This sparked anger among Muslim leaders, opposition politicians, and calls for investigation by election authorities.
In response, BJP party spokespeople clarified that Modi was referring to undocumented migrants. The election commission has requested the BJP to address the allegations.
Editor's P/S:
It is concerning to see a leader of a diverse nation like India openly embracing religious nationalism. While it may resonate with some supporters, it risks alienating and marginalizing minorities. The separation of religion and state is crucial for fostering inclusivity and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their beliefs. By invoking divine favoritism, Modi undermines the secular principles that have guided India since its independence.
Furthermore, the allegations of anti-Muslim rhetoric during the election raise serious questions about Modi's commitment to unity and harmony. Such statements can fuel prejudice and incite violence, threatening the social fabric of India. It is essential for leaders to promote tolerance and respect for all religions, especially in a country with such a rich and diverse spiritual heritage. Modi's actions and words should be carefully scrutinized to ensure that he is not exploiting religious sentiments for political gain.
