I just finished reading the book “The Paradoxical Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and his India “by Mr. Shashi Tharoor. It took almost 20 days for me to complete the bulky book but beautifully chronicled Modi years in about 500 pages,(498 precisely). It is divided into five sections comprising 50 chapters. The author did justice to his talent and puts forth before the readers a panoramic view of Modi’s administration from his domestic policy, Swatchh Bharath to Demonetisation, call for Achhedin to GST and finally communalism to nationalism debate. I'm really happy to note that Mr. Tharoor has covered minutest details. In fact, the book reflects Tharoor’s multifaceted persona. Originally I was reluctant to read Shashi Tharoor books, as I was assuming that the language may not be simple and might be difficult for me to comprehend. But luckily this book is not of that type. The beauty of his prose lies in its lucidity and frankness to accept his mistakes.
At the outset, he says that he is paradoxical: Because he says one thing and does another.
He gives voice to a number of liberal ideas like Constitution, being his holy book, Saab ka saath , Saab ka Vikas etc. While at the same time pandering to some of the most illiberal elements in Indian society, on whom he depends for political support.
Another paradox is how a PM who prides himself on effective governance has, through his silence, appeared to condone the worst aspect of misgovernance—communal riots, lynchings, the violence of Gau rakshaks, and so on.
The third paradox is his talk of soaring ambitions for the country when his government’s performance is underwhelming.
This brilliant study of Modi and the effect he has had on our country, answers these and other questions about the leader who is reviled and worshipped in equal measure.
Using years of close observation, personal encounters with Modi, considerable scholarship, a deep understanding of Indian politics, and an insider’s view of the way the government functions, Tharoor has stitched together a compelling portrait of Modi’s paradoxical figure. I have read an observation about this book “Never before has there been such a superbly written and devastatingly accurate account of the most controversial PM of India ever had.”
Definitely, those who are interested in Modi should invariably read.
At the outset, he says that he is paradoxical: Because he says one thing and does another.
He gives voice to a number of liberal ideas like Constitution, being his holy book, Saab ka saath , Saab ka Vikas etc. While at the same time pandering to some of the most illiberal elements in Indian society, on whom he depends for political support.
Another paradox is how a PM who prides himself on effective governance has, through his silence, appeared to condone the worst aspect of misgovernance—communal riots, lynchings, the violence of Gau rakshaks, and so on.
The third paradox is his talk of soaring ambitions for the country when his government’s performance is underwhelming.
This brilliant study of Modi and the effect he has had on our country, answers these and other questions about the leader who is reviled and worshipped in equal measure.
Using years of close observation, personal encounters with Modi, considerable scholarship, a deep understanding of Indian politics, and an insider’s view of the way the government functions, Tharoor has stitched together a compelling portrait of Modi’s paradoxical figure. I have read an observation about this book “Never before has there been such a superbly written and devastatingly accurate account of the most controversial PM of India ever had.”
Definitely, those who are interested in Modi should invariably read.
