'Modi's lasting legacy will be the end of vote-bank politics': Berjis Desai

New Delhi: A new book, 'Modi's Mission', by Berjis Desai, explores Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey from his early years to transforming the BJP from an urban-centric organisation into a party rooted in welfare and inclusivity.

The book argues that Modi's rise reshaped Indian politics, shifting the BJP's focus after its 2004 and 2009 electoral defeats, when it was still viewed as an urban middle-class party. "The UPA's welfare schemes like MNREGA had gained traction, while the BJP's manifesto then lacked appeal," the author told ET, noting that Modi stayed focused on Gujarat during that period.

According to the book, Modi's premiership since 2014 marked a decisive shift through initiatives such as free LPG connections, toilets, housing, and ration for 84 crore citizens, which positioned the BJP as a party for the poor. "The welfare state created by Congress was more about appeasement, while Modi's is religion-neutral," it says.


The author concludes that Modi's lasting legacy will be the decline of vote-bank and appeasement politics in the years to come.

The book also recounts anecdotes from Modi's early life - his fascination with Kanhaiya Lal Munshi's historical novels, his desire to join the Army after the 1965 war, and his admiration for Param Vir Chakra winner Abdul Hamid. It narrates how Modi, then a young man, later met Hamid's widow Rasoolan Bibi in 2013, receiving her blessings to "serve the nation for long."

The book also traces Modi's rise within the BJP, including his early tensions with Shankersinh Vaghela and his appointment by L.K. Advani as national secretary in 1995. Six years later, on October 7, 2001, Modi became the CM of Gujarat - beginning what has now been 24 years in public service.