“Comparing Modi’s 11 years with other prime ministers is unfair!”

As global politics undergoes massive transformation and redefinition, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being compared to other Indian prime ministers in various ways. Some compare him to Mrs. Indira Gandhi, while others contrast his tenure with those who held office the longest. Another comparison examines how his 11-year governance stacks up against other prime ministers’ first 11 years—what the nation gained and how they managed public sentiment and their parties.

Recently, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 11 years in office, reactions ranged from celebration to criticism. Questions arose over whether he would follow BJP’s internal rule of stepping aside at 75, implying a potential shift in responsibilities beyond the PM’s role.

Debates also center on his legacy. Supporters highlight his achievements, while opponents argue that public welfare has suffered under his leadership. Comparisons with past prime ministers, particularly Indira Gandhi, dominate these discussions.

On foreign relations, critics note India’s ongoing struggles with Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh, contrasting it with Indira Gandhi’s decisive action in creating Bangladesh. However, geopolitical contexts then and now differ significantly.

Trump’s Threats and Opposition Silence

India faces diplomatic challenges not only from neighboring nations but also from statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that undermine Indian interests. Questions persist about why Modi hasn’t addressed Trump’s remarks on Operation Sindoor, while opposition leaders remain silent on whether India halted the operation voluntarily.

Critics also question why Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) wasn’t reclaimed during non-BJP regimes if India had previously defeated Pakistan. The debate often overlooks Indira Gandhi’s Emergency, which severely restricted civil liberties, unlike current efforts to restore peace in conflict zones like Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370.

Modi vs. Indira Governance: Security, Economy, and Vision

Article 370 functioned as an undeclared emergency for Kashmiri Hindus. Under Indira’s rule, terrorism thrived in Punjab and Kashmir, culminating in Operation Blue Star, whose repercussions linger today with Khalistani extremism abroad. In contrast, Modi’s tenure has seen reduced Naxalite violence in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Telangana, fostering public safety.

An estimated 10,000 Naxalites have either reintegrated into society or abandoned violence. Critics accuse Modi of privatizing key state enterprises, contrasting it with Indira’s bank nationalization, which failed to prevent scandals in public-sector banks today. Private-sector growth, however, has boosted employment and global demand for Indian products.

Modi’s Policies: Development and Global Acclaim

Modi’s rise from a tea-seller resonates as a symbol of aspirational India, unlike Indira’s inherited political advantage. His policies receive global praise for market-friendly reforms, contrasting with the Nehru-Gandhi era’s statist approach. Infrastructure development—replacing congested intersections with highways—exemplifies this shift.

The success of the Vande Bharat Express in Kashmir and overcrowded pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand reflect improved connectivity and tourism. Yet, as society grows more self-centric, the relevance of such comparisons diminishes.