THE PARADOXICAL PRIME MINISTER – HB

Narendra Modi is a paradoxical
man. He says one thing and does another. He gives voice to a number of
liberal ideas (such as the constitution being his holy book and sab ka saath,
sab ka vikas), 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 Prime Minister who prides himself on effective governance
has, through his silence, appeared to condone the worst aspects of
misgovernance?communal riots, lynching’s, the violence of gau-rakshaks and so
on. A third paradox is his talk of soaring ambitions for the country when his
government?s performance is underwhelming. So who is the real Narendra Modi?
A noble, selfless leader who acts effectively in the interests of all his
countrymen or an autocratic, right-wing bigot who is interested only in power
and converting plural India into a Hindu Rashtra? Or something in between?
This brilliant study of Modi and the effect he has had on our country answers
these and other questions about a leader who is reviled and worshipped in
equal measure. The book is divided into five sections comprising fifty
chapters. The first section takes a close look at Modi?s life and times. The
other four sections look at key aspects of the way in which Modi?s government
functions and the lasting and often deleterious impact it has had on Indian
society, major institutions, the economy, foreign policy and our fundamental
values. 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 in which government functions. Shashi Tharoor has
stitched together a compelling portrait of this paradoxical figure. Never
before has there been such a superbly written and devastatingly accurate
account of the most controversial prime minister India has ever had.