From “policy paralysis” to “dynamism”: Modi returns to SRCC to chart India’s growth

When Narendra Modi returned to Shri Ram College of Commerce on Saturday, he used the same stage to argue that India had moved from “policy paralysis” to “policy dynamism” in the 13 years since his earlier appearance there.

Modi last spoke at the Delhi University college in February 2013, when his Bharatiya Janata Party was in opposition and he was a year away from national office. At the college’s centenary celebrations, he said that speech had set off a “wave” and criticized those who had pushed India into the “Fragile Five” grouping and now could not accept its 7.8% growth.

“India in 2013 was dealing with a series of challenges, including terror attacks, inflation and corruption. Growth was at its lowest and inflation was at the peak,” Modi said. He added that scams were at an all-time high, terrorists were emboldened, Pakistan was aggressive at the borders and the country faced complete policy paralysis.

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India in 2013 was dealing with a series of challenges, including terror attacks, inflation and corruption. Growth was at its lowest and inflation was at the peak.

Modi contrasted that picture with what he described as India’s present position. “But now, if Pakistan even tries to attack, we respond with an attack. Naxalism has been rooted out and people are talking of policy dynamism.” He also pointed to a recent quarterly growth rate of 7.8% and a ratings upgrade by a Japanese credit agency.

He said electricity production rose 9% between April and June, vehicle sales increased 20%, and steel and cement consumption grew 8%. Modi presented those figures as signs of expanding construction, housing and employment, and said his 2013 formula of P2G2, meaning pro-people and good governance, had been delivered.

The prime minister spoke for nearly 50 minutes to a student-filled audience and traveled to the venue by Metro. He revisited his earlier image of a glass seen as half full, half empty, or fully filled with half water and half air. He also used Gen Z language while describing SRCC alumni as “the OG,” part of a BJP effort to connect with younger audiences after protests at Jantar Mantar earlier in the summer.

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But now, if Pakistan even tries to attack, we respond with an attack. Naxalism has been rooted out and people are talking of policy dynamism.