The NDA government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed nine years on May 30. The past nine years have witnessed several landmark events, including demonetisation of high-value currency notes (2016), the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (2017), the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, a call for making India self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) amid aggression on borders, and an emergence of a new class of beneficiaries — the “Labharthi Varg”.
Modi, who ascended to the top post by getting a clear majority and took oath as the PM on May 26, 2014, is the fourth-longest serving PM after Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, and the longest serving PM from a non-Congress party. Here are some points highlighting hits and misses of the last nine years:
Abrogation of Article 370
Abrogation of Article 370, along with Article 35A, the two articles in the Constitution of India that gave a special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The special status implied that Jammu and Kashmir was different from rest of the country, and was instrumental in fuelling separatism. The two articles were abrogated by the Modi government in 2019, fulfilling a poll promise.
Article 35A gave the state the right to determine who is a permanent resident of the state, which was added to the constitution by a presidential order, not by an amendment. Article 370 said that all the provisions of the Constitution of India do not apply to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, and had listed the provisions that applied. While article 35A was abrogated and it no longer exists, article 370 was amended, and it remains in the constitution, saying that all the provision of the constitution also applies to the constitution.
Along with this, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was also bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Ram Mandir construction, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and others
For BJP, the construction of a grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and freeing other ancient Hindu temples converted to mosques by Islamic rulers always have been a major promise. The dream of crores of Hindus came true on 2019, and the Supreme Court of India delivered its verdict in decades on Ram Janambhoomi – Babri Masjid title dispute, handing the entire disputed premises to Hindu parties.
Following the order, while the Hindu petitioners started the construction of the temple, the Modi govt contributed by facilitating the process. Less than a year later in August 2020, Narendra Modi conducted the Bhoomi Poojan of the Ram Mandir.
Another important achievement of the Modi government, according to social media users, was the freeing the Kashi Vishwanath temple and its surroundings from encroachments. The Kashi Vishwanath corridor was inaugurated in December 2021, which connects the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple with the holy ghats along the river Ganga.
During the demolitions for the project, several ancient temples were also discovered, which was hidden by constructions around them. Some such constructions were done deliberately to hide the Hindu temples so that they are not demolished like the original Kashi Vishwanath temple by Islamic rulers, but with time, those hidden temples were forgotten.
The Modi government has also taken up projects rejuvenate many other old temples across the country, which has been listed as an achievement by people.
Covid handling, vaccine
Almost all people who listed achievements of the Modi government thinks that its handling of the Coronavirus pandemic was a success. They appreciated how the govt acted swiftly after the pandemic hit the country, and how several vaccines were developed in the country with active participation of the government.
After that, the government of India ran world’s largest free immunisation program, under which over 200 crore doses of made-in-India Covid-19 vaccines have been administered. The Cowin platform developed to administer the vaccination program has been another success.
The Covid pandemic also saw India becoming self-reliant in medical items like personal protection equipment, which mainly were imported earlier.
UPI, digital economy
Social media users have pointed out that India’s transformation into a digital economy, primarily led by UPI of the NCPI, is one of the major achievements of the government. Today, India leads in terms of using digital translations, where even roadside vendors accept digital payments even for very small amounts.
The QR code which has become an integral part of India’s retail businesses have been widely covered by international media, marvelling how one can shop anything in India without the use of cash. People also listed demonetisation as one of the successes, as the temporary shortage of cash after withdrawing ?500 and ?1000 notes had accelerated the growth of the use of online transactions.
Today UPI is the most successful payment system in the world, with millions and users and billions of transactions every month.
Financial inclusion
The next achievement of the government, according to social media users who listed top 9 achievements of the govt, is the various steps taken by the govt for financial inclusion of people, most of those who were not associated with the banking system earlier. The JAM trinity, Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile, has been one of the major successes of the govt in bringing people into the formal financial system.
Under Jan Dhan Yojana, almost 50 crore people have got their bank accounts made. Apart from this, people also listed the Mudra loan scheme, and the Direct Benefit Transfer of subsidies as other achievements in the sector.
One major instrument in financial inclusion has been the Rupay card, which has been able to displace global majors like Visa and Mastercard in payment systems.
Infrastructure
Another major achievement of the government that most people have included in their lists is the massive development in the infrastructure sector in the country. People have noted the rapid construction of highways, expressways and other roads, massive expansion of the railway network and introduction of the made-in-India Vande Bharat Express train, and the Udaan scheme in civil aviation.
Swach Bharat, Jal Shakti
From day one in the office, PM Modi has been stressing on sanitation, clean water, and end of open defecation. According to people, the government has succeeded in its mission of cleaning India and providing clean water to people.
Under the Swachh Bharat mission, over 3 lakh villages have declared open defecation free, over 2.5 lakh villages have liquid waste management facilities, and almost 2 lakh have solid waste management arrangements.
Several schemes have been launched under Jal Shakti to improve the availability and quality of water in the country.
GST, Economy
Many people believe that the govt has succeeded in reforming the financial system and improving the economy. Implementation of the GST was a major milestone, which made doing business much easier by removing several different taxes and included them in Goods and Services Tax. It also eliminated barriers to inter-state trade by removing taxes.
Similarly, the PLI and other schemes have been lists as successes by the people in enhancing investment in the country. Several people have included financial stability, increasing GDP as major successes of the government.
Welfare schemes
Successful welfare schemes have a major hallmark of the Modi government, and many people have included it in their top 9 achievement lists. Schemes like the Ujjwala Scheme, Ayushman Bharat scheme, Housing scheme, monetary benefits given to farmers have benefited large number of people.
Apart from these nine picked by most people, many also listed development and better inclusion of northeastern states, foreign policy, indigenisation of the defence sector etc as the major achievements of the govt.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
Launched in 2016, PMFBY offers comprehensive crop insurance coverage to farmers at affordable premiums. It ensures timely compensation for crop losses caused by natural calamities, pests, or diseases. This scheme has brought financial security and stability to millions of farmers, safeguarding their livelihoods.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
PM-KISAN, initiated in 2019, is an income support scheme designed to assist small and marginal farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive direct financial assistance of Rs 6,000 annually in three equal installments. With over 120 million farmers benefitting from this scheme, it has significantly boosted their income and improved their quality of life.
Soil Health Card Scheme
Launched in 2015, the Soil Health Card Scheme provides personalised soil health reports to farmers, offering valuable insights on soil nutrients and recommendations for balanced fertilisation. By promoting proper soil management practices, this scheme has optimised yields, reduced input costs, and enhanced soil health across agricultural lands.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Introduced in 2015, PMKVY aims to provide skill training to farmers and rural youth. Implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), this scheme has empowered over 40 million farmers and rural youth by equipping them with essential agricultural skills, improving productivity, and generating employment opportunities.

Oppn accuses BJP of ‘looting’ people
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took a dig at the government over the completion of nine years in office, accusing it of “looting” people’s earnings through “deadly inflation” while making “arrogant claims” about it.
The Congress posed nine questions for Narendra Modi on completion of nine years as Indian Prime Minister.
The questions ranged from rising prices, unemployment and farmers’ income, as Congress demanded an apology for the ‘betrayal’ during his tenure.
“The BJP has now been in power for nine years. The authoritarian regime has completely failed on every front. The Prime Minister must respond to these nine questions before the BJP begins to celebrate,” Congress tweeted alongside the list of nine questions.
Rahul Gandhi said the BJP had built a “9-year-old building on false promises and the plight of the public!”
Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate quipped that the Centre should celebrate a ‘Mahotsav’ Festival of their ‘failures’.
“Unemployment has been at its highest since independence and the way the government has tried to hide it is a tragedy. The Centre has fallen into its own trap but now the poor understand it. Fugitive businessmen be it Lalit Modi, Mehul Choksi, or Vijay Mallya duped the government of crores and the government could do nothing about it. The reality is 23 crores people were dragged below the poverty line in their reign whom we had benefitted between 2004-2014,” Shrinate said.

9 Saal, 9 Sawaal
The Economy
Why is it that inflation and unemployment are skyrocketing in India? Why have the rich become richer and the poor poorer? Why is public property being sold to PM Modi’s friends, even as economic disparities are increasing?
Agriculture and farmers
Why is it that the agreements made with farmers while repealing the three black farm laws have not been honoured? Why has MSP not been legally guaranteed? Why didn’t farmers’ income double over the last 9 years?
Corruption and cronyism
Why are you putting people’s hard-earned savings in LIC and SBI at risk to benefit your friend Adani? Why are you letting thieves escape? Why are you silent on rampant corruption in BJP-ruled states, and why are you letting Indians suffer?
China and National Security
Why is it that even after your clean chit to China in 2020, they continue to occupy Indian territory? 18 meetings have been held with China, yet why do they refuse to yield Indian territory and instead continue with their aggressive tactics?
Social Harmony
Why are you deliberately using the politics of hatred for electoral gains and fueling an atmosphere of fear in society?
Social justice
Why is it that your oppressive government is methodically destroying the foundations of social justice? Why are you silent on the atrocities against women, Dalits, SC, ST, OBCs and minorities? Why are you ignoring the demand for a caste census?
Democracy and federalism
Why have you weakened our Constitutional values and democratic institutions in the last nine years? Why are you practicing the politics of revenge against Opposition parties and leaders? And why are you using blatant money power to destabilise governments elected by the people?
Welfare schemes
Why is it that schemes for the welfare of the poor, needy and tribals are being weakened by cutting their budgets and making restrictive rules?
COVID-19 mismanagement
Why is it that despite the tragic deaths of over 40 lakh people due to COVID-19, the Modi government has refused to compensate their families? Why did you suddenly impose a lockdown which forced lakhs of workers to return home, and not provide any support?

Broken promises, drifting flagships and bahubalis defying Modi’s call
Contrary to the rosy image woven by media, the Modi government has left a trail of half-abandoned flagship programmes, broken promises and chaotic decision-making in crucial areas like defence.
At his Agra rally on November 22, 2013, PM candidate Narendra Modi had said that he would create 1 crore jobs every year.
Ten years later, in November, CMIE reported over 5 crore unemployed. During the last few years, the unemployment rate averaged 7.5%, surging to 25% during the first lockdown. Incensed at this revelation, the government put out its own ‘authentic’ data in April to claim that the labour market was recovering. Economists said the official figures were outdated.
On August 15, 2020, Narendra Modi vowed to connect all of India’s six lakh villages with optical fibre by 2023. Finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman later highlighted the PM’s flagship scheme in her Budget speech. However, with hardly a year left, the PM’s target is nowhere in sight. The rollout is slow and the goalposts have moved.
On September 21, 2018, Modi vowed to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2022. He also assured an 8% growth rate with “massive” employment generation in IT and retail. The PM’s deadline passed last year in deathly silence, amidst massive dismissals in IT and retail. But railways minister Ashwini Vaishnav released a report projecting India as a $26 trillion economy in 2047!
On August 15, 2018, Modi thundered from the Red Fort that India would send astronauts to space before Independence Day, 2022. The Department of Space’s allocation was was hiked 23% and ISRO came under tremendous pressure to fulfil the PM’s promise. The deadline passed, and the hiatus between the PM’s dreams and India’s capabilities was realised.
At Gondia on April 4, 2019, Modi promised to double farmers’ incomes by August 15, 2022. He said the government was already giving Rs 75,000 per year to 12 crore farmers under the Kisan Samman Yojana. As the deadline passed, agitating farmers ridiculed the claim. At Gondia, Modi also coined a new name for the opposition: “tukde-tukde gang”.
In Doha on February 12, 2018, the PM said the 508 km Sabarmati-Mumbai bullet train, his dream project, would be a reality before August 15, 2022. His rail minister Ashwini Vaishnav says a ‘curtailed run’ of the bullet train between Surat and Billimora was likely by 2026, four years after Modi’s deadline.
On July 28, 2018, Modi flamboyantly announced a house for every Indian by 2022 Rs 54 lakh houses new units in urban areas and 1 crore in rural areas. The housing shortage remains.
“I promise to provide 24×7 electricity to every home in India when the country celebrates its 75th Independence Day in 2022,” Modi told school students on Teacher’s Day. The pledge is nowhere near realisation.
In July 2014, two months after taking over as PM, Modi declared: “We will build 100 smart cities outfitted with high-tech communication capabilities… cities in the past were built on riverbanks. New ones will be along highways and based on the availability of next generation infrastructure.”
A week earlier, he had announced an additional $1.2 billion investment for the sector, with fundings from private sources and abroad. Based on this, McKinsey had projected that India would add a Mumbai every year, in terms of commercial and residential space. Thrilled at the business prospects, Singapore and Japan offered anticipatory aid. The UK foreign minister offered GBP 1 billion in credit. Modi’s smart city dream was modelled on Dholera, a languishing project in Gujarat propped up by private investment and real estate support.
As early as 2014, the Guardian reported scathingly on ‘India’s Smart City Craze: Big, Green and Doomed from the Start?’ Another study in India found Modi had promised to build 100 new smart cities in five years, but nine months to deadline, only 30% of funds were released.
On the ground, the backlash of the Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh scandal at the Wrestling Federation of India looks more damaging than was thought earlier. The bahubalis need the ruling party’s protection and the latter their vote banks. Singh, against whom there were 30 FIRs, has vote banks spread over three districts. Rape convict Ram Rahim has been in and out of Haryana jail with chief minister M.L. Khattar’s open support. Noida’s Srikant Tyagi and the main accused in the Kanjhawala atrocities also claimed they were BJP activists. Recently, in BJP-ruled Haryana, the CM was forced to sack a minister charged with rape — because the victim went public and demanded action.
Misdemeanours have surged across states, and the opposition has been whipping up a moral backlash against the BJP in, for instance, Betul, then in Chennai (see here and here), Uttar Pradesh (Unnao) and Jharkhand. This random sample illustrates the severity of the BJP’s image problem. And now, the PM has told the bahubalis to go easy on the minorities. Coupled with his broken promises and drifting flagship projects, it’s a fairly difficult problem for the BJP.
Source: The India Cable