Despite constant opposition pressure, criticism, economic challenges, the pandemic, and communal disputes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image as a “strong leader” remains intact. Let’s examine the reasons why he has remained invincible in Indian electoral politics over the past 25 years, including 13 years as Chief Minister and 11 as Prime Minister.
The story of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political journey is an extraordinary document. He served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, transforming Gujarat into an invincible fortress for the BJP. He then led the BJP to power at the Centre in 2014 with an absolute majority. Previously, Congress had achieved this feat in 1984. Modi has been in power for 11 consecutive years. Combining his tenures as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, he has held power in one capacity or another for nearly 25 years. This is significant because, in the age of the internet, when anti-incumbency easily consumes even the most prominent leaders, Modi is unique in benefiting from pro-incumbency. This is why Prime Minister Modi’s position among the elite of global leaders has remained high. Many world leaders wonder how Modi maintains his popularity in a country with such a large population. What is the reason why no one can defeat him in electoral politics?
According to India Today’s Mood of the Nation survey, conducted in August 2024 and August 2025, more than 50% of Indians have faith in his leadership. However, the plight of his contemporary democratic leaders around the world is evident to all. Donald Trump is steadily losing popularity in the United States, several European countries are facing a leadership crisis, and we are already witnessing the situation in India’s neighboring countries. Even in such circumstances, Modi’s daily climb to new heights of popularity is nothing short of miraculous.
1. Prime Minister Modi is unmatched in setting the narrative.
Whether it’s nationalism, development, religion, or welfare schemes, Modi has established a strong message with the public on every issue. This skill of his keeps the opposition busy responding, preventing it from effectively advancing its agenda. The surgical strikes (2016), the Balakot air strike (2019), and Operation Sindoor (2025) have cemented his image as a “national security figure.”
The abrogation of Article 370 (2019) and the CAA-NRC conveyed the message of a “strong India.” Modi presented the vision of a “developed India 2047.” GDP increased from $2.04 trillion (2014) to $3.94 trillion (2025). The opposition attacked unemployment (8.5%) and inflation (5% CPI), but Modi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and Digital India campaigns appealed to the youth.
The Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha (January 22, 2024), the “Jai Shri Ram” slogan, and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor united the 80% Hindu population. The opposition, especially the Congress, called it “religious politics,” but Modi has never wavered in the face of criticism. The opposition has criticized his visits to temples, but he has continued to visit them since his first term. He faces criticism for many things, but he is unafraid of criticism.
2- He continued to embrace his fiercest opponents, and his opposition weakened.
Narendra Modi’s ability to turn opponents into friends puts him far ahead of his contemporaries. His greatest strength is that he can turn even his staunchest opponents into allies. Many leaders who once used derogatory language against Modi now hold important positions in the government or are his allies.
This is the result of his strategic and ideological flexibility, which weakens the opposition and strengthens the BJP. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was once a staunch critic of the BJP. In 2013, he broke off the alliance with the BJP and in 2014 said that Modi’s model was based on the Gujarat riots. But he returned to the NDA in 2017 and again in January 2024. The preparedness to release a joint manifesto for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections symbolizes this unity. Nitish is today one of the prominent faces of the NDA, and his EBC-Kurmi vote bank (40%) is crucial for the BJP.
Just two days ago, we saw how he prioritized Congress leader and independent MP Pappu Yadav (Rajesh Ranjan). Pappu had been sharply attacking Modi until recently. In January 2025, he said, “Modi can commit any sin for power.” But at the Purnia rally on September 15, 2025, Modi not only gave him a place on the stage but also spoke to him cordially. This strategy was an attempt to woo the Yadav-Muslim vote (20-25%) in Seemanchal.
Ghulam Nabi Azad, a former Congress leader, criticized Modi until 2019. In July 2025, he said the country should trust Modi, not Trump. This was indirect support, but it was a boost for the BJP. The BJP did not give Azad any central position, but his neutrality weakened the opposition.
Similarly, Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam, who was once in the Congress and criticized Modi in 2014, joined the BJP in 2015. Today, he is the Chief Minister of Assam and a force for the BJP in the Northeast. In Delhi, BJP leader Kapil Mishra, once a staunch critic of Modi, is now a minister in the Delhi government. There are many people who used derogatory language against Modi, but the PM forgave them and took them along, strengthening his position.
3. Modi’s right-wing socialism has created an army of loyal beneficiaries.
Narendra Modi’s political image is characterized by a socialist body with a right-wing spirit. His socio-economic schemes focus on the upliftment of the poor and marginalized, which aligns with the socialist ideology of social welfare and inclusiveness. On the other hand, his ideas and policies are based on Hindutva, nationalism, and cultural unity, which are central to right-wing thinking. The Jan Dhan Yojana promoted financial inclusion by opening 125 million bank accounts, bringing 70% of the rural poor into the banking system for the first time.
Ayushman Bharat provided free health insurance to 720 million people, symbolizing social welfare. The Ujjwala Yojana provided free gas connections to 90 million women, improving rural health and the environment. The Swachh Bharat Mission reduced open defecation from 60% to 10% by building 110 million toilets. The PM-KISAN scheme provided ₹6,000 annually to 120 million farmers, providing direct benefits to the poor, unlike leftist policies.
Modi’s ideology and policies reflect a right-wing bias. The construction of the Ram Temple and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor fostered a Hindu cultural revival. The CAA and NRC strengthened nationalism and Hindu identity, appealing to the right-wing base (80% Hindu population). Slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Jai Shri Ram” at Modi’s rallies make Hindutva a mass movement. It’s clear that these policies have made him a favorite of both the poor and the wealthy.
4. Section 356 was not even touched to topple the state government; this harmony won the hearts of the states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s powerful image and leadership have reshaped Indian politics. His assertiveness, policy reforms, and global influence have given him immense power, but they also demonstrated his commitment to democratic values. Despite opposition accusations of undermining democracy, Modi has never directly attempted to dismiss any state government or curtail democratic rights. Modi has amassed unprecedented power during his tenure. The BJP secured absolute majorities (282 and 303 seats) in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, respectively, which was historic for a non-Congress party in India.
Modi’s power stemmed from the central government’s policies, the support of the RSS, and his charismatic image. However, this power remained balanced within the democratic framework, as he adhered to constitutional limits. Modi never attempted to dismiss any state government. The use of Article 356 of the Constitution (President’s rule) remained minimal during his tenure.
For example, from 2014-2025, only Jammu and Kashmir (2018-2019, Governor’s rule) and Maharashtra (2019, brief period) were subjected to President’s rule, but this was through constitutional process, not arbitrary. By comparison, Article 356 was invoked 50 times during Indira Gandhi’s rule. This is why anti-incumbency never arose against Narendra Modi.
5- There is no match for taking firm decisions, which is why the slogan ‘If Modi is there, it is possible’ was raised.
Modi’s charisma is primarily reflected in his determination and decisiveness. He is seen as a leader who is unhesitant to take difficult decisions. His supporters never tire of repeating, “If Modi is there, it’s possible” with each of his firm decisions. While controversial, his actions like demonetization in 2016, the abolition of Article 370 in 2019, and the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 have certainly established his image as a man of strong will and decisiveness.
The surgical strikes (2016), the Balakot air strikes (2019), and Operation Sindoor (2025) sent a message of “strong action” against Pakistan, strengthening the Hindu nationalist base. The impact of this determination is evident in the statistics. The Modi government increased the defense budget from ₹2.5 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹6.2 lakh crore in 2025. This led to rapid infrastructure development in border areas. This is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains invincible in electoral politics even today.
6- Wherever he had to retreat, he did so with dignity, not intoxicated by power.
Modi has never let his party suffer by sticking to his guns. Even when farmers surrounded Delhi, he didn’t try to crush them out of intoxication with power. He gracefully withdrew the farmer bills. Reducing GST rates is also part of that chain. Whether it’s referring bills introduced in Parliament to the JPC as demanded by the opposition, or giving equal importance to his allies even after winning an absolute majority, these are the things that make him invincible in Indian politics.
7. And last but not the least, the greatest strength – Honesty (I will neither eat nor let others eat)
Before Prime Minister Modi assumed power, Indian politics was plagued by corruption and nepotism among politicians for a long time. When Modi entered central politics from Gujarat, his ability to run a corruption-free government was highlighted. This diligence of his reflected in the system. Reports of corruption from ministries ceased. While the opposition occasionally attempted to accuse Modi of corruption, citing the Rafale deal and Adani, these allegations failed to resonate with the public during elections. Even today, when almost all major parties in the country are steeped in some form of nepotism, Prime Minister Modi, by distancing himself from family and relatives, has sent the message that the country’s top leadership does not believe in nepotism. This strength of Modi’s has rallied a large segment of silent voters in his favor.
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