The News Freedom
New Delhi, December 29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s recent decision to appoint fresh faces as chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh isn’t a new trend but a continuation of the party’s practice, citing his own elevation as the best example. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Modi said, “I am the best example of this practice within the BJP. My tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat began without prior administrative experience and without a prior election to the legislative assembly.” Modi took office succeeding Keshubhai Patel in 2001 and was elected to the state legislature four months later.
Asserting the BJP’s penchant for experimentation and its cadre-centric nature, Modi underlined, “The BJP has consistently nurtured successive generations of leadership. You can observe fresh faces regularly assuming the mantle of BJP presidents.” the Prime Minister cited the selection of new faces in the Gujarat cabinet and Delhi’s Municipal Corporation as examples, India Today reported.
Modi stressed the significance of allowing newer generations and fresh perspectives to flourish within a democracy. He reiterated, “In a democracy, fostering opportunities for the younger generation and new entrants is imperative. This democratic evolution contributes to the vibrancy of democracies.” Taking a dig at opposition parties, he remarked, “Dynasty-based parties find it challenging to adapt to this democratic evolution,” hinting at their struggle to embrace change.
According to India Today, the Prime Minister also noted that the BJP’s choice of new leadership in the heartland states might seem like a recent phenomenon, attributing it to the prevalence of dynastic politics in other parties. He attributed the BJP’s vibrancy to this democratic evolution, nurturing aspirations among party workers who believe in their potential to rise through dedication and hard work.