What Works in Narendra Modi's Gujarat?

Bangalore: Even after a decade he took over as Gujarat chief minister, Narendra Modi remains the most polarizing political figure of our times. No Indian politician has earned as much admiration and contempt as him. Modi is lauded for his development principles, for turning Gujarat into an investment magnet, and for making it easy to do business in the state. So what works in Narendra Modi’s Gujarat?

Many regard him as a prime ministerial candidate because of the UPA government's struggles. But before the general elections, Gujarat will decide if it wants him to continue in December. Binoy Prabhakar & Mitul Thakkar, Economic Times put together few narratives that present a reflection of Modi's rule.

Growth wise, Gujarat economy has been growing steadily, but the growth is not spectacular. Further, there are also plenty of problems hanging about.

It is also seen that agriculture in Gujarat has grown more than 9 percent in the past five years, the highest in India. Every village in the state is self-sufficient in drinking water due to taking the waters of the Narmada River to every nook and corner of the state. Gujarat is No. 1 in providing jobs too. The most retold success is investments worth Rs 39.6 lakh crore promised in the five Vibrant Gujarat summits, Modi's showpiece meeting of global investors.

Further, his website is packed with reports such as: "Narendra Modi holds online grievance programme" and "CM gives necessary directives to the district functionaries for satisfactory solution of people's problems."

Although the other side to the story is that experts and independent observers say it is wrong to identify Gujarat's development with Modi's rule alone. Dwijendra Tripathi, an economic historian who has taught at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, says Gujarat has historically enjoyed a locational advantage due to its 1,600 km coastline. "Its soil is also good for cash crops," reported ET.