The Saga of Modi vs. Nehru Family: A Longstanding Political Rivalry

The political landscape of India has been shaped by numerous rivalries, but few have been as enduring and consequential as the conflict between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Nehru-Gandhi family. This rivalry, which dates back to the early 2000s, has profoundly influenced Indian politics, marked by intense electoral battles, ideological clashes, and mutual accusations. As India moves forward, this historic feud continues to be a significant factor in its democratic processes.

The Early Days: 2000-2014

The seeds of this rivalry were sown in the early 2000s, during Modi’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The Nehru-Gandhi family, particularly Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi, represented the Congress party, which had long been the dominant political force in India. Modi, a rising star in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was seen as a challenger to this dominance.

1. 2002 Gujarat Riots:
   • The 2002 Gujarat riots were a significant flashpoint in this rivalry. Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, faced severe criticism from the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family for his handling of the riots. Sonia Gandhi famously referred to Modi as a “merchant of death” (maut ka saudagar), a label that intensified the animosity between them​..
2. 2004 General Elections:
   • The 2004 general elections saw the Congress party, under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, unexpectedly defeat the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Modi, now a prominent figure in the BJP, viewed this as a personal and ideological setback. The BJP’s loss fueled Modi’s determination to challenge the Nehru-Gandhi family’s political dominance​ .

The Rise of Modi: 2014 Onwards The rivalry reached new heights with Modi’s rise to national prominence. As the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, Modi led a relentless campaign against the Congress party, focusing on its alleged corruption and dynastic politics.

1. 2014 General Elections:
   • The 2014 elections were a turning point. Modi’s campaign was marked by direct attacks on the Nehru-Gandhi family, accusing them of fostering a culture of entitlement and corruption. The BJP’s landslide victory, which reduced the Congress party to a historic low, was seen as a personal triumph for Modi over the Nehru-Gandhi legacy​ .
2. Accusations and Allegations:
   • Over the years, Modi and BJP leaders have consistently targeted the Nehru-Gandhi family with allegations of corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance. High-profile cases like the National Herald case, involving Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, were seen as part of this broader strategy to discredit the Congress leadership​ .

Jealousy and Political Rivalry

The BJP’s resentment towards the Nehru-Gandhi family is often perceived as stemming from the latter’s long-standing political dominance and symbolic significance in Indian politics. The Nehru-Gandhi family, starting from Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, has been associated with the country’s independence movement and its early years of nation-building. This legacy has often been a point of contention for the BJP, which seeks to redefine India’s political narrative.

Controversies and Symbolic Conflicts

1. Murder of Mahatma Gandhi:
   • The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 by Nathuram Godse, who was associated with right-wing Hindu nationalist groups, has been a lingering shadow in Indian politics. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), an affiliate of the BJP’s ideological parent RSS, has at times honored Godse, which has been a source of significant controversy. This act has been criticized by the Congress and others as an attempt to undermine the legacy of Gandhi, a figure closely associated with the Nehru-Gandhi family​ .
2. Not Hoisting the National Flag:
   • Another point of contention has been the refusal of the VHP to hoist the Indian national flag at its headquarters, which has been perceived as a lack of respect for national symbols. This has further fueled accusations from the Congress party about the BJP and its affiliates’ commitment to national unity and values​.
3. Savarkar’s Apology:
   • Another historical controversy involves Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, an early Hindutva ideologue who is often revered by the RSS and BJP. Savarkar’s multiple mercy petitions to the British colonial government, seeking clemency and pledging loyalty in exchange for his release from imprisonment, have been a contentious issue. Critics, including the Congress party, argue that these actions betray the independence struggle, while supporters view Savarkar as a pragmatic leader who adapted his strategies under duress​ .
4. Collaboration with British Authorities:
   • During the British colonial period, some factions within the Hindu nationalist movement were accused of cooperating with the British for economic or political gains. This history has been used by the Congress to question the patriotic credentials of these groups, contrasting it with the Nehru-Gandhi family’s prominent role in the freedom struggle​.

Secularism and Non-Secular Accusations

1. Nehru-Gandhi Family’s Secularism:
   • The Nehru-Gandhi family has traditionally positioned itself as a champion of secularism in India. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, was a staunch advocate of secularism, promoting a vision of India that embraced all religions equally. This stance has been a cornerstone of the Congress party’s ideology, aiming to maintain a pluralistic and inclusive society.
   • However, the BJP and its affiliates have often accused the Congress of practicing “pseudo-secularism,” arguing that their policies have sometimes favored certain religious communities for electoral gains. Critics within the BJP allege that the Congress party’s version of secularism has, at times, been more about appeasement than true equality​ .
2. BJP’s Secular Character:
   • The BJP, under Modi’s leadership, has sought to redefine secularism in India. Modi has often emphasized his vision of “development for all” (sabka saath, sabka vikas), promoting an inclusive growth model. Despite these assertions, the BJP’s close association with the RSS and other Hindu nationalist organizations has led to accusations of promoting a majoritarian agenda.
   • The BJP has also been involved in several controversies that have raised questions about its commitment to secularism. Incidents like the 2002 Gujarat riots, the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir have been cited by critics as examples of the party’s non-secular policies. Supporters, however, argue that these actions are necessary for national unity and security​ .

Non-Cooperation and Legislative Battles

1. Parliamentary Obstruction:
   • The BJP, during its time in opposition, frequently accused the Congress-led UPA government of corruption and inefficiency. The BJP’s strategy included stalling parliamentary proceedings and launching nationwide protests against policies associated with the Nehru-Gandhi family.
2. Institutional Control:
   • Since coming to power, the Modi government has been accused of using various institutions to undermine the Nehru-Gandhi family’s influence. This includes the use of investigative agencies to probe cases involving Congress leaders and efforts to control key legislative and bureaucratic positions​.

The Impact on Indian Politics

The rise of Modi and the BJP has significantly altered the political dynamics in India. The Nehru-Gandhi family’s influence has waned, with the Congress party struggling to regain its former strength. However, the BJP’s dominance has also led to increased political polarization and debates over India’s democratic institutions and values.

Future Prospects Post-2024 Elections

Looking ahead to the 2024 elections, the Modi-Nehru family rivalry is expected to remain a central theme. The outcome of these elections could further redefine India’s political landscape. If the BJP continues its dominance, it may solidify a new era in Indian politics, characterized by a departure from the Nehruvian legacy. Conversely, a resurgence of the Congress party could signal a revival of the old political order and a new chapter in this historic rivalry​ .

The implications of this rivalry extend beyond electoral politics. It touches upon broader issues of governance, federalism, and national identity. The enduring conflict between Modi and the Nehru-Gandhi family reflects the deep-rooted ideological and political divisions in Indian society.

Conclusion

The conflict between Modi and the Nehru-Gandhi family is more than a personal or party rivalry; it represents a clash of visions for India’s future. It underscores the ongoing struggle to define the nation’s identity and governance. As India moves towards the 2024 elections, this rivalry will continue to shape the political discourse and influence the country’s democratic journey.