Narendra Modi Net Worth

Narendra Modi’s Net Worth, Salary, and Controversial Political Journey

Introduction: Narendra Modi – A Controversial Figure

Narendra Damodardas Modi, the 14th and current Prime Minister of India, has become one of the most prominent and, at times, controversial figures in global politics. Since assuming office in 2014, Modi’s leadership has been marked by significant policy changes, economic reforms, and a strong emphasis on Hindu nationalism. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Narendra Modi’s life, career, net worth, salary, and the key events that have shaped his political journey.

Net Worth and Salary of Narendra Modi

As of recent estimates, Narendra Modi’s net worth is reported to be around $100,000 USD. This relatively modest net worth is consistent with his public life, which is characterized by a focus on simplicity. As Prime Minister of India, Modi’s monthly salary is ₹280,000, equivalent to approximately $3,500 USD.

Early Life and Education

Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Bombay State (now Gujarat), India. He came from a Gujarati Hindu family engaged in grocery businesses. He was the third of six children born to Hiraben and Damodardas Modi. At the age of eight, he was introduced to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a far-right Hindu nationalist organization, and began attending its training sessions. His early involvement with the RSS significantly shaped his political ideology.

Modi completed his Higher Secondary Certificate in Vadnagar in 1967. After his schooling, he travelled across India. He later settled in Ahmedabad with his uncle. In 1971, he participated in a Jana Sangh Satyagraha in Delhi in support of the Bangladesh Liberation War. After that he became a full-time worker for the RSS in Gujarat. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the School of Open Learning at Delhi University in 1978, followed by a Master of Arts degree in the same field from Gujarat University in 1983. However, the authenticity of his degrees has been subject to some skepticism.

Political Career Beginnings

Narendra Modi’s political career began in earnest during the Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. He became the general secretary of an RSS committee opposing the emergency in Gujarat. Subsequently, the RSS was banned, forcing Modi to go underground to avoid arrest. During this period, he printed pamphlets, organized protests against the government, and even penned a book. After the Emergency ended, Modi became a regional RSS organizer in several cities, including Surat, Vadodara, and Delhi. In 1985, the RSS assigned him to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he gradually climbed the ranks, eventually becoming a general secretary.

Chief Minister of Gujarat: The Gujarat Riots and Criticism

In 2001, Narendra Modi was appointed as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He was soon elected to the legislative assembly. The following year, his administration faced severe criticism following the Gujarat riots, which erupted after a train accident near Godhra that killed Hindu pilgrims. Over 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the ensuing violence. Modi’s administration was widely accused of failing to adequately protect Muslims and of inadequately addressing the violence. This event remains a significant point of controversy surrounding his leadership.

Beyond the 2002 Gujarat riots, Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister was also marked by criticism concerning the state of health, poverty, and education in Gujarat. However, despite the controversies, Modi remained a relatively popular figure and continued as Chief Minister until 2014.

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Prime Minister of India: Policies, Controversies, and Re-election

In the 2014 Indian general election, Narendra Modi led the BJP to a significant parliamentary majority, marking the first time since 1984 that a single party had secured such a majority. His administration initiated policies aimed at increasing foreign investment and also implemented spending cuts in healthcare, education, and social welfare. Modi launched ambitious campaigns such as the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” (Clean India Mission) and initiated the controversial demonetization of high-denomination banknotes. Further, his government has been criticized for weakening environmental and labor laws.

One of the most contentious events during his tenure was the botched Balakot airstrike against an alleged terrorist training camp in Pakistan in 2019, which, despite the loss of Indian personnel, was used to bolster his image and win the 2019 general election, thanks in part to his continued anti-Muslim rhetoric and pro-Hindu nationalist stance.

During his second term, Modi’s government revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and passed the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). This law sparked widespread protests and contributed to the deadly 2020 Delhi riots, in which Muslims were attacked and killed by Hindu mobs. Further unrest was caused by the controversial farm laws. Modi’s governance has been marked by a perceived weakening of India’s democratic institutions and a realignment with far-right Hindu nationalism, drawing criticism both domestically and internationally.

Personal Life

At the age of 18, Narendra Modi was married in an arranged marriage to Jashodaben Chimanlal. However, he left her shortly thereafter and never sought a divorce.

Modi is a vegetarian and a teetotaler. Despite being an introvert, he is known for his energy, charisma, and a certain degree of perceived arrogance by some observers.

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Conclusion

Narendra Modi’s career is a testament to the complex interplay of politics, ideology, and societal change in contemporary India. His tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by both significant achievements and considerable controversy. From economic reforms and infrastructure projects to polarizing policies and allegations of eroding democratic norms, Modi’s leadership continues to shape the trajectory of India. His impact on the nation and its global standing will undoubtedly be debated and analyzed for years to come.