Gujarat Under Modi: The Blueprint for Today’s India by Christophe Jaffrelot offers a definitive analysis of Narendra Modi’s three terms as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, unraveling how his leadership in the state laid the foundation for his rule over India. This meticulously researched book examines the intersection of Hindutva politics, economic policies, and caste dynamics that shaped Gujarat’s socio-political thinking.
The book delves into how Gujarat Under Modi portrays Modi as a marketing genius, blending Hindu majoritarianism with promises of economic modernization. Jaffrelot explores the duality of Modi’s governance praised for fostering industrial growth while critiqued for fostering social polarization and marginalizing vulnerable communities.
Jaffrelot’s Gujarat Under Modi sheds light on the contradictions within the Gujarat model, highlighting its focus on corporate-friendly policies and urban development, often at the expense of inclusive growth. The author combines sharp analysis with statistical insights, offering readers an in-depth understanding of caste politics, Hindutva ideology, and institutional centralization during Modi’s tenure.
This essential read, Gujarat Under Modi, also critiques how Modi’s strategies in Gujarat such as controlling narratives, sidelining dissent, and integrating regional pride with national populism served as a testbed for his governance style on a national scale. Jaffrelot’s work provides a valuable framework for understanding India’s evolving political trajectory under Modi’s leadership.
Availability and Details of book
Gujarat Under Modi: The Blueprint for Today’s India by Christophe Jaffrelot, published in English by Westland Books on 27 May 2024, examines how Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat shaped his national governance approach. The book is available for purchase at major online Amazon, Flipkart, Goodreads, retailers, bookstores, and e-commerce platforms. It comes in two formats: paperback for ₹499 and Kindle edition for ₹474. The Kindle version is an excellent choice for readers who prefer digital convenience, portability, and access across devices.
About the author of Gujarat Under Modi
Dr. Christophe Jaffrelot, born on February 12, 1964, in Poissy, France, is a distinguished French political scientist and Indologist specializing in South Asian studies, with a particular focus on India and Pakistan.
He holds degrees from prestigious institutions, including Sciences Po, the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, and the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO). In 1991, he earned his doctorate in political science from Sciences Po.
Dr. Jaffrelot serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre d’Études et de Recherches Internationales (CERI) at Sciences Po in Paris and is a Research Director at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). He has held the position of Professor of Indian Politics and Sociology at the King’s India Institute in London.
Throughout his career, Dr. Jaffrelot has made significant contributions to the study of South Asian politics, particularly concerning Hindu nationalism, caste dynamics, and ethnic conflicts in India, as well as nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism in Pakistan. His notable publications include “Religion, Caste, and Politics in India” (2010), “The Pakistan Paradox: Instability and Resilience” (2015), “India’s First Dictatorship: The Emergency, 1975-77” (2020, co-authored with Pratinav Anil), and “Modi’s India: Hindu Nationalism and the Rise of Ethnic Democracy” (2021).
In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Jaffrelot has been actively involved in various research projects, including studies on shared sacred sites in South Asia, the status of Muslims in India, and the Indian media landscape. He has also contributed to public discourse through columns in publications such as The Indian Express and The Caravan.
Dr. Jaffrelot’s expertise and scholarly work have been recognized with several accolades, including the CNRS Bronze Medal in 1993 and the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism. His extensive research and publications have established him as a leading authority on South Asian politics and society, offering valuable insights into the region’s complex dynamics.
Themes Explored in Gujarat Under Modi
Gujarat Under Modi by Christophe Jaffrelot offers an in-depth analysis of the political and socio-economic transformations in Gujarat under Narendra Modi’s leadership. The book meticulously examines how the state became a testing ground for policies and strategies that were later implemented on a national scale after Modi became India’s Prime Minister in 2014.
Communal Polarization and Its Impacts: In Gujarat Under Modi Jaffrelot delves into the deliberate communal polarization that characterized Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister. The book explores how religious divisions were accentuated, leading to significant social and political ramifications. This strategy not only consolidated a particular voter base but also set a precedent for similar tactics employed in national politics post-2014.
Institutional Capture and Governance: Jaffrelot’s analysis in Gujarat Under Modi highlights the systematic capture of state institutions, including the police and judiciary, during Modi’s administration. The book discusses how this consolidation of power facilitated the implementation of policies with minimal opposition, raising concerns about democratic checks and balances. This model of governance, as the author argues, was later mirrored at the national level.
Crony Capitalism and Economic Growth: The theme of crony capitalism is critically examined in Gujarat Under Modi. Jaffrelot discusses how economic policies favoured certain industrialists, leading to jobless growth and increasing economic inequalities. This economic blueprint, characterized by high growth rates without proportional employment generation, became a hallmark of Modi’s economic strategy nationwide.
Moditva: A New Form of Populism: In Gujarat Under Modi Jaffrelot introduces the concept of ‘Moditva,’ describing it as a unique blend of high-tech communication and national populism. The book analyzes how Modi’s charismatic leadership and innovative use of technology created a personalized form of governance that resonated with a broad spectrum of the populace, both in Gujarat and later across India.
The Gujarat Model: A National Blueprint: Jaffrelot argues in Gujarat Under Modi that the policies and strategies implemented in Gujarat served as a laboratory for the rest of India. The book provides a comprehensive examination of how the ‘Gujarat model’ was scaled up to the national level after 2014, influencing the country’s political landscape and governance.
The Genesis of the Gujarat Model: Gujarat Under Modi explores how Narendra Modi’s leadership transformed Gujarat into a case study for governance models. Jaffrelot describes the “Gujarat model” as a combination of economic liberalization, robust industrial policies, and grassroots mobilization. The model, however, was also critiqued for its prioritization of big industries over inclusive development, sidelining marginalized communities and regions.
Religious Nationalism as a Governing Tool: The book highlights the role of religious nationalism in Gujarat under Modi, where Hindutva ideology became an integral aspect of governance. By aligning with organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Modi ensured the entrenchment of Hindu identity in state politics. Jaffrelot explains how this strategy not only polarized communities but also solidified a loyal voter base.
The 2002 Riots: A Turning Point: A central theme in Gujarat Under Modi is the 2002 Gujarat riots, which are presented as both a human tragedy and a political pivot point. Jaffrelot examines the events leading to the riots and how the state machinery’s response shaped Modi’s political trajectory. The riots became emblematic of the deep communal divisions that would later find echoes in national politics.
Media Management and Image Crafting: The book delves into Modi’s exceptional ability to manage media narratives. Under Modi’s leadership, Gujarat saw the rise of a carefully created image of “development,” which overshadowed criticisms of governance failures. Jaffrelot emphasizes the use of public relations campaigns, social media, and speeches as tools to project Modi as a visionary leader.
Economic Development vs. Social Inequalities: Jaffrelot examines the contradictions of the Gujarat model in Gujarat Under Modi. While the state recorded high GDP growth, it also witnessed growing disparities in education, healthcare, and rural development. The book critiques the model for its focus on industries over agriculture, leading to farmer distress and urban-rural divides.
Suppressing Dissent and Centralizing Power: The book details how dissent was systematically suppressed in Gujarat, with NGOs, activists, and opposition voices targeted. Jaffrelot argues that Modi’s governance style centralized decision-making, sidelining bureaucratic checks and balances. This authoritarian streak, according to Jaffrelot, became a hallmark of his leadership style at the national level as well.
Electoral Strategy and Grassroots Mobilization: Gujarat Under Modi provides a detailed account of how Modi redefined electoral strategies in Gujarat. The BJP’s success was rooted in grassroots mobilization, caste engineering, and an appeal to Gujarati pride. This combination laid the foundation for BJP’s later dominance across India.
Development of Urban Centres and Smart Cities: Under Modi, Gujarat saw a significant focus on urbanization, with projects like the Sabarmati Riverfront Development and plans for smart cities. Jaffrelot critiques these efforts for favouring elite urban spaces over the broader population. This theme illustrates how the Gujarat model prioritized symbolic development over sustainable inclusivity.
Impact on Marginalized Communities: Jaffrelot highlights how marginalized groups Dalits, Muslims, and tribal communities have faced systemic exclusion under Modi’s governance in Gujarat. Policies disproportionately benefited upper castes and urban elites, leaving these communities with limited access to resources and opportunities. This systemic marginalization was mirrored in national policies post-2014.
The Politics of Victimhood and Patriotism: The book explores how Modi’s leadership in Gujarat utilized narratives of victimhood and patriotism. Jaffrelot details how Modi positioned himself as a victim of political vendettas and projected Gujarat as a victim of neglect by the central government. These narratives resonated with voters, creating a sense of regional pride.
Environmental Concerns and Industrial Growth: Another critical theme in Gujarat Under Modi is the environmental trade-offs made for industrial growth. Jaffrelot highlights how environmental clearances were expedited for large-scale projects, often at the expense of local ecosystems and communities. This approach set a precedent for national policies under Modi’s prime ministership.
The Role of Judiciary and Institutional Independence: Jaffrelot discusses the erosion of institutional independence in Gujarat, where the judiciary and police were perceived as biased during critical events, including the 2002 riots. This theme resonates with concerns about institutional independence in Modi’s India post-2014.
Blueprint for National Governance: Finally, Gujarat Under Modi concludes with an analysis of how the state served as a testing ground for strategies implemented on a national scale. The centralization of power, focus on Hindutva, and economic policies pioneered in Gujarat became defining features of Modi’s governance in India.
This comprehensive analysis of Gujarat Under Modi reveals how Gujarat’s socio-political experiments shaped modern India’s political landscape. The book offers invaluable insights for those interested in understanding the interplay of governance, ideology, and development.
Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Gujarat Under Modi offers readers a nuanced understanding of the transformations in Gujarat and their implications for contemporary India. Jaffrelot’s work is essential for those seeking to comprehend the underpinnings of India’s current political and economic environment.
Why Should You Read Gujarat Under Modi
This book by Christophe Jaffrelot offers a compelling exploration of how Narendra Modi’s governance in Gujarat became a prototype for his national leadership. It dives deep into the political strategies, societal shifts, and economic policies implemented under his tenure, providing critical insights into the rise of Hindu majoritarianism, caste dynamics, and the evolution of India’s political era.
For readers interested in contemporary Indian politics, the book serves as a well-researched guide to understanding the blueprint behind Modi’s approach to governance. With its meticulous analysis and engaging narrative, it is a must-read for academics, policymakers, and anyone curious about the forces shaping modern India.
Final Thought
Gujarat Under Modi by Christophe Jaffrelot is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched work that sheds light on the transformative impact of Narendra Modi’s tenure in Gujarat on the nation’s political and societal scene. Jaffrelot’s scholarly approach provides a balanced analysis, highlighting both the successes and controversies of Modi’s governance.
This book is an essential read for those seeking to understand the roots of India’s current political climate and the ideological shifts that have shaped its trajectory. Whether you are a student of politics, an avid follower of Indian affairs, or simply a curious reader, this book offers valuable insights and fosters a deeper understanding of contemporary India.
