Manisha Sethi
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- July 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780199489626
- eISBN:
- 9780199097548
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199489626.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
Terrorism constituted an important element of the wider ensemble of ideas and images that Narendra Modi’s election campaign disseminated. It reiterated the Bharatiya Janata Party’s idea of India as, ...
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Terrorism constituted an important element of the wider ensemble of ideas and images that Narendra Modi’s election campaign disseminated. It reiterated the Bharatiya Janata Party’s idea of India as, essentially, a Hindu nation; Hindus as authentic citizens and Muslims as the ‘other’. Based on a survey of Modi’s election speeches, BJP’s publicity material and the extensive commentary and analysis focused on the person of Narendra Modi, this paper argues that terrorism as an election issue was carefully calibrated by Modi’s managers: a spectre of imminent threats was raised, dangerous ‘other’ identified, the outgoing government was lambasted for failing to quarantine the danger, and an alternative Modi model of battling terrorism held up. This had the effect of crafting the tough, muscular, macho Hindutva icon who would rein in ‘Islamic terrorism’, and consolidating and rallying a majoritarian vote bank behind this leader.Less
Terrorism constituted an important element of the wider ensemble of ideas and images that Narendra Modi’s election campaign disseminated. It reiterated the Bharatiya Janata Party’s idea of India as, essentially, a Hindu nation; Hindus as authentic citizens and Muslims as the ‘other’. Based on a survey of Modi’s election speeches, BJP’s publicity material and the extensive commentary and analysis focused on the person of Narendra Modi, this paper argues that terrorism as an election issue was carefully calibrated by Modi’s managers: a spectre of imminent threats was raised, dangerous ‘other’ identified, the outgoing government was lambasted for failing to quarantine the danger, and an alternative Modi model of battling terrorism held up. This had the effect of crafting the tough, muscular, macho Hindutva icon who would rein in ‘Islamic terrorism’, and consolidating and rallying a majoritarian vote bank behind this leader.
Mona G. Mehta
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780195394825
- eISBN:
- 9780199380947
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195394825.003.0020
- Subject:
- Religion, Hinduism
This essay explores the long-distance nationalism of the Gujarati diaspora in the United States, specifically its attempts to influence politics in the Gujarati homeland since 2002. Through an ...
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This essay explores the long-distance nationalism of the Gujarati diaspora in the United States, specifically its attempts to influence politics in the Gujarati homeland since 2002. Through an ethnographic focus on key political mobilizations surrounding the Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s controversial leadership and entry into the United States, it examines how and why the diaspora actively shapes partisan politics in the homeland. The desire to endorse an illiberal political project of Hindutva through extensive appeals to liberal democracy such as electoral representation, the rule of law and personal freedoms and rights, is a crucial feature of Gujarati diaspora politics. It suggests that the complex transnational linkages between the Gujarati diaspora and Gujarat are best understood in terms of the diaspora’s political and economic aspirations in the homeland.Less
This essay explores the long-distance nationalism of the Gujarati diaspora in the United States, specifically its attempts to influence politics in the Gujarati homeland since 2002. Through an ethnographic focus on key political mobilizations surrounding the Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s controversial leadership and entry into the United States, it examines how and why the diaspora actively shapes partisan politics in the homeland. The desire to endorse an illiberal political project of Hindutva through extensive appeals to liberal democracy such as electoral representation, the rule of law and personal freedoms and rights, is a crucial feature of Gujarati diaspora politics. It suggests that the complex transnational linkages between the Gujarati diaspora and Gujarat are best understood in terms of the diaspora’s political and economic aspirations in the homeland.
Christophe Jaffrelot
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780190912468
- eISBN:
- 9780190912505
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190912468.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics, Comparative Politics
In Gujarat, close relations between a robust business community, politicians and the bureaucracy crystallized at an early date and survived under the Nehruvian system. In the 1990s, Gujarat ...
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In Gujarat, close relations between a robust business community, politicians and the bureaucracy crystallized at an early date and survived under the Nehruvian system. In the 1990s, Gujarat liberalized its economy more quickly than most other states. In the 2000s, the economic policy of the new chief minister, Narendra Modi, gave a new dimension to the state’s business-friendliness because it benefited SMEs, the entrepreneurial basis of Gujarat, less than large corporate houses. This “model” had implications not only for the economy (as evident from the problems that the SMEs started to face—as well as the exchequer for fiscal reasons), but also for the society (big firms need fewer workers than SMEs), the polity (grand corruption was a corollary of this pattern), and the environment (big companies were allowed to breach rules and regulations in that domain too). These issues are illustrated by relations between Narendra Modi and Gautam Adani.Less
In Gujarat, close relations between a robust business community, politicians and the bureaucracy crystallized at an early date and survived under the Nehruvian system. In the 1990s, Gujarat liberalized its economy more quickly than most other states. In the 2000s, the economic policy of the new chief minister, Narendra Modi, gave a new dimension to the state’s business-friendliness because it benefited SMEs, the entrepreneurial basis of Gujarat, less than large corporate houses. This “model” had implications not only for the economy (as evident from the problems that the SMEs started to face—as well as the exchequer for fiscal reasons), but also for the society (big firms need fewer workers than SMEs), the polity (grand corruption was a corollary of this pattern), and the environment (big companies were allowed to breach rules and regulations in that domain too). These issues are illustrated by relations between Narendra Modi and Gautam Adani.
Christopher Patrick Miller
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- June 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780190456023
- eISBN:
- 9780190456054
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190456023.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter analyzes the confluence of environmental politics, biopolitics, and the cultural role of yoga in India. It begins with an overview of India’s current economic development challenges and ...
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This chapter analyzes the confluence of environmental politics, biopolitics, and the cultural role of yoga in India. It begins with an overview of India’s current economic development challenges and shows how the country’s current prime minister has subsumed both yoga bodies and water bodies into biopolitical discourse to support a neoliberal economic boom that will contribute to the proliferation of anthropogenic climate change. The chapter then argues that alternative forms of yoga aimed at nurturing intimacy between the human body and the natural world are helping to prevent unnecessary climate-change-producing development activities in India, including the river-linking project and other massive hydroelectric projects that threaten India’s riparian environments.Less
This chapter analyzes the confluence of environmental politics, biopolitics, and the cultural role of yoga in India. It begins with an overview of India’s current economic development challenges and shows how the country’s current prime minister has subsumed both yoga bodies and water bodies into biopolitical discourse to support a neoliberal economic boom that will contribute to the proliferation of anthropogenic climate change. The chapter then argues that alternative forms of yoga aimed at nurturing intimacy between the human body and the natural world are helping to prevent unnecessary climate-change-producing development activities in India, including the river-linking project and other massive hydroelectric projects that threaten India’s riparian environments.
Robert G. Kaufman
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780813167206
- eISBN:
- 9780813167749
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813167206.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
The Obama Doctrine’s emphasis on soft power, engagement, and American military retrenchment has fundamentally misread the dynamic of power in the world’s most important geopolitical region in the ...
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The Obama Doctrine’s emphasis on soft power, engagement, and American military retrenchment has fundamentally misread the dynamic of power in the world’s most important geopolitical region in the twenty-first century. President Obama’s vaunted Asian pivot remains largely hollow because of the combination of an increasingly authoritarian China’s swelling ambitions and prodigious military buildup, which has coincided with American retrenchment and neglect of its prospective democratic allies in the region, such as Japan and India. Neither American soft power nor the president’s salutary but insufficient and belated attempts to cultivate democratic India and Japan diplomatically will suffice to reverse the precipitous decline in American credibility that is alarming the region. The source of President Obama’s serious and serial errors lies in his untenable depreciation of American hard power as well as his doctrine’s untenable neglect of regime type and ideology as critical variables for identifying friends and foes. The Obama Doctrine has dangerously discounted the importance of Chinese authoritarianism as a source of its relentless expansion while unwisely slighting democratic India and Japan as geopolitical counterweights to China’s hegemonic ambitions.Less
The Obama Doctrine’s emphasis on soft power, engagement, and American military retrenchment has fundamentally misread the dynamic of power in the world’s most important geopolitical region in the twenty-first century. President Obama’s vaunted Asian pivot remains largely hollow because of the combination of an increasingly authoritarian China’s swelling ambitions and prodigious military buildup, which has coincided with American retrenchment and neglect of its prospective democratic allies in the region, such as Japan and India. Neither American soft power nor the president’s salutary but insufficient and belated attempts to cultivate democratic India and Japan diplomatically will suffice to reverse the precipitous decline in American credibility that is alarming the region. The source of President Obama’s serious and serial errors lies in his untenable depreciation of American hard power as well as his doctrine’s untenable neglect of regime type and ideology as critical variables for identifying friends and foes. The Obama Doctrine has dangerously discounted the importance of Chinese authoritarianism as a source of its relentless expansion while unwisely slighting democratic India and Japan as geopolitical counterweights to China’s hegemonic ambitions.
Sudha Pai and Sajjan Kumar
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- April 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780199466290
- eISBN:
- 9780199095865
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199466290.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
This chapter analyses the reasons underlying the revival of communalism in western UP in the 2000s, culminating in one of the most extremely violent riots in recent decades in UP in Muzaffarnagar and ...
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This chapter analyses the reasons underlying the revival of communalism in western UP in the 2000s, culminating in one of the most extremely violent riots in recent decades in UP in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining districts in 2013. Two longer-term developments played a key role: sustained construction of everyday communalism by the BJP–RSS at the grass roots from the early 2000s, followed by the long and divisive electoral campaign for the 2014 national elections under Narendra Modi; a deepening agrarian crisis which contributed to the breakdown of the relatively harmonious, socioeconomic relationship between Hindus—primarily Jats—and Muslims in the rural areas, making them highly vulnerable to communal feelings. These shifts allowed the BJP through well-organized and sustained mobilization to deepen the sociopolitical divide between these communities, leading to communal tension and riots. While the former constitutes the political and aggressively visible form, the latter constitutes the underlying political economy aspect.Less
This chapter analyses the reasons underlying the revival of communalism in western UP in the 2000s, culminating in one of the most extremely violent riots in recent decades in UP in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining districts in 2013. Two longer-term developments played a key role: sustained construction of everyday communalism by the BJP–RSS at the grass roots from the early 2000s, followed by the long and divisive electoral campaign for the 2014 national elections under Narendra Modi; a deepening agrarian crisis which contributed to the breakdown of the relatively harmonious, socioeconomic relationship between Hindus—primarily Jats—and Muslims in the rural areas, making them highly vulnerable to communal feelings. These shifts allowed the BJP through well-organized and sustained mobilization to deepen the sociopolitical divide between these communities, leading to communal tension and riots. While the former constitutes the political and aggressively visible form, the latter constitutes the underlying political economy aspect.
Pradeep K. Chhibber and Rahul Verma
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780190623876
- eISBN:
- 9780190623913
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190623876.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
The 2014 national elections were an ideological showdown between the main political parties with distinctly different visions offered to Indian voters. The BJP advocated a de-emphasis on statism and ...
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The 2014 national elections were an ideological showdown between the main political parties with distinctly different visions offered to Indian voters. The BJP advocated a de-emphasis on statism and recognition whereas the Congress and many regional parties favored the status quo. Voter surveys of the 2014 election provide clear evidence of this ideological divide both among party members and voters of particular parties. The divide was furthered by Narendra Modi, the chief campaigner for the BJP, whose personal appeal was important to the electoral success of the BJP. Consistent with theoretical expectations ideologically motivated voters were more likely to participate in political activity around election time. They are also able to distinguish between the ideological vision offered by the various parties and coalitions.Less
The 2014 national elections were an ideological showdown between the main political parties with distinctly different visions offered to Indian voters. The BJP advocated a de-emphasis on statism and recognition whereas the Congress and many regional parties favored the status quo. Voter surveys of the 2014 election provide clear evidence of this ideological divide both among party members and voters of particular parties. The divide was furthered by Narendra Modi, the chief campaigner for the BJP, whose personal appeal was important to the electoral success of the BJP. Consistent with theoretical expectations ideologically motivated voters were more likely to participate in political activity around election time. They are also able to distinguish between the ideological vision offered by the various parties and coalitions.
Arvind Panagariya and M. Govinda Rao
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- April 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780190236625
- eISBN:
- 9780190236656
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190236625.003.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
This chapter explains the reasoning behind the choice of the states and summarizes the findings of the three state case studies. We chose Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat based on the criteria that ...
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This chapter explains the reasoning behind the choice of the states and summarizes the findings of the three state case studies. We chose Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat based on the criteria that the states should be reforming, large, at different levels of development, and with records of fast growth. Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were similar until the mid-1990s, but then the former took off with per capita income and poverty levels greatly diverging in its favor. Visionary leadership of Chief Minister (CM) Chandrababu Naidu played a key role in this transformation. Bihar suffered from neglect and sometimes exploitation by both national and domestic leadership. However, the state turned around when Nitish Kumar became CM in 2005 and systematically addressed law and order and development issues. Finally, Gujarat has had a more consistent history of sustained growth, but it too took a jump under CM Narendra Modi.Less
This chapter explains the reasoning behind the choice of the states and summarizes the findings of the three state case studies. We chose Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat based on the criteria that the states should be reforming, large, at different levels of development, and with records of fast growth. Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were similar until the mid-1990s, but then the former took off with per capita income and poverty levels greatly diverging in its favor. Visionary leadership of Chief Minister (CM) Chandrababu Naidu played a key role in this transformation. Bihar suffered from neglect and sometimes exploitation by both national and domestic leadership. However, the state turned around when Nitish Kumar became CM in 2005 and systematically addressed law and order and development issues. Finally, Gujarat has had a more consistent history of sustained growth, but it too took a jump under CM Narendra Modi.
Irfan Ahmad and Pralay Kanungo (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- July 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780199489626
- eISBN:
- 9780199097548
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199489626.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
Electoral democracy combines the ideas and practices of warfare and welfare, where both work in tandem as near synonyms. India’s robust electoral democracy exemplifies this combination in diverse ...
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Electoral democracy combines the ideas and practices of warfare and welfare, where both work in tandem as near synonyms. India’s robust electoral democracy exemplifies this combination in diverse forms. Critically analysing the 2014 Parliamentary elections beyond the seduction of immediacy and bare cold statistics, this book puts human subjectivity at the centre of election studies and, through an anthropological–sociological approach, makes lives—human and non-human, lived and unlived or unlivable—central to any understanding of elections and democracy. Crafting a new, comprehensive approach, this volume looks at the 2014 elections in relation to the changing nature and forms of elections and democracy globally. Coming from multidisciplinary backgrounds, the contributors to this volume use ethnographic observations to open up a space for new theoretical and methodological reflections on the role of media in Indian elections, the shift to the right in 2014 and its consequences, the significance of traditional Hindu spaces such as the river Ganga in BJP’s victory, the role of gurus like Baba Ramdev, and the electoral choices available to and exercised by the minorities, among others.Less
Electoral democracy combines the ideas and practices of warfare and welfare, where both work in tandem as near synonyms. India’s robust electoral democracy exemplifies this combination in diverse forms. Critically analysing the 2014 Parliamentary elections beyond the seduction of immediacy and bare cold statistics, this book puts human subjectivity at the centre of election studies and, through an anthropological–sociological approach, makes lives—human and non-human, lived and unlived or unlivable—central to any understanding of elections and democracy. Crafting a new, comprehensive approach, this volume looks at the 2014 elections in relation to the changing nature and forms of elections and democracy globally. Coming from multidisciplinary backgrounds, the contributors to this volume use ethnographic observations to open up a space for new theoretical and methodological reflections on the role of media in Indian elections, the shift to the right in 2014 and its consequences, the significance of traditional Hindu spaces such as the river Ganga in BJP’s victory, the role of gurus like Baba Ramdev, and the electoral choices available to and exercised by the minorities, among others.
Archana Dholakia and Ravindra Dholakia
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- April 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780190236625
- eISBN:
- 9780190236656
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190236625.003.0021
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
This concluding chapter draws common lessons from the three case studies, discusses the latest developments in the states and their likely implications, and speculates on how the promise of a changed ...
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This concluding chapter draws common lessons from the three case studies, discusses the latest developments in the states and their likely implications, and speculates on how the promise of a changed approach to federalism that assigns an enhanced role to the states under the newly elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi might impact the future outcomes. The chapter argues that scholars need to give greater attention to the study of states to understand the process of development. This is particularly important in a large country like India in which many states house more people than most countries and where state governments wield considerable legislative and executive powers. The new Prime Minister has promised to give states considerable flexibility to amend the laws on the subjects under the Concurrent List of the Constitution based on the local circumstances. This flexibility will considerably enhance the legislative and policy space of the states.Less
This concluding chapter draws common lessons from the three case studies, discusses the latest developments in the states and their likely implications, and speculates on how the promise of a changed approach to federalism that assigns an enhanced role to the states under the newly elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi might impact the future outcomes. The chapter argues that scholars need to give greater attention to the study of states to understand the process of development. This is particularly important in a large country like India in which many states house more people than most countries and where state governments wield considerable legislative and executive powers. The new Prime Minister has promised to give states considerable flexibility to amend the laws on the subjects under the Concurrent List of the Constitution based on the local circumstances. This flexibility will considerably enhance the legislative and policy space of the states.
D. Asher Ghertner
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199385560
- eISBN:
- 9780190263324
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199385560.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
The book’s conclusion summarizes key findings and traces the transformation of urban and national politics in India in the wake of a series of high-profile corruption scandals, including corruption ...
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The book’s conclusion summarizes key findings and traces the transformation of urban and national politics in India in the wake of a series of high-profile corruption scandals, including corruption charges associated with the Delhi Commonwealth Games. As anti-corruption programs have recently sought to re-establish the more calculative forms of government—such as mapping, digital identification cards, and field-based surveys—that were abandoned in millennial Delhi, the conclusion shows how urban aesthetics continue to shape the future of the Indian city. The chapter specifically examines low-income housing programs, India’s inclusive development agenda, and the rise of Narendra Modi’s prime ministership as examples of a contradiction between the world-class aesthetic and popular demands for democratic representation and affordable housing.Less
The book’s conclusion summarizes key findings and traces the transformation of urban and national politics in India in the wake of a series of high-profile corruption scandals, including corruption charges associated with the Delhi Commonwealth Games. As anti-corruption programs have recently sought to re-establish the more calculative forms of government—such as mapping, digital identification cards, and field-based surveys—that were abandoned in millennial Delhi, the conclusion shows how urban aesthetics continue to shape the future of the Indian city. The chapter specifically examines low-income housing programs, India’s inclusive development agenda, and the rise of Narendra Modi’s prime ministership as examples of a contradiction between the world-class aesthetic and popular demands for democratic representation and affordable housing.
Subir Bhaumik
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- April 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199463800
- eISBN:
- 9780199086535
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199463800.003.0016
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
This looks at how the ‘Agartala doctrine’ of ‘appropriate response’ is meaningful for Northeastern states as they seek to break free of India’s limiting security paradigm and leverage the ...
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This looks at how the ‘Agartala doctrine’ of ‘appropriate response’ is meaningful for Northeastern states as they seek to break free of India’s limiting security paradigm and leverage the opportunities available to it as result of India’s Look East policy. Both the challenges they are likely to face in the changing dynamics of the region and the opportunities they have been laid bare by the rich mix of contributions. This concluding chapter argues for a clear direction to leverage the opportunities and circumvent the challenges that lay ahead.Less
This looks at how the ‘Agartala doctrine’ of ‘appropriate response’ is meaningful for Northeastern states as they seek to break free of India’s limiting security paradigm and leverage the opportunities available to it as result of India’s Look East policy. Both the challenges they are likely to face in the changing dynamics of the region and the opportunities they have been laid bare by the rich mix of contributions. This concluding chapter argues for a clear direction to leverage the opportunities and circumvent the challenges that lay ahead.
Harsh V. Pant
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781784993368
- eISBN:
- 9781526109859
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9781784993368.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
This chapter provides a brief historical overview of Indian foreign policy and lays out some central themes in the evolution of Indian foreign policy.
This chapter provides a brief historical overview of Indian foreign policy and lays out some central themes in the evolution of Indian foreign policy.
Archana Dholakia and Ravindra Dholakia
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- April 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780190236625
- eISBN:
- 9780190236656
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190236625.003.0019
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
The chapter shows that the use of modern technology and management principles in delivery of public services and several reforms including judicial reforms have improved transparency, accountability ...
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The chapter shows that the use of modern technology and management principles in delivery of public services and several reforms including judicial reforms have improved transparency, accountability and interdepartmental coordination in administration. Various illustrations suggest how the state’s efficiency is hampered by the center’s unilateral policies, particularly when a different political party rules the latter. The state has performed well in terms of quality of governance, efficiency, and effectiveness to win the confidence of the domestic and global private sector. The revealed comparative advantage enjoyed by the state in several diverse economic activities indicates that such an advantage is more on account of the economic environment created by the good governance rather than any specific resource base. Progress and achievements of the state on different fronts especially after 2003 establishes the role of effective leadership provided by the Chief Minister Narendra Modi.Less
The chapter shows that the use of modern technology and management principles in delivery of public services and several reforms including judicial reforms have improved transparency, accountability and interdepartmental coordination in administration. Various illustrations suggest how the state’s efficiency is hampered by the center’s unilateral policies, particularly when a different political party rules the latter. The state has performed well in terms of quality of governance, efficiency, and effectiveness to win the confidence of the domestic and global private sector. The revealed comparative advantage enjoyed by the state in several diverse economic activities indicates that such an advantage is more on account of the economic environment created by the good governance rather than any specific resource base. Progress and achievements of the state on different fronts especially after 2003 establishes the role of effective leadership provided by the Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Eswaran Sridharan and Milan Vaishnav
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- March 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780199487271
- eISBN:
- 9780199093144
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199487271.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
This chapter surveys the legal and regulatory history of political finance in India, situating it in the context of India’s political economy. It devotes special attention to recent developments, ...
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This chapter surveys the legal and regulatory history of political finance in India, situating it in the context of India’s political economy. It devotes special attention to recent developments, including new reforms implemented by the Modi government in 2017. It also discusses possible areas of reform, including the regulation of political parties, which can lead to increased transparency and help the country break out of a corrupt equilibrium.Less
This chapter surveys the legal and regulatory history of political finance in India, situating it in the context of India’s political economy. It devotes special attention to recent developments, including new reforms implemented by the Modi government in 2017. It also discusses possible areas of reform, including the regulation of political parties, which can lead to increased transparency and help the country break out of a corrupt equilibrium.
C. Christine Fair
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- July 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198840848
- eISBN:
- 9780191876745
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198840848.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory, Comparative Politics
This chapter maps the historic foundations of Indian grand strategy and the obstacles that have precluded the realization of a new one. First, it describes the elements of Nehru’s grand strategy, and ...
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This chapter maps the historic foundations of Indian grand strategy and the obstacles that have precluded the realization of a new one. First, it describes the elements of Nehru’s grand strategy, and the ways and means that India adopted to pursue them. Second, it examines the factors that have galvanized debates about discarding these Nehruvian commitments. Third, it describes the various contemporary, contending schools of thought about what India’s grand strategy should be. Fourth, it explores the various bureaucratic and political obstacles to transitioning away from this Nehruvian past. The fifth section argues that what has resulted is a form of incrementalism that has nonetheless precipitated important changes in India’s political, diplomatic, and military behavior away from these past Nehruvian commitments. The chapter concludes on a skeptical note by questioning whether the contemporary Indian administration will be able to craft a coherent grand strategy, given the vociferous nature of India’s democracy and decentralized political structure.Less
This chapter maps the historic foundations of Indian grand strategy and the obstacles that have precluded the realization of a new one. First, it describes the elements of Nehru’s grand strategy, and the ways and means that India adopted to pursue them. Second, it examines the factors that have galvanized debates about discarding these Nehruvian commitments. Third, it describes the various contemporary, contending schools of thought about what India’s grand strategy should be. Fourth, it explores the various bureaucratic and political obstacles to transitioning away from this Nehruvian past. The fifth section argues that what has resulted is a form of incrementalism that has nonetheless precipitated important changes in India’s political, diplomatic, and military behavior away from these past Nehruvian commitments. The chapter concludes on a skeptical note by questioning whether the contemporary Indian administration will be able to craft a coherent grand strategy, given the vociferous nature of India’s democracy and decentralized political structure.
Arvind Panagariya and M. Govinda Rao (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- April 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780190236625
- eISBN:
- 9780190236656
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190236625.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
The book studies three Indian states that grew in excess of 8% per year for a decade in the twenty-first century: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat. Despite differences of geography, size, resource ...
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The book studies three Indian states that grew in excess of 8% per year for a decade in the twenty-first century: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat. Despite differences of geography, size, resource endowments, and initial levels of development, several common features tie their experiences together. First, accelerated growth has permitted acceleration in the growth of development expenditures in all three states, which has helped improve connectivity to markets. Alongside, poverty has seen accelerated decline. Second, the composition of growth matters. Growth in high-value commodities such as fruits and vegetables, commercial crops, dairy, and animal husbandry in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat has led to accelerated reduction in rural poverty. But the failure of labor-intensive industry has stunted migration of workers out of agriculture into industry. Third, the quality of leadership that brings improved governance with it is central to improved outcomes in the states. Visionary leaders—Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh, Nitish Kumar in Bihar, and Narendra Modi in Gujarat—played a critical role in the making of all three miracles. Fourth, the three studies also bring out the importance of pro-market reforms and the adoption of technology in development. Finally, the studies show that good economics can also be good politics: voters reward the chief ministers who bring about significant improvement to the people’s lives.Less
The book studies three Indian states that grew in excess of 8% per year for a decade in the twenty-first century: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat. Despite differences of geography, size, resource endowments, and initial levels of development, several common features tie their experiences together. First, accelerated growth has permitted acceleration in the growth of development expenditures in all three states, which has helped improve connectivity to markets. Alongside, poverty has seen accelerated decline. Second, the composition of growth matters. Growth in high-value commodities such as fruits and vegetables, commercial crops, dairy, and animal husbandry in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat has led to accelerated reduction in rural poverty. But the failure of labor-intensive industry has stunted migration of workers out of agriculture into industry. Third, the quality of leadership that brings improved governance with it is central to improved outcomes in the states. Visionary leaders—Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh, Nitish Kumar in Bihar, and Narendra Modi in Gujarat—played a critical role in the making of all three miracles. Fourth, the three studies also bring out the importance of pro-market reforms and the adoption of technology in development. Finally, the studies show that good economics can also be good politics: voters reward the chief ministers who bring about significant improvement to the people’s lives.
Rani D. Mullen
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199467242
- eISBN:
- 9780199087143
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199467242.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics, Security Studies
India’s quarter century old Look East Policy, a policy focused on increasing India’s strategic as well as economic relationship with its eastern neighbours, was refashioned under Prime Minister ...
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India’s quarter century old Look East Policy, a policy focused on increasing India’s strategic as well as economic relationship with its eastern neighbours, was refashioned under Prime Minister Modi’s administration into an Act East Policy. This new policy has made India’s relations with its East Asian neighbours a priority and the facilitation of trade in particular will be crucial to determining the success of the overall Act East policy. Trade with India’s eastern neighbours would bring large benefits to the overall economy and per capita incomes in India as well as its eastern neighbours. Indeed a strong India Trade East policy has the potential to transform the South and Southeast Asian region into an engine of growth for Asia. Yet the continuing high non-tariff barriers, lack of infrastructure, and the resolution of lingering border issues with India’s eastern neighbours will be crucial hurdles that need to be overcome in order for the Act East policy to enable India’s trade eastward.Less
India’s quarter century old Look East Policy, a policy focused on increasing India’s strategic as well as economic relationship with its eastern neighbours, was refashioned under Prime Minister Modi’s administration into an Act East Policy. This new policy has made India’s relations with its East Asian neighbours a priority and the facilitation of trade in particular will be crucial to determining the success of the overall Act East policy. Trade with India’s eastern neighbours would bring large benefits to the overall economy and per capita incomes in India as well as its eastern neighbours. Indeed a strong India Trade East policy has the potential to transform the South and Southeast Asian region into an engine of growth for Asia. Yet the continuing high non-tariff barriers, lack of infrastructure, and the resolution of lingering border issues with India’s eastern neighbours will be crucial hurdles that need to be overcome in order for the Act East policy to enable India’s trade eastward.
Mahesh K. Joshi and J.R. Klein
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198827481
- eISBN:
- 9780191866388
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198827481.003.0010
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
India’s economic journey has seen many ups and downs since 3,500 BC. It has become the third largest economy in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) in purchasing power parity (PPP). It has the ...
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India’s economic journey has seen many ups and downs since 3,500 BC. It has become the third largest economy in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) in purchasing power parity (PPP). It has the second largest English-speaking population after the United States. India has successfully built its knowledge-based industry with software exports being its primary product. The Government has taken aggressive steps to move toward a cashless transaction society by driving digitization. It has de-monetized the currency in an attempt to eradicate corruption and to provide an alternate platform for electronic payments. Sector-wide policy intervention by the Government, intended to drive economic growth, may create a completely new growth story. Its large consumer base is an attractive market, and demographic diversity is a competitive advantage. India is the fastest growing emerging economy in the world with a population of 1.3 billion.Less
India’s economic journey has seen many ups and downs since 3,500 BC. It has become the third largest economy in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) in purchasing power parity (PPP). It has the second largest English-speaking population after the United States. India has successfully built its knowledge-based industry with software exports being its primary product. The Government has taken aggressive steps to move toward a cashless transaction society by driving digitization. It has de-monetized the currency in an attempt to eradicate corruption and to provide an alternate platform for electronic payments. Sector-wide policy intervention by the Government, intended to drive economic growth, may create a completely new growth story. Its large consumer base is an attractive market, and demographic diversity is a competitive advantage. India is the fastest growing emerging economy in the world with a population of 1.3 billion.
Jonah Blank
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199467242
- eISBN:
- 9780199087143
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199467242.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics, Security Studies
With a self-confident and internationally-minded government in New Delhi, India has an unprecedented opportunity turn its ‘Look East’ Policy into a genuine ‘Act East’ programme. This would advance ...
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With a self-confident and internationally-minded government in New Delhi, India has an unprecedented opportunity turn its ‘Look East’ Policy into a genuine ‘Act East’ programme. This would advance India’s strategic interests, and would be in harmony with the regional goals of the United States, Japan, and most of the nations of Southeast Asia. But as the BJP’s honeymoon period fades, its potential for major policy initiatives may fade as well. India’s engagement with Myanmar is a microcosm of its relationship with Southeast Asia. New Delhi measures its ties against the pre-1990s stasis, and sees vibrant growth. But Southeast Asian nations—and Myanmar in particular—use their ties to China, the U.S. or other states as a metric, and see India lagging far behind. When engaging its neighbours to the east, India needs less ‘looking’ and more ‘acting’.Less
With a self-confident and internationally-minded government in New Delhi, India has an unprecedented opportunity turn its ‘Look East’ Policy into a genuine ‘Act East’ programme. This would advance India’s strategic interests, and would be in harmony with the regional goals of the United States, Japan, and most of the nations of Southeast Asia. But as the BJP’s honeymoon period fades, its potential for major policy initiatives may fade as well. India’s engagement with Myanmar is a microcosm of its relationship with Southeast Asia. New Delhi measures its ties against the pre-1990s stasis, and sees vibrant growth. But Southeast Asian nations—and Myanmar in particular—use their ties to China, the U.S. or other states as a metric, and see India lagging far behind. When engaging its neighbours to the east, India needs less ‘looking’ and more ‘acting’.
