|

May 11, 2013

Two biographies of Narendra Modi reviewed by Seema Chishti

Debating Vibrant Modi
Seema Chishti : Sat May 11 2013


Book: The NaMo Story A Political Story
Author: Kingshuk Nag
Publisher: Roli Books
Price: Rs 295
Pages: 188

Book: Narendra Modi The Man, The Times
Author: Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay
Publisher: Tranquebar
Price: Rs 495; Pages: 409

With so much direct speech from protagonist Narendra Modi saturating the airwaves this year, a bit of indirect speech from two journalist-authors is a relief. Of course, at first glance, the two biographies threaten to add to the tedium of the incessant propaganda which we have suffered of late — in 2D and 3D — and the equally smart NoMo agitprop that follows Modi's outings. Sceptics could also question the timing. Even if these biographies are not hagiographies, there is no such thing as bad publicity at a time when Modi faces serious allegations in the Supreme Court from Zakia Jaffrey, widow of former MP Ehsan Jaffrey, who was killed during the 2002 riots.

But these accounts add vital details to the Modi story that usually goes missing in debates on this deeply polarising man. They provide background material, unearth new connections and help understand the Modi phenomenon, instead of pushing the reader to either embrace the PR agency APCO's spin or the NoMo counter-slogans.

Kingshuk Nag and Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay have stepped back a bit and written biographies that are exactly that, careful to recognise what makes Modi who he is in India today, but equally careful to look at all the stages of his life and add to the knowledge bank about the man. The Gujarat riots are assessed in detail and Modi's role in abetting or choosing not to prevent them is clearly brought out. Both writers have known Modi and closely followed the context that spawned him. They are able to chart the inside track on Narendrabhai Modi which is usually lost in the NaMo vs NoMo fight. This includes vital details from within the parivar, of the fissures within the Hindutva Divided Family. Both accounts unravel, without rancour, the darling of industry and the Gujarat Hriday Samrat, and also the risk-averse 'master organiser' obsessed with publicity and image, who has been keen to finish off competition — but first, within his own side.
- See more at: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/debating-vibrant-modi/1114267/