Modi’s 75th Birthday: Celebration or Cult of Personality?

By: Muhammad Azam Shahid

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on September 17, 2025, his birthday was celebrated as a national event, raising questions about whether it was a genuine tribute or an orchestrated display of flattery. Earlier, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat suggested that BJP leaders aged 75 should retire from active politics but later clarified that this rule does not apply to those in constitutional positions, signaling Modi’s continued leadership.

Major media outlets, including The Times of India, published special supplements praising Modi, while TV channels and Doordarshan aired programs highlighting his life and achievements, including a documentary titled Karm Yogi. Critics argue this reflects a carefully crafted image portraying Modi as the voice of the people and the key to India’s progress.

However, Modi’s 11-year tenure has faced criticism. His foreign policy, often centered on personal diplomacy, has been accused of limiting India’s global relations. Domestically, policies have been criticized for fostering religious division, particularly among youth, and failing to address unemployment. The Modi government’s focus on select corporate groups and slogans like “Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” (Development for all, Trust of all) have been called hollow by detractors.

Muslims, in particular, have felt marginalized, with policies like the new Waqf law, alleged interference in religious affairs, and targeted demolitions of Muslim properties cited as examples. Journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani highlighted these concerns in a video, pointing to systemic issues like communal violence and discriminatory rhetoric. Despite Modi’s calls for inclusivity, critics argue his actions contradict his words, leaving minorities, especially Muslims, feeling insecure.

BJP-led governments marked Modi’s birthday with “Seva hi Samarpan” (Service is Devotion) programs, but skeptics question if these initiatives serve the common Indian or merely bolster Modi’s image. For many, the celebrations reflect an authoritarian style of governance centered on one individual.

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The views expressed are those of the author.

Source: Haqiqat Time