A decade has brought about significant changes. Yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony at Albert Hall bore witness to this transformation. While the public and party workers displayed evident enthusiasm and excitement, on stage, a sense of discipline prevailed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi adhered to the schedule, participating in the swearing-in ceremony. As Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, took the oath, Governor Kalraj Mishra granted permission to conclude the program. PM Modi, positioned on the adjacent stage, greeted saints, sages, and leaders, joining hands and waving to the large crowd before returning to Delhi. Yesterday, PM Modi exuded a serious and dignified demeanour, akin to a guardian.
Reminiscing about December 13, 2013, precisely a decade ago. At that time, Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, but the party had nominated him as the Prime Ministerial candidate. The Modi wave, which would go on to influence the elections, had begun to take shape. Modi was credited with a resounding victory in 2013, with the BJP securing 163 out of 200 seats, marking a record triumph. The ceremony took place at the main entrance of the assembly, with Vasundhara Raje taking the oath as Chief Minister for the second time. There was a single stage, and Modi, in a jubilant mood, was interacting with everyone. Current Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, upon arriving on stage, received an immediate hug from Modi, capturing a memorable photo that became widely discussed.
Contrastingly, yesterday’s ceremony lacked such candid moments, yet the noticeable interaction between the three leaders—Chief Minister Gehlot, Central Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and former CM Raje—marked a significant presence. The leaders, now situated on different stages, conversed, joked, and laughed together, symbolizing something noteworthy in today’s political context.
In 2013, Modi was not the Prime Minister, fostering a more amicable atmosphere. Today, he participated in the ceremony as the Prime Minister, showcasing his political ascendancy over the past decade. In just nine years, Modi has reshaped Indian politics, leading the central government twice and securing BJP victories in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The political landscape has witnessed unprecedented changes under Modi’s leadership.