Modi’s billionaire problem

Trouble ahead? Modi (centre) speaking to media at the opening of the budget session of Parliament in New Delhi on Jan 31. Recent developments involving financial and censorship issues could cause the Indian PM some discomfiture ahead of next year’s elections. — AFP

INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not have crossed into 2023 with a stronger wind in his sails. His political dominance over India is unquestioned, his global image strong. The India Today mood of the nation poll published in late January had his government’s approval ratings soaring from 56% to 67% over the past two years.

Approaching nine years in power, there is little trace of anti-incumbency against either India’s prime minister or his government.