New Delhi, June 10: Former Nagaland Chief Minister S.C. Jamir recently reflected on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as he marked 4,399 days in office. Jamir, who served as a parliamentary secretary under Jawaharlal Nehru, compared the leadership styles of Nehru and Modi, highlighting their distinct differences.
In his remarks, Jamir described Nehru as a philosophical leader, while he characterized Modi as a practical one. He emphasized that this practical approach is the most significant difference between the two leaders.
Jamir noted that PM Modi does not rely solely on officials to address issues. Instead, he takes a personal interest in finding solutions. “When you present a problem to him, he addresses it directly without intermediaries, striving to find a resolution,” Jamir stated.
He pointed out that during Nehru’s era, the administrative system heavily depended on officials and institutional processes, which often meant that grassroots issues did not reach the Prime Minister effectively. In contrast, Modi seeks to understand the challenges across the country through direct communication and personal involvement, allowing him to gain firsthand insight into regions like Northeast India.
Reflecting on the early years of independence, Jamir mentioned that the country’s administrative framework was significantly influenced by British practices and colonial culture. However, he believes India has since developed its own operational methods, making PM Modi appear more accessible to the general public and various social groups compared to his predecessors. Jamir remarked that Modi expresses his views openly and clearly, which distinguishes him from many former Prime Ministers.
Discussing economic policies, Jamir noted that Nehru’s government adopted a planned economy model similar to that of the Soviet Union, characterized by extensive licensing and government control. He argued that this system limited the country’s economic progress. According to him, the changes in economic thinking under Modi’s leadership are now evident, as India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.
Jamir specifically highlighted the development of Northeast India, a region that has long faced neglect. He stated that since Modi took office, the region has received unprecedented attention, with a significant increase in development projects and financial support.
Recalling his tenure as Chief Minister, he said, “When I was in office, budgets often hovered around 10 to 20 crore rupees. Today, investment and development in the Northeast have reached an entirely different level. The support we could only dream of back then is now a reality.”
Jamir also pointed to a significant achievement under Modi’s leadership: the Naga peace process. He noted that, for the first time, Naga militant groups agreed to sign two crucial political agreements, which could be a major step toward establishing lasting peace in the region.
He concluded that under Modi’s leadership, the development of Northeast India, infrastructure expansion, and the peace process have gained new momentum, promising further benefits in the years to come.
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