Yes, you read it right. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Home Minister, Amit Shah drove a scooter together.
During an interview and debate at The Lallantop studio, senior journalist and political analyst Rajdeep Sardesai shared an insightful anecdote from the early political journey of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sardesai, who has closely observed Modi over the years, shed light on the struggles that shaped the leader we see today.
Sardesai recounted that while Narendra Modi is now celebrated as the star campaigner of the BJP and NDA, his initial days in politics were marked by relentless dedication and hard work. His first significant milestone as a mass leader came during the 1987 municipal elections in Ahmedabad. At that time, Modi worked under prominent BJP leaders such as Keshubhai Patel, Shankar Singh Vaghela, and Suresh Mehta, diligently handling tasks that might seem minor today but were pivotal in building the party's grassroots presence.
One such task involved checking campaign posters of senior BJP leaders across the streets and lanes of Ahmedabad. Sardesai vividly described how Modi enthusiastically carried out this responsibility, riding on the back of a scooter driven by Amit Shah, who is now India’s Home Minister. This small yet telling incident underscores the camaraderie and shared vision that has defined the relationship between Modi and Shah. Their journey from modest beginnings to becoming two of the most influential leaders in Indian politics is a testament to their determination and perseverance.
Sardesai highlighted that the struggles of those early days—when Modi worked quietly behind the scenes to support his party’s growth—laid the foundation for his eventual rise as a formidable leader. Modi's transformation into a mass leader and his ascent to the pinnacle of Indian politics is the result of over four decades of unwavering commitment and relentless effort.
Reflecting on this anecdote, Sardesai concluded that the success stories of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are deeply rooted in years of hard work, strategic thinking, and grassroots-level engagement. This incident serves as a reminder that every great leader begins with small yet significant steps, and it is the relentless pursuit of their goals that ultimately sets them apart.
