MODI ‘Wave’-Leadership Legitimation and Institutionalization in Indian Politics

‘Wave’ is a political phenomenon that leads to a major electoral gain or loss for a political party, an expression of pro or anti-incumbency public mood. ‘MODI-wave’ is an electoral manifestation depicting the hegemonic leadership of Narendra Modi that scripts victories in Indian elections based on political charisma, social legitimacy and cultural nationalism. His critics question legality of his regime in terms of democratic deficit, incompetent governance and unrepresentative of ‘will of the whole people’. However, the saffron party’s victories in national elections 2014 and 2019 is a reflection of ‘will of the majority’ that institutionalized and routinized Modi wave. ‘There is No Alternative’ to Modi’ is deeply entrenched in minds of voters as they rewarded him with successive leadership renewals and re-legitimations. The validation of Modi’s leadership in national elections 2024 vindicates that the goalpost of party politics in India has changed from ideological contestations to presidentialization, a battle of charismatic populism.