PM Modi’s Moves: Strategic Leadership or Political Distraction?

The article published on May 1, 2025, by The Wire titled “From ‘Free Hand’ to Armed Forces to Caste Census, Modi Masters the Art of Political Misdirection”) claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi uses tactics like granting the armed forces a “free hand” and approving a caste census to deflect attention from security failures, particularly the Pahalgam terror attack. It paints these decisions as cynical ploys to dodge accountability. But is this the full picture? Let’s break it down with facts and a balanced view, exploring whether PM Modi’s actions are strategic leadership or mere political distraction.

The Pahalgam Attack and Security Response

The Wire article suggests that PM Modi’s announcement of giving the armed forces “complete freedom” to respond to the Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed on April 22, 2025, is a way to hide security lapses. It argues that this move shields PM Modi behind the military’s respected image. However, this overlooks the context of India’s security challenges and the government’s broader strategy.

The Pahalgam attack was a tragic incident. The government acknowledged security gaps and a new National Security Advisory Board was formed to strengthen oversight. Granting the armed forces operational freedom is a standard response in counter-terrorism, allowing swift, decisive action without bureaucratic delays. For instance, post-Uri (2016) and Pulwama (2019) attacks, similar autonomy led to surgical strikes that targeted terrorist camps across the border. This approach has historically disrupted terror networks, with data showing a 40% drop in terror-related incidents in Jammu & Kashmir from 2018 to 2023.

Rather than misdirection, this could be seen as PM Modi leveraging the military’s expertise to restore public confidence and deter future attacks. Critics may argue it shifts focus from failures, but the government’s openness about lapses and subsequent reforms suggest accountability, not evasion.

The Caste Census Decision: Opportunism or Necessity?

The Wire claims PM Modi’s approval of a caste census on April 30, 2025, is a “political somersault” to distract from the Pahalgam fallout, given the BJP’s historical opposition to such a move. It suggests this decision contradicts the BJP’s Hindutva ideology and is a desperate bid to retain OBC votes. But let’s look at the bigger picture.

The caste census has been a long-standing demand, notably pushed by opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and regional parties like Bihar’s JD(U). The BJP’s initial resistance stemmed from concerns that it could deepen caste divisions, a view shared by the RSS

PM Modi’s approval of the census, announced by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, aligns with electoral realities and public demand. The 2023 Bihar caste survey, which revealed OBCs and EBCs constitute 63% of the state’s population, underscored the need for updated data to ensure equitable welfare policies. Far from a hasty distraction, this move reflects a pragmatic shift to address social justice demands while maintaining the BJP’s OBC voter base, which has been pivotal since 2014.

The Wire’s claim that this contradicts Hindutva ignores the BJP’s history of balancing ideology with pragmatism. PM Modi himself, an OBC leader, has used his identity to connect with voters since 2013, and the party has courted OBC and Dalit groups in states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Addressing Minority Concerns

The article warns that PM Modi’s “free hand” policy risks fueling anti-minority sentiment post-Pahalgam, citing a “convergence” between Hindutva hardliners and the attack’s perpetrators. This is a serious charge, but it lacks evidence linking government policy to communal violence. The PM Modi government has faced criticism for not curbing fringe elements, but it has also taken steps to maintain communal harmony. For example, after the 2024 elections, PM Modi emphasized “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” in his victory speech, urging unity.

Moreover, the armed forces operate under strict protocols, and their actions are unlikely to target communities broadly. The Army’s counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir focus on neutralizing threats, with over 90% of encounters in 2023-24 targeting identified militants, not civilians. Painting the “free hand” as a communal dog-whistle oversimplifies a complex security issue and ignores the military’s professional conduct.

Leadership or Distraction?

The Wire portrays paints PM Modi’s decisions as political theater, but a closer look shows a leader navigating tough realities. The Pahalgam attack demanded a strong response, and empowering the armed forces aligns with proven counter-terrorism strategies. The caste census, while a shift, responds to electoral and social pressures, not just a diversion. These moves carry risks—security operations must avoid excess, and the census could deepen caste divides—but they reflect calculated leadership, not mere misdirection.

PM Modi’s track record shows he’s no stranger to bold moves. From demonetization to Article 370’s abrogation, he takes risks to shape narratives and deliver results. Whether you see him as a master strategist or a political showman depends on perspective, but dismissing his actions as distractions ignores the data and context. India’s challenges—terrorism, caste inequities, communal tensions—demand tough calls. PM Modi’s making them, for better or worse.

Bottomline

The Wire’s article offers a critical lens, but it leans heavily on wanton speculation, like the absolutely unproven link between PM Modi’s policies and communal strife. If anything, Modi’s ability to endear himself to people, cutting across ideologies and political affiliations is legendary. He has done this both through deft policy making which has universal appeal and ofcourse, his personal charisma has played a big role too.By focusing on “misdirection,” The Wire completely misses the plot and downplays the strategic logic behind PM Modi’s decisions. The truth is simply this–PM Modi is not just another politician, but an astute global statesman who knows how to prioritise issues by having real skin in the game. Calling Modi’s strategically bold measures, a mere deflection therefore , sells short the complexity of governing a 140 crore plus people. The Wire’s prejudice against Modi is evidently visible and is a desperate attempt to deny the PM his rightful place amongst the comity of great world leaders.