Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to be hitting the purple patch for the third consecutive year since 2014, when he took the baton from Dr Manmohan Singh to lead the country. The turn of events in 2017 catapulted Modi to even higher spheres in the political as well as diplomatic orbit. Now as we close-in on the next year, let’s take a tour at Narendra Modi’s streak of success through 2017.

The Great Battle of Uttar Pradesh

Narendra Modi and the BJP had a perfect start to the year when they seized Uttar Pradesh assembly with absolute majority, winning 325 seats. Touted as the return of Ram Rajya, the result not only strengthened BJP, it also underpinned the persistent Modi Wave in the country. Modi’s magic guided BJP to the Uttar Pradesh assembly after 14 long years and Yogi Adityanath was picked to lead the government. The win also strengthened BJP’s number in the Upper House of the Parliament.

One Nation, One Tax (GST)

After demonetisation last year, Modi carried forward his economic reforms by implementing the Goods and Service Tax on July 1st this year. Coined as ‘One Nation, One Tax’ , GST received a historic welcome in Parliament’s Central Hall. Like demonetisation, GST was, and still is, highly criticised by the opposition as a tyranny on the small businesses. The Modi government dodged every allegation and improved the GST over a series of GST Council Meetings to make it more favourable for the public.

Israel Visit

In July this year, PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. This historic visit reaffirmed Modi’s doctrine of establishing strong international relations with developed nations. During his three day visit, the PM signed seven agreements and also met an Israeli survivor of the 26/11 attack. Veteran diplomats commented that the visit will amplify India’s military strength.

GDP

The opposition suffered a face palm when the GDP growth rebounded to 6.3% in September.  With strengthening the economy, the swelled up GDP figures also reinstated trust in Modi’s economic policies.

Mission Gujarat

Modi returned to his bastion to campaign in the all important Gujarat assembly election. A revamped Congress under Rahul Gandhi and a string of young leaders-Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani and Alpesh Thakor-posed major threat to the BJP in Gujarat after over two decades of unopposed rule. Boiling with several caste movements, the political temperature in Gujarat seared high. But it was Modi magic again that secured BJP a comfortable victory in the end.