Power breeds an insatiable desire for control and possession, along with a deep fear of losing it. Those in power dread the moment when truth catches up with the carefully constructed web of lies. Recent developments involving Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflect how political fortunes can change and unsettle those accustomed to authority. Against this backdrop, the reaction within India’s BJP ecosystem to speculation about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s eventual exit is intriguing. For years, the Sangh Parivar has popularised the slogan ‘Aayega toh Modi hi’, making his departure from power almost unthinkable in public discourse. Yet, despite the political setbacks suffered by the BJP after 2024, even the suggestion of a post-Modi era appears to have triggered apprehension within the party. Power, however, is never permanent. No leader can remain indispensable forever. Modi’s time, too, will come, and perhaps his departure will create an opportunity for India to become a far better place.
REKHA SARIN, Benaulim
