Why PM Modi’s Image Was Removed from Vaccine Certificates: A Closer Look

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a defining moment for governments worldwide, and India is no exception. As the country grappled with vaccination drives, a curious incident caught the public’s attention: the removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image from vaccine certificates. In this article, we explore the motivations behind this move and its potential impact.

Why the Image Removal? The Prime Minister’s image was removed due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections1. However, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Misa Bharti claimed that it was driven by fear of defamation. She pointed to the emergence of “doubtful results” related to Covid-19 vaccines as the reason for this precautionary step. Bharti accused Modi of taking credit for all work and suggested that the removal was an attempt to avoid any negative fallout.

Education and Popularity: Interestingly, Modi’s popularity defies conventional wisdom. A study in 2020 found that support for populist leaders tends to decrease with higher education levels. However, in India, the opposite holds true for Modi. While 66% of Indians with only primary-school education had a “very favorable” view of him, the number rose to 80% among those with higher education2. This unique phenomenon contributes to his enduring appeal.

Broadening Support Base: Modi’s success lies in his ability to appeal to diverse groups. Between 2014 and 2019, support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) increased among rural, lower-caste, young, and poor voters. Notably, it grew significantly among “other backward classes,” which constitute nearly half of India’s population. The BJP’s support rose from 34% to 44% among this group, compared to an increase from 31% to 37.5% among all voters2. Modi’s class politics and economic policies resonate across demographics.

Elite Admiration and Economic Growth: Modi enjoys support from India’s elites, including business tycoons like Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. His party’s business-friendly stance aligns with the interests of the Bania trader community. Additionally, branding the BJP as a caste-agnostic “pan-Hindu” party allows him to retain high-caste groups while reaching out to others. Under Modi’s rule, India has experienced rapid economic growth, benefiting the upper-middle class.

The removal of Modi’s image from vaccine certificates reflects both political strategy and public sentiment. As India navigates its future, understanding the dynamics behind this decision sheds light on the complexities of leadership in a diverse and dynamic nation.