Since 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come to power with a series of ambitious promises. These commitments were presented as transformative goals meant to reshape India’s economy, governance, and social fabric. However, after more than a decade in power, many of these promises remain unfulfilled or have delivered results far below expectations.
This article critically examines some of the most prominent promises and compares them with on-ground realities.
1. Make in India – FAILED
Launched to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce imports, Make in India aimed to increase manufacturing’s share in GDP to 25%.
Reality: Manufacturing’s contribution has stagnated, MSMEs have struggled post-demonetisation and GST, and India remains heavily import-dependent—especially on China.
2. Women Safety – FAILED
Safety for women was repeatedly highlighted as a governance priority.
Reality: NCRB data continues to show rising crimes against women, including rape and domestic violence. High-profile cases often face delays, political interference, or inadequate justice.
3. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan – FAILED
While toilet construction numbers were publicized heavily, the mission aimed for overall sanitation and behavioral change.
Reality: Open defecation persists in many regions, waste management systems are inadequate, and urban garbage disposal remains a major challenge.
4. Namami Gange – FAILED
The project promised a clean and rejuvenated Ganga.
Reality: Pollution levels remain dangerously high. Untreated sewage continues to flow into the river despite thousands of crores spent.
5. Demonetisation – FAILED
Marketed as a strike against black money, terrorism, and fake currency.
Reality: Almost all demonetised currency returned to banks. The informal economy was severely damaged, millions lost livelihoods, and no significant black money recovery occurred.
6. Pollution Control – FAILED
India committed to tackling air and water pollution.
Reality: Indian cities dominate global pollution rankings. Air quality in Delhi and other metros frequently reaches hazardous levels, with limited effective intervention.
7. Inflation Control – FAILED
The government promised price stability.
Reality: Rising prices of fuel, food items, LPG, and essentials have put continuous pressure on middle- and lower-income households.
8. 100 Smart Cities – FAILED
Announced with much fanfare as a modernization revolution.
Reality: Many projects remain incomplete or cosmetic. Core urban issues like housing, water supply, and transport remain unresolved.
9. Corruption Control – FAILED
The BJP campaigned strongly against corruption.
Reality: Electoral bonds reduced transparency, major scams went uninvestigated, and India’s global corruption perception rankings have worsened.
10. Black Money Return – FAILED
The promise of bringing back black money from foreign banks was central to the 2014 campaign.
Reality: No substantial amount was recovered. The issue quietly disappeared from public discourse.
11. Bullet Train by 2023 – FAILED
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train was projected as a symbol of development.
Reality: The project has faced repeated delays, cost overruns, and land acquisition issues, with no completion in sight.
12. Rupee ₹40 per Dollar – FAILED
A strong rupee was promised.
Reality: The rupee has steadily depreciated, crossing historic lows against the US dollar.
13. 2 Crore Jobs Every Year – FAILED
Employment generation was one of the biggest promises.
Reality: Unemployment rates have touched multi-decade highs, especially among youth and educated graduates.
14. Farmers’ Income to Double – FAILED
The goal was to double farmers’ income by 2022.
Reality: Farm distress continues, input costs have risen, MSP remains inadequate, and farmer protests exposed deep-rooted agrarian issues.
15. Reducing Unemployment – FAILED
Beyond job creation numbers, quality employment was promised.
Reality: Contractual, gig, and informal work dominates, offering low wages and no job security.
16. ₹15 Lakh in Every Account – FAILED
One of the most memorable promises of the 2014 campaign.
Reality: No such transfers occurred; the statement was later dismissed as “political rhetoric.”
17. $5 Trillion Economy by 2022 – FAILED
India was projected to become a $5 trillion economy by 2022.
Reality: Economic slowdown, COVID-19 mismanagement, and weak recovery derailed this target significantly.
Conclusion
Ambition alone does not translate into progress. While the BJP–Modi government has excelled in political messaging and branding, policy outcomes have consistently fallen short of promises. Economic stress, unemployment, environmental degradation, and social insecurity remain pressing challenges.
A democracy thrives on accountability. Evaluating governance based on delivery—not slogans—is essential for informed public discourse and a stronger future for India.
