Indian Prime Minister Claims He Is Chosen by God

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, stated on a television program on Sunday that he believes he has been 'chosen by God.' As the multi-phase parliamentary elections in India approach their conclusion, Modi expressed, 'I am convinced that God has sent me for a purpose. My work will be complete once that purpose is achieved. That is why I have completely devoted myself to God.' Modi, who hopes to win a third term when the general election results are announced on June 4, added that everything he has done so far has been 'under God's guidance,' although 'God' has not outlined the overall plan for him. The Prime Minister further remarked, 'God does not reveal his cards; he just compels me to do things, and I cannot directly call him to ask what the next step is.' Modi is referred to as a populist Prime Minister who is attempting to transform India from a secular democracy to a Hindu government. Since coming to power in 2014, violence against Muslims in the country has seen an unprecedented increase. Critics and human rights organizations have accused his government of inciting Hindu nationalist sentiments and Islamophobia. He has also established a cult of personality within his party, known as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and critics and civil and political rights groups in India accuse his government of using state institutions to undermine its opponents. Earlier this month, Modi also stated in another television interview in Varanasi, his constituency, 'When my mother was alive, I thought I was born biologically. After her death, reflecting on all my experiences, I became convinced that God has sent me.' He claimed that the only explanation for the 'extraordinary energy he possesses' is that 'his birth must have been non-biological.' Modi's main rival in this election is Rahul Gandhi from the Congress Party. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul's mother and a prominent figure in Indian politics, has not participated in this election cycle.