Prime Minister Modi Is The New Disrupter In Indian Politics. But This Has Consequences.

An important concept in corporate strategy is ‘self-disruption’. As an example of the concept, when Steve Jobs developed the iPhone for Apple, he knew the adverse consequence it would have on the sales of iPods (another marquee product of the company). However, he understood that to progress in a competitive market, it was important for disruption to take place.

The same reason explains, for instance, why Microsoft constantly updates its operating system despite it rendering its earlier products obsolete.

Yes, the act of self-disruption does lead to some harsh consequences. But such kinds of disruptions are necessary to open up the market.

A parallel can also be drawn with politics, as Kunal Singh explains in Mint. The prime minister has sent shock waves running through the financial and political chambers with his latest decision to demonetise old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. By going ahead with this bold move, Prime Minister Modi is showing his willingness to radically alter the political landscape. While his supporters are crediting him as an agent of change, the opponents are accusing him of being a pioneer of fiscal problems. But in both cases, it is fair to see him as a disrupter.

Earlier, many political analysts saw Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as a disrupter in the land of Indian politics. But his recent actions, which include being part of a coalition with other opposition parties to agitate against the prime minister’s move, suggest otherwise.

As is the case with ‘disruption’, Prime Minister Modi has targeted the middle and neo-middle class, promising a significant decrease in corruption. In doing so, Modi has now captured the space that was earlier occupied by Kejriwal. The prime minister earlier brandished his image as a contrarian to Delhi and, with his decisions, has kept it intact.

But, as alluded to earlier, disruptions lead to hardships that can either lead to abject failure or success. Modi has to be ready to accept either result.

Following Modi’s style of politics is one politician who can be genuinely considered a prime ministerial candidate for 2019 – Nitish Kumar. He is one of the few non-National Democratic Alliance leaders showing support for Modi’s currency swap. Is Kumar sensing something his contemporaries aren’t?