When Narendra Modi labels others a "failed product," it raises a question that cannot be ignored: after more than a decade in office, has his own government delivered on the promises that brought it to power?

In 2014, Modi campaigned on an ambitious vision for India. He promised Achhe Din, millions of jobs, a manufacturing boom, the eradication of black money and corruption, and a better future for every citizen. He positioned himself not merely as a politician, but as a transformative leader who would reshape the nation's trajectory.

More than 10 years later, many of those promises remain subjects of intense debate. Critics contend that grand narratives, aggressive public relations, and divisive political battles have too often diverted attention from unmet expectations and unresolved questions.

The time has come to look beyond slogans and examine the record itself. This article takes a closer look at some of the most significant promises of the Modi era and asks a fundamental question: what was promised, and what was delivered?

1. Achhe Din: For whom?

Indians were promised Achhe Din — better living standards, affordable essentials, more jobs, and greater economic security. More than a decade later, many families are asking whether those promises have translated into their everyday lives.

For millions of households, the cost of living has become an increasing burden. Petrol prices have climbed, LPG and commercial cylinder costs have risen substantially, and persistent inflation has pushed up the price of essential goods and services. As household expenses have increased, the budgets of families and small businesses are under growing strain.

Consumer inflation surged during several periods after 2014, particularly when food prices spiked. At the same time, employment opportunities have not kept pace with the aspirations of India's young workforce. The government's own labour-force surveys put youth unemployment at 10.2% in 2023-24. While lower than the 17.8% recorded in 2017-18, the challenge of creating sufficient quality jobs for a rapidly growing workforce remains unresolved.

2. Make in India: Where are the promised jobs?

Make in India set an ambitious target of raising manufacturing's share of GDP to 25% and creating 100 million additional manufacturing jobs by 2022. 

Industrial investment and growth in selected sectors are welcome, but they must be judged against the original commitments on manufacturing output and employment.

Equally important is the question of self-reliance. Despite the Make in India initiative, India's dependence on Chinese imports has continued to grow in several key sectors. Imports from China rose from around $70 billion in 2018-19 to more than $101 billion in 2023-24, making China India's largest source of imports. Much of this consists of industrial goods, machinery, electronics, telecom equipment, chemicals, and manufacturing inputs that Indian industry continues to rely on.

Critics argue that this growing dependence sits uneasily alongside the promise of transforming India into a global manufacturing powerhouse. If Make in India was intended to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing and create large-scale domestic employment, the continued rise in imports from China raises questions about how much progress has been made toward achieving those goals. China's share of India's industrial goods imports has increased from 21% to 30%........

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