Traditionally, comic books and graphic novels are associated with entertainment, enjoyment, and children. However, in the 2024 election period, author Shantanu Gupta has introduced a unique comic book that delves into serious political and policy analysis through the medium of graphic novels, aimed at voters. The publication is named “101 Reasons, Why I Will Vote for Modi”.
Gupta elucidated in an interview that his publication is a groundbreaking attempt to chronicle Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ten-year tenure using ten different popular art styles in a graphic novel format. He drew inspiration from his studies at the University of Oxford on the use of graphic novels for political commentary, highlighting the significant potential of this medium in effectively conveying political concepts to the general public. Gupta stressed that the book is written from the viewpoint of a voter, delving into the reasons behind supporting Modi in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The narrative crafted by Gupta is the result of extensive conversations with beneficiaries of various government schemes under Modi’s administration, presenting 101 reasons supported by comparative data, personal anecdotes, and poetic verses to capture the essence of these initiatives. Additionally, the book features ten globally recognized art styles, including semi-realistic, manga, Disney, and traditional Indian comic book styles, catering not only to political analysts but also to comic book enthusiasts at large.
At the core of Gupta’s work lies a conversation between a Modi skeptic and the author himself, where the protagonist seeks a compelling rationale to endorse Modi in 2024. Through this dialogue, Gupta leads readers on a journey across India, ultimately presenting not just one but 101 compelling reasons to vote for Modi in 2024. By utilizing innovative artwork, Gupta sheds light on the transformative impact of Modi’s policies, particularly in the lives of ordinary citizens, focusing on key areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and infrastructure development. The book concludes by examining the role of Narendra Modi in the development narrative of #NewIndia.
Gupta contends that voter behavior hinges on two variables:
- The enhancement in the quality of life during the current administration
- The voter’s profile includes elements such as caste, religion, gender, age, location, and language.
The author asserts that by implementing efficient governance, the impact of identity politics can be reduced, thus creating favorable conditions for rapid progress and advancement.
At the end of each scenario depicted in the book, a profound four-line poetic couplet is included, infusing the narrative with a human element and providing valuable insights into the voting patterns of citizens. For instance, when illustrating the transformative effects of the PM Ujjwala Yojana on Ramavati’s life and the lives of 10 crore additional households, the author and artist vividly portray the woman’s existence both before and after the introduction of a gas stove in her kitchen. The case concludes with these eloquent poetic verses:
“Her mornings started with gathering wood each day,
To cook meals, like smoking 300 cigarettes sway.
Now, with a lighter, a gas stove’s dance,
Her vote echoes for Modi, in every chance.”
Gupta’s innovative approach in using the graphic novel format to effectively communicate a political message has received praise from notable figures such as Bibek Debroy and Mohandas Pai. Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Committee (EAC) to PM Modi, commended Gupta’s ability to tell a vivid story through the graphic novel style, stating that it is a rare achievement. Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Aarin Capital & the Ex CFO of Infosys, hailed Gupta’s graphic novel as a great innovation in helping voters make informed decisions.
The book’s art direction was done by Mahesh Sharma, along with various artists, while Pallavi Saxena and Anand Upadhyay handled the designing. With endorsements from respected individuals and gaining popularity in both political and comic circles, Gupta’s endeavor has achieved widespread acclaim, evident in its rise to the top charts on platforms like Amazon during this election season.