In a departure from the conventional perception of graphic novels as mere sources of entertainment primarily aimed at children, the 2024 election season brings forth a unique addition to the genre. Renowned author Shantanu Gupta has unveiled his latest creation titled ‘101 Reasons, Why I Will Vote for Modi,’ just as the nation gears up for the Lok Sabha polls set to unfold in seven phases beginning April 19.
Gupta, when reached for comment, described the book as a pioneering endeavor aimed at chronicling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative endeavors over the past decade.
Crafted from the perspective of a conscientious voter, the graphic novel meticulously outlines the rationale behind supporting Narendra Modi's reelection bid in 2024, elucidated Gupta.
Drawing from firsthand interactions with beneficiaries of various initiatives under the Modi administration, Gupta has curated a compelling narrative comprising 101 distinct reasons. Each reason is meticulously juxtaposed with comparative data predating 2014, supplemented by poignant personal anecdotes and poetic verses, effectively encapsulating the impact of Modi government's initiatives.
Featuring a diverse array of artistic styles including semi-realistic, cartoon, stylized, Manga, watercolor, realistic, black and white, traditional Indian comic book, Disney, and sepia/muted, Gupta shared insights into the rich visual tapestry woven throughout the book.
At its core, the narrative unfolds as a dialogue between a skeptic of Modi's leadership and the author himself, traversing the nooks and crannies of rural and urban India. Through these encounters, not one but 101 compelling reasons to endorse Narendra Modi's candidacy in 2024 emerge organically.
Gupta posits that an individual's voting behavior is shaped by two key factors: the tangible improvements in quality of life during the incumbent government's tenure and the voter's intrinsic identity, influenced by factors such as caste, religion, gender, age, region, and language.
Each of the 101 testimonials culminates in a poignant four-line verse, poignantly encapsulating the human dimension underlying citizens' electoral choices.
Furthermore, the book boasts commendations from eminent figures including Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Committee to PM Narendra Modi, who hailed Gupta's innovative use of the graphic novel medium to convey a compelling political narrative.
Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Aarin Capital and former CFO of Infosys, lauded Gupta's graphic novel as a pioneering tool empowering voters to make informed decisions regarding their electoral preferences.
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