India, June 1 -- 'Chain ki zindagi jio, roti khao warna meri goli to hai hi (Live peacefully, eat your bread or I am ready with bullets).'

These words uttered by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in a live broadcast from the border district of Bhuj went viral throughout the country and the globe. His detractors may insist that the discourse resembled Hindi film dialogues, but messages like these fill a large section of Indians with pride.

Was it a coincidence that it was the day PM Modi completed 11 years in office in Delhi? He will complete the first year of his third term next week. Last June 9, when he assumed office, his opponents were gloating. They felt a golden opportunity was just around the corner to snatch the crutches the NDA...