Who is a "Chanakaya" of politics, Narendra Modi or Arvind Kejriwal?
1 Answer
There isn’t an objective title for the “Chanakya” of modern Indian politics. Chanakya is remembered as a strategist, so the comparison depends on what kind of political skill you have in mind: building a durable party, winning elections, shaping a public image, or challenging established parties.
Narendra Modi has demonstrated an ability to build a broad national political brand, lead a large party organization, and keep election campaigns focused on a clear message. Supporters often point to those strengths when describing him as a skilled political strategist.
Arvind Kejriwal built a new party from an anti-corruption movement and made governance and public services central to its pitch. His rise showed a different kind of political instinct: identifying voter concerns and turning them into a campaign that could disrupt established players, particularly in Delhi.
So the fairest answer is that they represent different styles of political strategy. Modi has had greater success building national-scale influence, while Kejriwal has been notable for creating a new political force and competing against established parties. Calling either one “the Chanakya” is ultimately a matter of opinion—and of which political achievements you value most.