Sushil Kumar Modi is no longer with us. On May 13, fate prematurely took him away from us, leaving only his memories behind. With the passing of Sushil Modi, Bihar has lost one of its most beloved sons. His contributions to the state and the nation are immeasurable, leaving a void that will be deeply felt for years to come. Often described as a ‘gentleman politician,’ Sushil Modi set high standards in every role he assumed throughout his nearly five-decade-long career in public life. His integrity, dedication, and ethical approach to politics earned him respect across party lines. Whether as a student leader, a legislator, an opposition leader, or a deputy chief minister, he consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and public service, setting an example for others to follow.
Inspired by the ideology of ‘Nation First,’ Sushil Modi dedicated himself to the service of the nation at a very young age. While studying for his BSc (Honours) in Botany at Patna University, he became active in student politics and in 1973, he became the General Secretary of the Patna University Students’ Union. In 1974, he played a significant role in the Bihar Movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan. Between 1973 and 1977, he faced charges under draconian law MISA and several other acts. During the struggle against the emergency, Sushil Ji was arrested five times and spent 19 months in jail. Recalling the bitter memories of emergency in his memoir Sushil Modi writes, “While being taken to a jail in Samastipur district, the policemen handcuffed me and tied my waist with a rope, where I was kept among criminals and insane inmates.” He further mentions how he could not attend his sister’s wedding while on parole, which remained a lifelong regret.
After the Emergency, Sushil Modi was appointed the state secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). From 1977 to 1986, Sushil Modi held various leadership positions in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), including serving as its national general secretary. During his tenure in ABVP, he led a movement against declaring Urdu as the second language of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Concerned about the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh into the bordering districts of Bihar, he raised this issue, and following the Assam Movement, he led a movement against illegal immigration in Bihar.
His leadership in ABVP laid the foundation for his subsequent political career, showcasing his abilities as a committed organiser and an effective leader. In 1986, following his marriage, Sushil Modi’s political journey took a decisive turn. Having already carved out a distinct identity as a student leader, he decided to plunge into electoral politics. It is a little-known fact that during his wedding ceremony, Atal Ji advised him that the time had come to leave student politics behind and dedicate himself as a “full-time political worker.”
Sushil Modi began his electoral journey in 1990 when he was nominated as the BJP candidate for the Patna Central Assembly constituency. He successfully defeated the incumbent Congress legislator, Aqeel Haider, marking the beginning of an illustrious career in electoral politics. What followed was a rare and distinguished trajectory where he had the honour of becoming a member of all four legislative houses—Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Assembly, and Legislative Council—at different points in his career.
Sushil Modi earned the reputation of a fierce opponent, with his tenacity and meticulousness with facts serving as his primary weapons against the misgovernance of RJD government in Bihar. From 1996 to 2004, as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, he relentlessly attacked the government, effectively bringing Lalu Prasad Yadav’s government to its knees.
Sushil Modi was one of the five petitioners in the fodder scam case, which led the Patna High Court to order an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The intense struggle he spearheaded in this case ultimately forced Lalu Prasad Yadav to resign as Bihar’s Chief Minister in 1997, with his wife, Rabri Devi, succeeding him. Notably, it was Sushil Modi who first popularised the term “Jungle Raj” from the Patna High Court’s oral observation in 1998, making it synonymous with the Lalu-Rabri regime and highlighting the lawlessness and disorder prevalent during their tenure.
As the deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Bihar, Sushil Modi played a major role in accelerating the state’s economic progress. His efforts in crafting a new development narrative for Bihar, a state that had long been plagued by poverty and lawlessness, stand as a beacon of effective governance. Under his leadership, Bihar witnessed a remarkable transformation, marked by significant economic reforms and infrastructural advancements. How Sushil Modi’s term as the Finance Minister of Bihar changed the economic outlook of Bihar can be gauged from the fact that when NDA government first came in power in Bihar in 2005, the state’s gross state domestic product was only 2.9 per cent between 2001 and 2005 and the state’s growth between 2001 to 2005 was only 34 per cent. However, between 2005 and 2012, according to the Planning Commission of India, Bihar witnessed a remarkable growth rate of 84 per cent. In the years 2006-07, 2008-09, 2010-11, and 2011-12, Bihar witnessed the highest growth rate at 17.7 per cent, 14.5 per cent, and 14.7 per cent and 13.1 per cent, respectively. The average growth rate from the year 2005-06 to 2010-11 was 10.93 per cent. Sushil Modi’s tenure exemplified the potential of synchronised power and politics to bring about positive change.
Sushil Modi, above all, exemplified the role of a quintessential organisation man who nurtured the BJP in Bihar with his hard work and dedication, helping it grow into a mammoth organisation. He was not just a leader but also a meticulous organiser, working tirelessly to strengthen the party at its grassroots. His dedication and perseverance were instrumental in expanding the party’s reach and influence across the state. His efforts in building a strong organizational structure ensured that the BJP could effectively mobilize support and implement its agenda.
Sushil Modi was known for his observant and studious nature, and he placed a strong emphasis on reading and writing. His intellectual curiosity and interest in a wide range of subjects set him apart as a thoughtful and informed politician. His commitment to learning and understanding issues deeply contributed to his effectiveness as a leader and policymaker. It was because his ability to understand and navigate complex issues that Sushil Modi was appointed the chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers for the implementation of GST by the Congress-led UPA government, a fact that reflected a cross-party acknowledgment of his political acumen and intellectual competence. His contribution in making GST a reality can hardly be overstated as he played a critical role in its passage.
Sushil Kumar Modi was not just a politician, but a compassionate figure who shared a unique bond with each of his party workers. He was deeply invested in their lives, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and always striving to be a pillar of support. This rare quality endeared him to many, making him not just a political leader but also a friend and guide to those around him. His ability to connect with people at a personal level set him apart and will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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