ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING AS PIVOTAL TOOLS IN NARENDRA MODI'S POLITICAL AGENDA

The contribution aims to analyse how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used architecture and the city in his political strategies to redesign the image, icons and symbols of Indian identity. Notable initiatives in this regard include the Smart Cities Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana's «housing for all» project, 12,000 crore invested in projects for Varanasi and many more for redevelopment of Indian historic heritage under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana Project, the inauguration of countless infrastructures under the Sagarmala and Bharatmala Pariyojana Projects, the 182 metres «tallest» Statue of Unity and the world «biggest» Narendra Modi cricket arena in Gujarat and many more. In particular, this study will present the case study of the capital of India, where many of Modi's projects are under construction, such as the bold redevelopment of New Delhi's iconic Central Vista. Through the most significant architectural-urban initiatives undertaken during the Modi era, this analysis aims to provide an overall critical understanding of the Prime Minister's political-strategic vision.