Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu Responds to Ramachandra Guha's Criticism of Modi and Amit Shah's BJP

Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu Criticizes Intellectuals Who Hate PM Modi

Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho, has criticized intellectuals who he claims "hate" Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that they often overlook the scale of transformation India has undergone over the past decade.

Vembu made his comments in a post on X on Tuesday, where he shared a clip of a debate between historian Ramchandran Guha and veteran journalist Karan Thapar. During the debate, Guha said that "nobody hates Modi and Amit Shah's BJP more than me." Vembu strongly condemned Guha's remarks, saying that "Modi-hatred is almost a requirement to be called an intellectual in some circles."

Transformation in India

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Vembu argued that several regions of the country were grappling with serious challenges before the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre in 2014. He pointed out that Congress-ruled Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Assam were facing major security concerns, while the Naxal insurgency had made large parts of central India difficult to govern. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh were also largely lawless during that period.

However, Vembu claimed that the Modi government has made significant progress in addressing these issues. He credited the government with strengthening governance, improving infrastructure, and restoring a sense of order in several parts of the country.

Comparison of BJP and Congress

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Vembu's Response

Vembu wrote that Congress had left Punjab, Kashmir, and Assam "burning" and that the Naxal menace had made middle India "ungovernable." He also described Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as "lawless" during that period. However, he claimed that the Modi government has rescued Bengal from the "lawless TMC" and that for the first time since his childhood, people can discuss development and progress in all these states.

Strong Leadership

Vembu praised the leadership of PM Modi and Amit Shah, saying that they have provided "strong and resolute leadership" that has allowed "useless intellectuals" to indulge in their Modi hatred. He argued that even they know the truth, but are afraid to admit it.

The Zoho founder's remarks come amid ongoing political debates over the Modi government's performance, particularly as opposition parties continue to question its record on the economy, social cohesion, and democratic institutions.