1. Crisis of Credibility
For over a decade, Modi has projected himself as a “chaiwala-turned-leader” with academic grit — BA in Political Science, MA in the same. If it’s proven false, the credibility collapse will be massive. The self-made narrative suddenly looks like a stage prop.
2. Legal Firestorm
India’s electoral laws require candidates to file affidavits disclosing their educational qualifications. False affidavits = criminal offence under Section 125A of the Representation of the People’s Act. Jail term? Up to six months, or fine, or both. Imagine the PM standing trial for a fake CV.
3. Opposition’s Ammo on Steroids
The opposition already accuses Modi of being a “master of PR.” If the degree claim is exposed as false, every campaign, every slogan, every speech will be weaponized against him. 2024-style rallies will turn into “no-degree” jibes.
4. Institutional Fallout
The EC, judiciary, and even universities (like DU, where the degree supposedly exists) will be under the scanner. Was there a cover-up? Was the paperwork manipulated? The scandal won’t be Modi’s alone — it will shake institutions too.
5. international Embarrassment
Global leaders already joke about populist leaders bending facts. If India’s PM is caught lying about something as basic as his degree, it risks international ridicule. The “world’s largest democracy” suddenly looks like it can’t even fact-check its leader.
6. Trust Deficit at Home
The degree debate may not matter to hardcore supporters, but it erodes trust among fence-sitters and the urban middle class. If a PM can fudge something so small, what about GDP numbers, job data, or growth claims?
7. The Bigger Question: Does It Even Matter?
Legally and ethically — yes. Politically? Maybe not. Modi’s brand is built on Hindutva, nationalism, and a strongman image, not academics. But the stain would remain forever: the prime minister who possibly lied on oath.
👉 Bottomline: If Modi’s degree is proven fake, it’s more than a certificate issue — it’s a credibility crisis, a legal battle, and a political earthquake rolled into one.
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