plans of transforming into an everyman's politician. Yet, many regard him as a prime ministerial candidate because of the UPA government's struggles. But before the general elections, Gujarat will decide in December if it wants him to continue.

Here, ET Magazine pieces together six different narratives that present a sober reflection of Modi's rule. Gujarat under Modi is too complex and fascinating a story to offer one judgement. The real Modi isn’t visible to either the man himself or his critics.

Growth: Real & Apparent

The Gujarat economy has been growing at a steady tick, but the growth is not spectacular. There are also plenty of problems lurking.

On June 25, 2005, Narendra Modi convened a hurriedly called press conference where he was expected to make an important announcement. Senior journalists inGujarat remember the occasion because the invite came on a Saturday. They had to drop everything they would do on a relatively slow day and rush to the conference. Modi had abundantly exhibited his penchant for sensational declarations during the three years in power.

By then, he had also displayed a keen sense of occasion. A few weeks ago, the US had denied him a visa. A day later, he was to address a crucial meeting of the Planning Commission where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other chief ministers would attend.

Modi did not disappoint that day. He announced that state flagship Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation had stumbled upon India’s biggest gas find yet. The 20 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas at the Krishna-Godavari basin off the Andhra Pradesh