Modi's India

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This account details how a popularly elected leader has shifted the world's largest democracy toward authoritarianism and intolerance. Over the past two decades, Narendra Modi has intertwined Hindu nationalism with national-populism, achieving electoral success first in Gujarat and then nationwide. By promising development and polarizing the electorate along ethno-religious lines, Modi has captivated many citizens. His highly personalized political style enables direct communication with voters, saturating the public sphere. Drawing on original interviews conducted throughout India, the author illustrates how Modi's government is steering the country toward an ethnic democracy, equating the majoritarian community with the nation while relegating Muslims and Christians to second-class status, often facing harassment from vigilante groups. The promotion of Hindu nationalism has led to attacks on secularists, intellectuals, universities, and NGOs. Additionally, the political system has adopted authoritarian traits as the government centralizes power, undermining federalism and eroding institutional checks and balances, including the authority of India's Supreme Court. This narrative serves as a sobering reminder of how a once-vibrant democracy can falter under a government that, despite popular support, suppresses dissent and grows intolerant of ethnic and religious minorities.