Last updated June 11, 2024 – 3:20 pm
The Economist has released a new eight-episode limited edition podcast series, “The Modi Raj,” which explores the rise of Narendra Modi and the transformation of India.
The podcast comes as India's general election sees Modi re-elected for a third consecutive term as prime minister, the first Indian leader to achieve that feat since founding father Jawaharlal Nehru. But with his shrinking parliamentary majority, his vision for India faces its toughest test yet.
Hosted by international correspondent Avantika Chirukoti, “The Modi Raj” traces Prime Minister Modi's journey from humble beginnings as the son of a tea seller to his current position as one of the world's most influential politicians.
India has experienced an economic boom since Mr Modi became prime minister, he has won the support of the international business community and India's profile on the global stage has grown.
But as the podcast makes clear, Modi's fervent Hindu nationalism, rooted originally in his involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, an all-male volunteer organisation inspired by European fascist movements, now threatens to undermine a vibrant, democratic India.
Each episode follows Modi's rise and includes rare interviews with advisers, military leaders, tech CEOs, friends and personal staff, as well as victims of the Gujarat riots that took place during his rule in the region.
Through these conversations, the podcast answers some big questions about the nature of Modi's leadership.
“While Modi's success has transformed India into a global economic powerhouse, India's poor are not feeling the same prosperity,” Chilkoti said. “Worse yet, Modi's ties to the Hindu far-right and his control over India's democratic institutions jeopardize the future of the country's religious minorities, free speech and secularism.”
“Despite these worrying trends, he remains popular with a majority of Indian voters. Through this podcast, I aim to demystify Modi's personality cult and present the future of Modi's India.”
“India's growth under Modi cannot be denied or ignored, but his use of increasingly authoritarian tactics to silence dissent within India requires serious consideration,” added Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of The Economist.
“At The Economist, we remain dedicated to providing in-depth and incisive analysis of the world's most influential leaders. 'Modi Raj' provides a much-needed perspective on Modi's political career as the country prepares for his third term.”
The Modi Raj podcast series is now available.
