Christophe Jaffrelot on "The most powerful PM India has ever had"

In a recent HfHr event in New York, renowned scholar and expert on Indian politics, Christophe Jaffrelot, shared his insights on Narendra Modi's tenure as India's Prime Minister and the political landscape of the country with an HfHR audience.

Now in an interview with Karan Thapar, Jaffrelot, discusses at length how Modi has become "the most powerful PM India has ever had" while raising concerns about the increasing divisions within the country under Modi's rule.

Jaffrelot's analysis is rooted in a deep understanding of the social and political changes in India. He highlighted the impact of the 1991 liberalization on Indian society, noting the growing inequality and the shift in societal values. This, he argues, has set the stage for a more hierarchical view of society, resonating with Hindu nationalism. Jaffrelot also discussed the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in propagating these ideologies, adapting to modern communication methods like social media to spread their message more effectively​​.

His book, "Modi's India: Hindu Nationalism and the Rise of Ethnic Democracy," offers a comprehensive account of the transformation in Indian politics under Modi's leadership. It explores how Hindu nationalism, coupled with national-populism, has gained traction, with Modi effectively using various communication channels to connect with the electorate and polarize it along ethno-religious lines​​.

As we look towards, with some repidation, the upcoming national elections, Jaffrelot's insights provide a critical perspective on Modi's political personality and his legacy. His observations on the increasing divisions in India under Modi's leadership are particularly pertinent, offering a nuanced understanding of the country's current political climate.