The Rise of Modi: India’s Rightward Turn

May 21, 2019

India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, has governed as a right-wing populist whose nationalist message has often pitted Hindus against Muslims. We look at what Mr. Modi’s likely re-election this week tells us about the country’s political future. Guest: Jeffrey Gettleman, the South Asia bureau chief for The New York Times. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.

Background reading:

• Mr. Modi’s Hindu nationalist politics and his efforts to project a strong image of India abroad appeared to have played well among the country’s 900 million registered voters, according to exit polls.
• The results of the election may reveal not just a decision on Mr. Modi but also a deeper one on what kind of government India really wants.

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