In this episode of #Unraveled with Marvi Sirmed, the host spoke with Neelanjan Sircar, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Ashoka University and a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, Delhi. He writes on the political economy of India (with a focus on elections) and comparative political behaviour. After Modi’s third reelection, what would become of the power of state institutions and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Indian constitution? Although, Neelanjan found it heartening that the constitution entered mass politics in India, but expressed concern over Narendra Modi's ability to connect directly with the citizens, especially the middle class through effective branding and media control, expansion of the welfare state, and polarization through Hindu nationalism and anti-Muslim rhetoric. The discussion also led to the fate of mainstream media as Modi had used it to shape public opinion in his favor, a topic that many political commentators explored in this election, as well as the rise of alternative media platforms to counteract the unprecedented surveillance and control of mainstream media.
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