Political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot’s latest book, Modi’s India: Hindu Nationalism and the Rise of Ethnic Democracy, details the arc of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rise as a populist leader, with confrontational vocabulary, a personalised style of communication and sharp criticism of rivals, especially the Congress’s Gandhi family.
Jaffrelot also describes the changed form of democracy in India, something which he likens to ethnic democracy that equates the majoritarian community with the nation and relegates Muslims and Christians to second-class citizens, who are harassed by vigilante groups.
Mitali Mukherjee spoke with the author about the strongman image that Modi has consistently built, and what could be the outcome of upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh.
