+
 
For the best experience, open
m.thewire.in
on your mobile browser or Download our App.

Watch: 'Narendra Modi Is a Textbook Autocrat with Totalitarian Goals'

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute vice-chairperson Radha Kumar says authoritarians whose dominant interest is personal power are less dangerous to democracy than those with a long-term agenda.
Support Free & Independent Journalism

Good morning, we need your help!

Since 2015, The Wire has fearlessly delivered independent journalism, holding truth to power.

Despite lawsuits and intimidation tactics, we persist with your support. Contribute as little as ₹ 200 a month and become a champion of free press in India.

Radha Kumar, author, academic and vice-chairperson of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi “is a textbook autocrat with totalitarian goals”.

In an interview to Karan Thapar for The Wire to mark the launch of her new book The Republic Relearnt: Renewing Indian Democracy 1947-2024, Kumar explained why Modi could be more dangerous than ordinary authoritarian rulers.

She adds, “He has been successfully projected by the BJP as a God-like figure who alone represents the nation and commands its homage; his decisions cannot be challenged. That is a textbook autocrat.”

“Authoritarians whose dominant interest is personal power are less dangerous to democracy than those with a long-term and far-reaching agenda … their grip on power is more difficult to shake … the Modi administration falls into the latter category.”

However, Radha Kumar makes clear that, as things stand, India has not become a totalitarian state but is well on the way to becoming one.

Make a contribution to Independent Journalism
facebook twitter