Analysis of Hindutva ideology and economic issues in Indian elections

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The Hindutva ideology, a powerful force influencing bureaucracy and business, mobilized significant support for the BJP. However, observations suggest that the ideology's appeal is waning, with a realization that overt discrimination and victimization of minorities are not acceptable. Economic issues like job scarcity and high food inflation took precedence over religious themes in the recent elections, signaling a shift in voter priorities. While a portion of Hindus support reasserting Hindu identity, pushing down on other communities is viewed unfavorably. The electorate's demand for tangible economic benefits, particularly job opportunities, highlighted a disillusionment with the government's ability to address critical issues. This indicates a maturing electorate, emphasizing the long-term survival of Indian democracy and the electorate's ability to discern between propaganda and substantive governance decisions.

Across the world, billions of citizens are being asked to cast their vote in elections taking place in more than 50 countries and in many places, populist, illiberal and far-right parties are either growing in support or consolidating gains they have already made. But India, the world’s biggest democracy, bucked the trend with Narendra Modi’s relatively weak election victory in June. In the third of this five-part series, the FT’s renowned economics commentator, Martin Wolf, and Raghuram Rajan, former governor of the Reserve Bank of India, discuss the Indian election results and inherent weaknesses of authoritarian styles of government.

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Martin Wolf column: Fascism has changed, but it is not dead

For Martin’s other FT columns click here

This episode is presented by Martin Wolf. The producer is Sandra Kanthal. Production help from Sonja Hutson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa and the sound engineer is Nigel Appleton. The FT's global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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