The world’s largest democracy is collapsing before our eyes https://www.vox.com/politics/2023/6/21/23683842/india-democracy-narendra-modi-us-biden-china By Zack Beauchamp
The prime minister’s anti-democratic behavior has accelerated over time. In the past year alone, Modi’s government has:
Expelled the leader of the opposition party, Rahul Gandhi, from parliament after he was sentenced to two years of prison for allegedly defaming the prime minister with a joke.
Taken over one of the few remaining independent television stations through a crooked billionaire ally.
Created an official panel empowered to take down social media posts critical of the government.
Sent tax officials to raid the BBC’s offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, a move widely seen as retaliation for a documentary critical of Modi.
Being in power has become self-reinforcing for Modi. His Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has used its electoral dominance to silence critics and stack the electoral deck against his opponents, making the upcoming 2024 parliamentary election a significant uphill climb for other parties. That vote is shaping up to be critical for India’s democratic future.