Unpacking the Left's Hostility Towards Modi

TRIGGER WARNING: Political content, right-wing politics

It’s a common observation that the media in India, as well as abroad, leans towards the left wing of the political spectrum. Socialism, workers’ unions, and the free Palestine movement enjoy a high degree of sympathy amongst left-leaning liberal tabloids. These tabloids portray the right wing as capitalist dictators who do not care for the worries of the “oppressed” and “downtrodden”. This begs the question- what is the origin of this stereotype? Is the media justified in doing so, or are they simply biassed towards the left?

Let’s talk about it from the Indian perspective. When thinking of right-wing politics in India, the first face that comes to the mind is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An influential leader with a utopian vision for future India, Mr. Modi enjoys immense support abroad as well as in India. A recent survey by Morning Consult found him to be the most popular world leader enjoying 78% approval ratings. Amongst his colleagues, too, Mr. Modi is credited with giving a higher space to India on the global stage. It was under his leadership that India hosted its first ever G20 summit in September 2023. The popularity extends to his subjects, with whom he has an uncanny ability to connect with through his charisma and humility. Coming from an impoverished background, Mr. Modi has implemented several schemes to alleviate poverty such as Ayushman Bharat Yojana (free health insurance), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwal Yojana (free LPG cylinders) and Har Ghar Sauchalay (toilets for every house). From being a tea seller to the most important man in the country, Mr. Modi serves as an inspiration to millions of impoverished Indian youths to make their dreams a reality.

During his journey as Prime Minister, Mr. Modi has made many adversaries. His biggest foe is not the worn-down Opposition, but the Indian media. Mostly consisting of left-leaning liberals, popular media moguls have expressed their dissatisfaction with Mr. Modi’s Hindu nationalist rhetoric. They whine about the influence that big business houses like Ambani and Adani possess. Endless articles have been published about inflation and “economic mismanagement”. Bold decisions by the Modi government, such as the CAA Law, abrogation of Article 370 and the Ayodhya dispute verdict have been subjects of vicious attack by leftist media houses.

A curious paradox is observed here- how can a leader with a 78% popularity rating be the subject of so much media hate? Let’s address the left’s attacks as we go.

India has one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. 80% of the Indian population practises the world’s most ancient religion, Hinduism. Despite years of colonisation and oppression, the religion has continued to survive. The BJP government celebrates this triumph of Hindu culture over colonial oppression by promoting a Hindu nationalist rhetoric. Yet the media turns the other cheek, using terms such as “the oppression of minorities” and “human rights abuses”. However, they choose to forget the 2017 triple talaq ban, which has been outlawed in several Muslim countries. By banning this oppressive divorce practice, the BJP has brought about a positive change in the lives of the minority Muslim women.

While capitalism has its flaws, it drives wealth generation in the nation. Business tycoons play an indispensable role in this process. For instance, the annual IPL tournaments generate up to $10 billion per year. The earnings are distributed across players, coaches, hotels, transport companies, hotels and broadcasting channels, which is used to further business. While the danger of possessing wealth among the rich exists, the GoI has subsidised essential goods through the system of ration cards, which have existed since the Congress days. Moreover, with schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and Ujjwal Yojana, efforts have been made to take care of the needs of the working class as well. Despite global inflation, India has remained relatively unaffected by the economic turbulence of the Russia-Ukraine War. Developed economies of the US and UK are facing unprecedented inflation rates, prompting a shift to trade with other currencies within India.

The abrogation of Article 370 was constitutionally validated by an impartial jury. The makers of the Constitution of India have clearly stated that it was to be a temporary provision. It gave special status to the permanent residents of Kashmir and vested in the local government the power to make laws. This paved the way for regional instability and dynasty politics. With the abrogation, fresh investment has flowed into Kashmir. In a historic feat, PM Modi himself inaugurated the state’s first ever electric train.

Despite these achievements, the media still favours a 53 year old man given a throne in the Indian political sphere through his father’s legacy. Perhaps there’s a generous donation received each year to support his narrative. Or perhaps it is because they genuinely thrive in the chaos of a messy government, generating content that keeps its consumers entertained? That’s food for your thoughts.