In New Delhi, India, a foreboding soundtrack sets the stage as YouTuber Dhruv Rathee makes his appearance. Sporting his signature collarless red shirt and a sly smile, Rathee wastes no time diving into a troubling question: “Is India becoming a dictatorship?” Despite the appearance of democracy with multiple party choices for citizens, Rathee suggests a more complex reality. He delves into allegations of corruption, misuse of independent institutions, and subversion of democratic processes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. In a gripping 29-minute video filled with Rathee’s monologue, slick animations, and infographics, he accuses the Modi government of attacking the media and opposition systematically. Rathee points out the disappearance of crucial issues like ethnic violence in Manipur from public discourse. Contrary to the success story touted by Modi’s team, Rathee paints a grim picture of India as the giant national election nears its conclusion. Social media has become a battleground for conflicting narratives, with WhatsApp and YouTube playing a crucial role. Modi’s BJP reportedly runs 5 million channels on WhatsApp, targeting the 400 million Indian users. On YouTube, Rathee, with over 20 million subscribers, has emerged as a significant digital force, reaching more Indians than any opposition party or leader. Despite Modi’s continued popularity, issues like inflation and joblessness highlighted by Rathee resonate with many Indians. Rathee’s journey from a Modi supporter to a vocal critic began in 2015 when disillusionment set in over corruption and biases in mainstream media. His YouTube commentary on political narratives marked the start of his journey into political analysis and activism. Rathee’s success can be attributed to his relatable language, nationalistic appeal, and dedication to factual accuracy. With a team of researchers, scriptwriters, and editors, Rathee continues to evolve his content to engage and educate his audience.
