Nearly one billion Indian citizens are eligible to vote in a lengthy election that began on April 19th and runs until June.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks set to retain power, in part thanks to the economic transformation that has lifted millions of Indians out of poverty on his watch. But Modi himself is an enigma.
For her podcast series Looking for Modi Australian journalist Avani Dias set out to profile one of the most powerful people in the world.
She tells In the News about the humble background that endeared Modi to voters. But his backstory has some holes in it, like his formative experiences with a far-right Hindu nationalist organisation, the secret marriage he walked away from, and his role in fomenting India’s deadly religious tensions.
As South Asia bureau chief for Australia’s ABC News, Dias was based in New Delhi until her investigation into allegations Modi's government was behind the assassination of Indian dissidents in Canada resulted in the non-renewal of her visa.
Modi’s suppression of his critics is having a chilling effect on the media and undermining the democratic process, she says.
This episode tells the story of Modi's origins, his rise in politics and the questions over the direction of India under his leadership.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why did Rishi Sunak call an election?
The trouble with Temu, the cut-price Chinese competitor to Amazon
What a leaked report tells us about Ireland's housing crisis
What will the death of Iran's President mean for tensions in the Middle East?
Would prime minister Keir Starmer be good for Ireland?
The Portal: Are we overreacting to a bit of 'bad' behaviour?
Is Ireland's welcome for refugees over?
Gangster's Paradise: How the Kinahans secretly make millions on property in Dubai
Ireland is getting stricter on cigarettes. But is vaping the real threat?
‘It’s hard to stop scrolling’: What Irish teens are watching on TikTok
A stormy week for Donald Trump but Daniels fails to land a blow
What will it take for Israel to cease fire in Gaza?
Drimnagh murder - a new generation of rival drug gangs emerges
How the culture of gangland funerals provides crucial intel
Why are Chinese millionaires buying up South Dublin homes?
Has Simon Harris's Mount Street clearance backfired?
Is the cost of living crisis over?
The major row between Ireland and the UK over migration, explained
Housing, immigration, Gaza: Which issues are Irish voters really paying attention to?
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Jim & Bill (It‘s Another Day)
HauntingLive
Dr. Paul’s Worldviews
The Ben Shapiro Show
Morning Wire