NEW DELHI, India: Dhruv Rathee, a prominent YouTuber with 2.16 million subscribers, is well-known for his critical stance against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ahead of the election results, Rathee released a video urging people to seek change fearlessly, irrespective of the outcome.
This video quickly gained traction, trending widely across India. After the election results, Rathee took to social media to emphasize the power of the common man. Rathee’s YouTube journey began in 2014, and his influence has steadily grown. In 2023, he was named in Time magazine’s ‘Next Generation Leaders’ list for his fact-checking and educational content. Rathee’s videos often delve into India’s complex political reality, challenging the notion of India as a straightforward democracy. He highlights issues such as corruption, misuse of institutions, and the suppression of democratic processes under Modi’s government.
In a detailed 29-minute video, Rathee accuses the Modi administration of attacking the media and opposition, and sidelining significant issues like the ethnic violence in Manipur. His use of animations and infographics makes his arguments compelling, painting a grim picture of India, contrary to the success narrative promoted by Modi’s team.
As India’s national election, involving 970 million eligible voters, concluded with final voting on June 1 and results on June 4, the clash of narratives was particularly evident on social media. Modi’s BJP reportedly operates millions of WhatsApp channels, a platform with 400 million Indian users. Meanwhile, YouTube, with 460 million users in India, serves as a battleground for both pro-Modi channels and critics like Rathee.
Despite accusations from opponents that Rathee selectively criticizes Modi while ignoring flaws in opposition parties, his influence remains significant. Studies indicate that more Indians trust news from YouTube and WhatsApp over mainstream channels, making Rathee a formidable digital presence.
Rathee’s political stance evolved from initial support for Modi, spurred by Modi’s anti-corruption rhetoric in 2014, to disillusionment by 2015. He was particularly disheartened by the central government’s conflict with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over an anti-corruption helpline. This marked a turning point for Rathee, who began to see Modi’s actions as contrary to his promises of eradicating corruption.
Rathee’s frustration grew as he observed mainstream TV channels displaying bias in favor of Modi and the BJP. His shift from a Modi supporter to a vocal critic reflects a broader discontent with the current political climate in India. Through his platform, Rathee continues to challenge narratives and advocate for transparency and accountability in Indian politics.
