Opinion | Narendra Modi's digital century gives India democratic hope amid global turbulence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Twitter account has reached an unprecedented milestone of over 100 million followers, leaving most world leaders far behind. The staggering scale of Prime Minister Modi’s social media reach is best appreciated when one looks at the cumulative reach of the rest of India’s political opposition, which still remains below the 100 million mark. It is remarkable that Prime Minister Modi has maintained his digital engagement in a vibrant and competitive democratic environment where he and his government are put to the test on social media 24/7, unlike leaders of authoritarian regimes and non-democratic nations. There is, however, a deeper democratic message in this digital milestone, the global implications of which go far beyond the narrow prism of Indian politics.

In a world grappling with unprecedented challenges and political upheavals post-Covid-19, the recent general elections in India are a testament to the resilience and strength of its democratic fabric. Prime Minister Modi’s re-election for a record third term underscores India’s commitment to democratic values ​​and its ability to navigate turbulent times with stability and progress. This is in stark contrast to the political instability witnessed in several other major democracies of the world. India, the world’s largest democracy, has emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic not only intact but reinvigorated. The recent elections saw the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Modi secure a clear mandate, signalling a vote of confidence in his leadership and policies. Such continuity in governance is a rare phenomenon in today’s global political landscape.

In the United States, a country often held up as the paragon of democracy, the political landscape has been tumultuous to say the least. The 2020 presidential election, held in the midst of a pandemic, saw incumbent President Donald Trump ousted from office. His Democratic opponent Joe Biden won the presidency, but his victory was marred by accusations of voter fraud and widespread skepticism. The transition was further complicated by the January 6 Capitol riots, a stark reminder of the deep divisions in American society. Over the course of Biden’s term, his administration has faced numerous challenges, including managing the ongoing pandemic, economic recovery, and a polarized Congress. Recently, concerns about Biden’s cognitive decline have come under intense public scrutiny. His debate performances have been less than stellar, raising questions about his ability to lead, and some have called for him to withdraw from running for a second term. In addition, the country has been deeply shaken by the dramatic assassination attempt on Donald Trump, adding to the atmosphere of instability. As the 2024 election approaches, the Biden administration is lagging in opinion polls, reflecting deep divisions and uncertainties about the future.

In the United Kingdom, political upheaval has become a recurring theme. The Conservative Party, under Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and then Rishi Sunak, has faced significant challenges. Boris Johnson’s tenure was marked by controversy, including the Partygate scandal, which involved allegations that government officials had broken Covid-19 lockdown rules. This eroded public trust and led to his resignation. Rishi Sunak, who succeeded Johnson and Liz Truss, has struggled to unite the party and the country. Despite efforts to stabilise the economy and deal with Brexit issues, Sunak’s government has been plagued by internal divisions and declining public support. In the recent general election, the Conservative Party suffered a landslide defeat, with Labour, led by Keir Starmer, winning a landslide victory. This radical shift in the political landscape highlights the volatility and discontent within British society.

France has also experienced significant political turbulence. President Emmanuel Macron, re-elected in 2022, faced an uphill battle in the runoff election. No candidate won a majority in the first round, reflecting deep political divisions. Macron’s second term has been marked by social unrest and economic hardship. His government’s handling of pension reform sparked widespread protests, further eroding his popularity. France recently held snap elections, which resulted in stunning setbacks for Macron and his allies. The right-wing National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, nearly took power, signaling a shift in the political mood in the country. The rise of right-wing populism in France reflects a broader trend in Europe, where traditional political parties are losing ground to more extreme and populist movements.

India, by contrast, has demonstrated remarkable political stability. The re-election of Narendra Modi is a sign of continuity and strong political will for ongoing reforms. This stability is not only a reflection of electoral success, but also an indication of the strength of India’s democratic institutions and processes. The high turnout in recent elections is a testament to the vitality of democratic engagement in India, which stands in stark contrast to that of other major democracies.

Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, has also seen significant political change. The ruling coalition led by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lost the 2024 presidential election to candidate Gerindra by a significant margin. The defeat reflects a shift in political sentiment and a demand for change, reflecting voters’ desire for new leadership and direction. In Brazil, the political scene has been similarly dynamic. Incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro was ousted in a 2022 runoff election. Bolsonaro’s handling of the pandemic, characterized by denial and misinformation, has significantly weakened his public support. Voter dissatisfaction with his leadership led to the election of a new president, signaling a shift in the political landscape.

In Japan, the ruling party managed to retain power in 2021, but only after changing its prime ministerial candidate twice. This internal political instability within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) highlighted the challenges of maintaining leadership continuity in a rapidly changing political environment. In the Philippines, the incumbent vice president lost the 2022 presidential election to a challenger, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. The election reflected voters’ desire for change and new leadership.

In Germany, the ruling coalition suffered its worst losses in 2021, paving the way for a new chancellor from a third party that has become the largest in nearly two decades. This significant political shift signals a demand for new leadership and a different direction for the country. Thailand’s 2023 general election saw the incumbent prime minister’s party lose vote share and seats to several opposition parties. This fragmented political scene reflects voters’ desire for change and new leadership.

South Africa experienced a major political shift in 2024, when the ANC lost its majority for the first time in 30 years. This marked the end of a long period of dominance and signaled a major political shift in the country. The incumbent Italian government was overthrown in 2022, with the opposition coalition winning a majority. This reflected voters' desire for change and new leadership. The 2022 presidential election in Colombia saw a left-wing opposition candidate win for the first time after a runoff. This significant political realignment signaled a demand for new leaders and direction.

South Korea's ruling party lost the 2022 presidential election to the opposition, demonstrating that voters are demanding a new direction. In the 2023 Spanish general election, no party won a majority, with the ruling party finishing second to the opposition in terms of seats and vote share. This led to a parliament without an absolute majority, reflecting a fragmented political landscape.

India’s democratic journey post-Covid-19 is a beacon of hope and stability in a world beset by political turbulence. Prime Minister Modi’s re-election with a clear mandate underscores the strength and resilience of Indian democracy. While other major democracies grapple with instability and unrest, India stands as a model of democratic continuity and progress, charting a path forward with confidence and unity. Prime Minister Modi’s digital century, with hundreds of millions of followers on X, is not just a social media milestone but a powerful example to the world of sustaining citizen engagement in a competitive democracy through creative use of technology for developmental purposes.

The author is former CEO of News18, Prasar Bharti. The views expressed in the above article are personal and those of the author alone. They do not necessarily reflect the views of News18.