What Modi’s Dwindling Support Says About Democracy Worldwide

By Lydia Polgreen

Produced by Vishakha Darbha

After a weekslong election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and his party won a third term but lost their majority in parliament.

The surprising rebuke gives strength to the voice of the opposition and the Indian public in a country that has drifted toward authoritarianism in recent years. The Opinion columnist Lydia Polgreen argues that this election result matters beyond India — and raises the importance of meeting voters where they are.

(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.)

Credit…Illustration by The New York Times; photograph by SAJJAD HUSSAIN/Getty

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This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek and Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Original music by Sonia Herrero, Carole Sabouraud and Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. Our executive producer is Annie-Rose Strasser.

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