Why the Media's Tone Has Changed on Modi's Government

Chances are, if you've been paying attention to the Indian media over the past few months, you've noticed a significant shift in tone towards the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Even outlets known for taking strong stances, like The Hindu, have seemingly toned down their coverage of opposition to his administration. But why?

A Society Complacent with Success

One potential explanation is that society, broadly speaking, has become more satisfied with the current political climate. Perhaps there's a belief that everything is "hunky-dory," and so why complain about minor glitches? This mindset, however, seems overly simplistic. While economic improvement and international recognition do offer some solace, the question remains: Why would a nation with numerous socio-economic challenges suddenly find itself in such a positive light?

Media Fear after NDTV’s Witch-Hunt

A more plausible reason might be the influence of recent events, such as the perceived witch-hunt led by NDTV and its bosses, particularly Prannoy Roy. Following this, many media outlets may be wary of pushing back against the government too aggressively, fearing similar consequences. In this light, silence can be viewed as a strategy to avoid sticking out like a proverbial sore thumb.

Growing Acceptance of Government Policies

Another theory is that over time, a growing number of people have come to appreciate the good work being done by the government. For instance, the demonetization policy, which initially caused widespread panic and disruption, ultimately led to a robust economic recovery and international praise. Similarly, India's growing influence on the global stage and the successful election of self-proclaimed policies aligned closely with those of US President Donald Trump have likely contributed to a more favorable view among the populace.

Media Self-Reflection and Enthusiasm

Maybe the media, in a self-reflective mode, are realizing that their previous predictions were incorrect. For instance, they had predicted the failure of demonetization, but it ultimately turned out better than expected. Moreover, as the issue of farmer agitations fades, and the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) secures its position, the media might be thinking it's safer to stay neutral. This shift in tone could be an effort to maintain goodwill with the government while ensuring their own survival.

Waiting for BJP's Downfall

A final possibility is that the media are strategic in their silence, hoping to capitalize on BJP's potential political unraveling. Recent farmer agitations, although fanned by opposition voices, could be a moment of weakness for the BJP. If the government's handling of this issue becomes a point of contention, it might serve as a pretext for the media to question its firmness. By staying silent now, they can position themselves to be more critical when the right moment arises. The economic downturn and the government's failure to live up to its promises might provide the perfect timing for a backlash.

Conclusion

The reasons behind the change in media tone on Modi's government are complex and multifaceted. Whether it's societal satisfaction, fear of repercussions, growing acceptance of policies, media self-reflection, or strategic silence, the shift represents a moment of reflection and adjustment. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the media and the public respond in the coming years.

References

For a deeper dive, consider reading:

Raghuram Rajan Has The Last Laugh by Swarajya magazine (date). This article can be found at: [Link to the article]