Indian Elections: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

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India's Election and Narendra Modi's Popularity

India is currently holding an election, with results expected on June 4th.
The incumbent, Narendra Modi, is favored to win a third term due to India's progress under his leadership, including infrastructure development, poverty alleviation programs, and economic growth.

There are concerns about Modi's authoritarian tendencies, including the suppression of political opposition and freedom of the press.
Modi's economic record is under scrutiny, with questions raised about the accuracy of growth figures and the extent to which poverty has been reduced.
India's economic growth has been widely unequal, with a small percentage of the population controlling a significant portion of the wealth while poverty increases.

Modi's political opposition faces challenges, including the freezing of bank accounts and arrests, which critics see as politically motivated.
Criticism of Modi and his government is often suppressed in India, with media outlets facing raids, legal actions, and financial pressure for critical reporting.
The government is pushing for laws to regulate digital media and establish a fact-check unit that could remove content deemed as fake news.

Modi's adherence to Hindu nationalism has led to attacks on Muslims, including the opening of a Hindu temple on the site of a demolished mosque and the bulldozing of Muslim-owned buildings.
The term "bulldozer justice" has become popular in India, with the bulldozer becoming a Hindu nationalist symbol.
Despite being a minority, Muslims in India face rising anti-Muslim hate speech and violence, leading to feelings of being targeted.
Incidents of violence against Muslims have increased, including a police officer kicking praying Muslims and another officer killing three Muslims on a train while praising the Prime Minister.

The international community should stop uncritically praising Prime Minister Modi and acknowledge both the positive and negative aspects of his leadership.
The video may not air in India due to potential legal issues, but viewers can access it through alternative websites.
The host, Bill Maher, expresses his lack of fear of Modi and challenges him to meet in Los Angeles.