MODI-FYING INDIA

In April, two Indian writers published an ode to their Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Titled "Forever in Our Hearts," it recounts his achievements while singing his praises. Such gushing reverence captures the essence of Modi's popularity at home and among Indians abroad. But it also points to some darker developments in the world's largest democracy, as its citizens head to the polls.

- MICHAEL KUGELMAN

Many Indians respect Modi; others seem to worship him. He's beloved by a large majority of the country, as evidenced by an approval rating that climbed to a new high of 75% earlier this year. That's why a vote that kicked off April 19 and runs through June 1 is almost guaranteed to deliver India's Prime Minister a third five-year term.

There's much that explains Modi's appeal. It includes his personality (supporters see him as incorruptible), leadership and communication styles, and policy achievements-not to mention a weak opposition and the massive Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) machine behind him. Above. all, however, he's won over millions of Indians for his government's aggressive Hindu nationalism.

That includes laws and policies that discriminate against Muslims (such as denying fast-track citizenship to Muslim refugees, restricting beef in some states, and expunging Muslim history from school textbooks). Modi has also been accused of hate speech, most recently in late April after a rally at which he referred to Muslims as "infiltrators." Such rhetoric from the Prime Minister and other BJP leaders has been accompanied by rising attacks on religious minorities. This has all played out against a shrinking space for dissent, with crackdowns on media and broader civil society.