Media, Corporates, and Democracy

Abstract

Indian democracy became increasingly corporatized since the advent of neoliberal economy, resulting in the emergence of a corporate–media–politics nexus. Narendra Modi, as the chief minister of Gujarat, extended patronage to the corporates in the pretext of development. Hence, the corporate world overwhelmingly endorsed his candidature as prime minister. The corporate-controlled media went all out projecting him as a strong charismatic leader and icon of development. Interestingly, the same corporate and media backed Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in his state for his corporate-friendly record. As a result, Modi’s charisma was not very effective in Odisha and Naveen Patnaik got an outstanding victory. In this light, the chapter argues that democracy is in peril when the corporate and media dictate the policy of political parties and the government.