A YouTuber with millions of followers has emerged as one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s most formidable opponents, not through political candidacy but through relentless critique and digital activism.
Dhruv Rathee’s incisive analyses and unwavering commentary on Modi’s policies have garnered a significant audience, challenging the popularity of one of India’s most powerful leaders. Following the outcomes of the 2024 elections, Rathee expressed his opinions on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing, “Never underestimate the power of a common man.”
This transformation from a YouTuber to a significant voice in political discourse underscores the transformative power of digital platforms in influencing public opinion and political outcomes.
Who is Dhruv Rathee? Rathee, currently residing in Germany with a degree in mechanical engineering, began his YouTube career producing content on various topics, including travel and technology. Over time, he shifted his focus to political commentary, using his platform to scrutinize and question the actions of the Modi administration.
Rathee’s rise to fame can be largely attributed to his active presence on social media, especially YouTube. His ability to simplify complex political issues and present them engagingly quickly gained him a large following. His incisive and well-researched videos, which often critique government policies and highlight social issues, resonate with millions, particularly the younger demographic. As his subscriber base expanded, so did his impact.
From an Admirer to a Critic Dhruv Rathee’s journey from a Modi admirer to a stalwart critic reflects the changing political landscape in India. When Narendra Modi first came to power, Rathee had just finished high school and was moving to Germany for his degree. Initially a supporter of Modi, who promised economic reforms and anti-corruption measures, Rathee grew increasingly dissatisfied with the administration’s policies, which he perceived as divisive and detrimental to the democratic fabric of the nation.
His doubts began in 2015 when the Modi government clashed with the AAP state government over control of an anti-corruption helpline introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This was a turning point for Rathee, who realized that Modi might not be genuinely interested in eradicating corruption.
Rathee’s frustrations were further compounded by mainstream TV channels’ apparent bias in favor of Modi and the BJP.
Developing a Voice in Politics Against this backdrop, Dhruv Rathee uploaded his first political commentary on YouTube on September 16, 2016. The video, shot entirely on his phone, scrutinized the BJP’s IT cell and its alleged use of misinformation to shape political narratives. He highlighted tactics such as edited photos, manipulated videos, fake quotes, and paid posts used to trend themes on social platforms.
Despite the initial video’s relatively low production quality compared to his current work, Rathee did not retreat. Over the past eight years, he has uploaded approximately 650 videos to his primary YouTube channel. Many of his political videos have received thousands of views, exploring historical events and current issues, with politics remaining his primary focus.
“I find it more enjoyable to produce educational videos and travel vlogs, but this is not the time to remain unaffected,” he told Al Jazeera.
The Impact of Rathee on Politics His unwavering criticism and meticulous examinations of the government’s shortcomings resonated with a significant segment of the electorate, particularly among younger and first-time voters. Modi’s lead, which had been significant in the previous two elections, was dramatically reduced in 2024. Although Modi retained his seat, the diminished margin indicated a shift in voter sentiments, partly influenced by Rathee’s persistent advocacy for accountability and transparency.
Dhruv Rathee represents a new type of political activism in India, one that uses digital platforms to reach and influence the masses. Unlike traditional media, which can often be subject to diverse biases and constraints, platforms like YouTube and Twitter allow individuals like Rathee to present unfiltered views and foster informed public debate.
“I take criticism from well-meaning people very seriously. In some of my earlier videos, I mixed facts with opinions, but that has changed now,” he told Al Jazeera.
