The Indian national election produced shocking results, with predictions of a landslide victory for incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi falling far short. Many attribute this inaccuracy to the control Modi exerted over mainstream media, which became biased in favor of his Hindu-first vision of India. This allowed online news outlets to gain credibility and present more objective coverage. Independent journalists like Ravish Kumar and Ajit Anjum proved more accurate in their forecasts than traditional news channels. YouTube emerged as a key platform for critical reporting, with millions turning to it for analysis. Citizens were drawn to independent journalism for its focus on real issues rather than propaganda. The growing trust in online news providers poses a challenge to the government’s efforts to control information. The media landscape in India is shifting, with a move towards more independent journalism that provides factual reporting and gives a voice to dissenting views. This change could have a lasting impact on the nation’s democracy, holding leaders accountable and giving a voice to marginalized communities.
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