The world’s largest democratic exercise has brought into focus the role of the fourth estate in India. Around 551 million citizens – a record 66.38% of eligible voters – cast their votes over the course of five weeks, with early results giving an overwhelming lead to the main opposition Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Indian media scrutinised over election coverage
Gateway House Co-Founder Manjeet Kripalani was interviewed by the Doha Centre for Media Freedom, a non-profit organisation working for press freedom, on the role played by the Indian media in the general elections and the impact of this coverage on public opinion.