×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Truth Without Fear
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

India's influencers rally millions to vote for Modi

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Indian folk singer Maithili Thakur. [AFP]

Indian folk singer Maithili Thakur thought she was successful, with millions following her Hindu devotional tunes on social media - but then Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent her popularity into the stratosphere.

With India's marathon general elections set to start on April 19, critics say Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has co-opted the vast youth fan bases of hugely influential social media stars - in fields ranging from music to culture, and fashion to fitness - to push their political message.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.
Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us.
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in
By Xinhua 1 hr ago
Sports
How Chinese elements shine at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Basketball
Thunder plot Equity Bank raid as Premier League tips off
By Ben Ahenda 11 hrs ago
Boxing
Future Boxing Championships offer Kenyan boxers lessons
Athletics
Why Faith Kipyegon is making waves after winning 10km debut