In poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, an exchange over Modi between bhakt and baiter

The Modi-baiter is enraged, declaring that such abhorrent administration was incomprehensible, while the Modi-bhakt is emotionally immobilized and rigidly refuses to evaluate the Prime Minister on everyday matters.

Intriguingly, a talk with Prakash and Babu, who are both approaching sixty and facing issues common to lower middle-class families, reveals the damage done to Indian society by the combination of politics and religion. They both know that the last nine years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have not been good for them, but their approaches to politics couldn't be more different.

"All 17 members of my extended family will vote for the BJP," said Prakash, a devotee of Modi. Shivraj Chouhan and Narendra Modi are both beloved by us.

"Undoubtedly, there is a severe job crisis," he remarked in response to inquiries concerning jobs, healthcare, and the abundance of frauds. The cost of medical services has skyrocketed. With prices skyrocketing, survival is challenging. Scams involving recruitment also occurred. However, these concerns pale in comparison to the greater problem of nationalism and Hindutva. According to my father, we must back Modi till the Hindu Rashtra is established.

When asked about his accomplishments, Modi mentioned the abolition of Article 370, the building of the Ram temple, and India's improving standing internationally.

What impact has Article 370's weakening in Jammu and Kashmir had on his life in Indore? Reaction from Prakash: "Nothing, in no way."

Is India becoming into Vishwaguru? "TV says Bharat ka danka baj raha hai," was his response. Modi himself admits as much.

Does it make his family less of a thing? "No, absolutely not," he said.

Will his life be changed by the Ram temple? "No, but that would increase Hindu self-esteem. Ram needs to come first, Prakash said. "Ram ko upar rakhna hai."

When asked whether the Sangh Parivar upholds the principles of honesty, fairness, and selflessness for which Ram is renowned, Prakash responded frankly, saying, "It is absurd to anticipate that from politicians."

So should politicians ensnare Ram in their personal feuds? Ram is only a Hindutva symbol. He said, "It's to demonstrate that the BJP is for Hindu interests.

"We need Modi to keep Muslims in check, even though he may not have done wonders for our lives," Prakash said. See how he attacked Pakistan to get revenge for Pulwama. When the Congress arrives, Muslims feel more confident. Now, none of the bomb explosions remain. We say Ram ko upar rakhna hai because of this. Although the cost of gasoline and diesel hurts, they cannot determine the future of the country.

When asked about this sentiment among voters, Babu—a devout Hindu who owns a stationery store—retaliated by asking, "Pahle Ram neeche the kya? (Had Ram been on a lesser pedestal before?) The nation has been destroyed by blind allegiance, as Andh-bhakti ne barbad kar diya desh.

"In the past, I used to make Rs 2,000 a day from this shop," he sobbed. These days, Rs 500 is hard. Six months ago, JK Green A4 size paper used to cost Rs 160. It costs Rs 260 now. A ration that cost Rs 4,000 per month in 2013–14 now costs Rs 11,000 instead. Gas cylinder for one hundred rupees is theft.

"The market never looked up after notebandi," Babu went on. (demonetisation). One term for Indore was "mini-Mumbai." As of right now, every showroom is vacant. Everyone in Rajwada and Sarafa Bazar would tell you that commerce has been stagnant for years. Healthcare and education are unimportant to the BJP. The state of government schools is disarray. The costs of private schools are exorbitant. We fear visiting the hospital due to the exorbitant expenses. People were left on their own during COVID-19.

"Bhar diya dimag mein Hindu-Muslim, Azan, hijab, namaz...," he remarked, expressing his fury at the media and the lies propagated via WhatsApp. The mind is now a sore that is festering. It is never permitted to recover. Every three months, new Discord problems are created. Hold on, there will be a big announcement around the 2024 election. Voting on actual issues will not be permitted. The people repeating Article 370 aren't even familiar with it. Such miserable times were unheard of. A government like that was unimaginable.

When asked how Modi has managed to hold onto his popularity in spite of his unfulfilled promises, the shopkeeper said, "He is the first Prime Minister who is known to every child in the nation." Modi-Modi—as if he were the head of state. Nothing else is important. It is entirely due to advertising. He has cost thousands of millions of rupees. His image is constructed by the media and the whole apparatus of government. He is everywhere, from a train to the opening of Parliament. Modi is the speaker; Modi is the show. For some, bolna permitted nahin. The ED-CBI has not yet responded.

Babu has taken to watching comedies and dancing programs, while Prakash is addicted to TV news. Or he uses his phone to listen to music. He said, "Music is superior to fake news." "If the country is saved from the media, it will be saved from Modi."

Paradoxically, Prakash also mocks the media, saying, "Sab ghulam hain." Slaves by definition, Ghulam is their love for the powers who held them captive.