German citizen Dhruv Rathee is once again interfering in Indian politics. This time, the question is straightforward- why does a German citizen seem so deeply invested in how India’s political institutions function?
Rathee, a prominent YouTuber who lives in Germany, has frequently commented on Indian elections, political parties, government policies and constitutional institutions. His latest criticism reportedly targets the Election Commission, with a demand for the removal of an Election Commissioner.
Now, criticism of any public institution is legitimate. Democracy does not come with a rule saying that only politicians or citizens can question institutions. Journalists, commentators, academics and ordinary people can all raise uncomfortable questions.
But the political debate inevitably raises another issue, what is the nature of Rathee’s relationship with Indian politics? Why is he so invested?
India is a country of more than 1.4 billion people, with fiercely contested elections and political arguments that can become intense within minutes. Yet Rathee, despite living in Germany and being a German citizen, continues to devote considerable attention to India’s political affairs. One may reasonably ask- why?
Is it simply because India remains his country of origin and therefore a subject he feels personally connected to? Is it because Indian politics provides him with a huge audience for his YouTube channel? Or does he genuinely see himself as a political commentator whose responsibility extends beyond national borders?
These are legitimate questions, particularly because his videos and political commentary can influence millions of Indian viewers.
At the end of the day, the question is why is a German citizen so interested in deciding how India’s democracy should function?
