Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj Season 2 Episode 6 Indian Elections

In season 2 episode 6 of Patriot Act, Hasan Minhaj tackles India's 2019 general elections. The episode takes a deep dive into the world's largest democratic exercise, exploring the unique challenges and controversies that mark the Indian electoral process.

Minhaj begins the episode by acknowledging India's diversity, both in terms of its geography and population. He notes that the nation's electoral system is designed to accommodate this diversity and allow for maximum participation, through initiatives such as voter ID cards and electronic voting machines. However, he also points out that India's elections are far from perfect and highlights several pressing issues that have emerged in recent years.

One of the main issues Minhaj examines is the role of money in Indian politics. He notes that political parties in India are not required to disclose their sources of funding, making it difficult to know who is really behind different campaigns. He also reveals that political parties spent an estimated $7 billion on their campaigns in the 2019 elections, with some candidates reportedly offering bribes or other incentives to voters.

Minhaj also discusses the ways in which technology is influencing the Indian electoral process. He explains how social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook are being used to spread propaganda and fake news, with some political parties reportedly hiring social media firms to manipulate online sentiment. He also talks about the controversy surrounding the use of electronic voting machines, with some experts questioning their security and reliability.

Throughout the episode, Minhaj maintains a critical but fair perspective. He highlights the ways in which India's election process is unique and admirable, while also shining a light on the problems that need to be addressed. He interviews a range of Indian citizens and experts, including journalists, activists, and political insiders, to get a comprehensive view of the situation.

Ultimately, the episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important political events in the world. It is an engaging and informative look at what makes India's elections both impressive and troubling and will fascinate anyone interested in global politics and democracy.