Modi's Journey from a Chowkidar (Watchman) to Great God: A Durkheimian Analysis. Issue 1 (1st December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raja, Anand
• Is Part Of: Durkheimian studies. Volume 26:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 180
• Page End: 208
• Publication Date: 2022-12-01
• Subjects: actor-totem -- Durkheim -- great god -- Indian elections -- model individual -- Narendra Modi; Durkheimian school of sociology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 301
• DOI: 10.3167/ds.2022.260108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-2307

Abstract

Abstract: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi uses self-reflexive symbols. He called himself Watchman and weaved a campaign around it. This article sees Modi's campaign alongside Durkheim's The Elementary Forms of Religious Life : emergence of Modi's Watchman image as a totem, emergence of a clan of believers, collective effervescence, coming of a civilising hero, and Modi becoming a great god. The totem and the clan 'disappeared' on the last day of the elections. Only the great god remained to resurrect in millions of banners in public spaces saying: 'Thank you, PM Modi'. This journey of this Dionysian election campaign with emotive symbols and meticulously planned spectacles built an illusion of a society with religion in its elementary form replacing the modern society for the election period.