Kumari Annapurna
The digital age has transformed political discourse in India, with YouTube emerging as a powerful platform for shaping public opinion. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in power since 2014, faces constant scrutiny from various quarters, including a group of YouTubers accused of aligning with the Indian National Congress and engaging in relentless propaganda against the ruling party. Prominent among them are Dhruv Rathee and Akash Banerjee (The DeshBhakt), whose content is often criticized by BJP supporters as biased and agenda-driven. This article examines the allegations of propaganda leveled against Congress-aligned YouTubers, their content’s impact, the BJP’s counterarguments, and the broader implications for India’s polarized media landscape.
YouTube as a Political Battleground
With millions of daily users, YouTube is a critical platform in India, the world’s largest democracy. Political YouTubers have capitalized on this reach, offering commentary, satire, and analysis that often bypasses traditional media’s gatekeepers. While some creators support the BJP, others, perceived as Congress sympathizers, focus on critiquing the ruling party. Dhruv Rathee, with millions of subscribers, produces videos dissecting government policies, while Akash Banerjee uses satire to mock BJP’s actions and supporters. Other names like Wali Rahmani and Kumar Shyam also contribute to this ecosystem, amplifying narratives critical of the BJP.
The BJP and its supporters argue that these YouTubers are not independent voices but part of a coordinated Congress strategy to defame the ruling party. Posts on X frequently label them as “Congress stooges,” accusing them of spreading misinformation to undermine the BJP’s achievements, such as infrastructure growth, digital initiatives, and India’s rising global stature. The intensity of this criticism reflects the high stakes of digital narratives in shaping voter perceptions.
Allegations of Propaganda and Bias
The core allegation against Congress-aligned YouTubers is that their content is systematically biased, selectively highlighting BJP’s failures while ignoring similar issues under Congress-led governments. Dhruv Rathee’s videos, for instance, often focus on unemployment, communal tensions, or alleged democratic erosion under the BJP, but critics note a lack of comparable scrutiny for Congress’s historical record, such as economic stagnation or corruption scandals like the 2G scam. Akash Banerjee’s satirical portrayal of BJP supporters as “Bhakts” is seen by some as mocking ordinary citizens rather than engaging in constructive critique, further fueling accusations of propaganda.
BJP leaders, including spokespersons like Shehzad Poonawalla, have accused Congress of orchestrating a digital smear campaign through these YouTubers. In 2022, the BJP filed complaints against Congress for spreading “fake news” about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing to a broader pattern of narrative manipulation. Supporters argue that these YouTubers cherry-pick data and sensationalize issues to create a distorted image of the BJP’s governance. For example, a video by Rathee on economic inequality might emphasize rising wealth disparities without acknowledging global economic trends or the BJP’s poverty alleviation schemes like PM-KISAN.
The BJP also contends that these YouTubers exploit YouTube’s lack of editorial oversight to spread unverified claims. Unlike traditional media, which faces regulatory scrutiny, YouTube allows creators to publish content with minimal checks, raising concerns about misinformation. A 2020 study by the Centre for Policy Studies flagged several anti-BJP channels for selectively framing issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), often omitting context that could dilute their narrative. While the study did not name Rathee or Banerjee, it highlighted a broader trend among opposition-aligned creators.
Congress YouTubers’ Defense
Congress-aligned YouTubers reject the propaganda label, arguing that their content counters the BJP’s dominance in traditional media. They point to the term “Godi media,” which describes mainstream outlets allegedly favoring the BJP due to advertising revenues or political pressure. Rathee has claimed his videos are fact-based, aimed at educating viewers about policy failures, while Banerjee insists his satire is grounded in research. Both creators have large followings—Rathee with over 20 million subscribers and Banerjee with millions more—suggesting significant public appetite for their perspectives.
These YouTubers also argue that their role is to hold power accountable, not to serve as neutral journalists. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their content highlighted public discontent with issues like unemployment and inflation, which some credit with forcing the BJP to recalibrate its campaign. However, critics counter that their selective focus on BJP’s shortcomings, coupled with minimal critique of Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi, betrays an ideological alignment. For instance, Banerjee’s videos rarely address Congress’s organizational weaknesses or its electoral losses, raising questions about impartiality.
The BJP’s Media Strategy
The BJP also accuses Congress of hypocrisy, pointing to instances where Congress leaders have threatened YouTubers. In Telangana, CM Revanth Reddy’s alleged warnings to creators critical of his government drew BJP’s ire, with leaders arguing that Congress’s commitment to free speech is selective. This mutual finger-pointing highlights a broader issue: both parties view digital media as a tool to control narratives, often at the expense of nuance.
The Role of Controversial Outlets
Some analyses of this issue, such as those from outlets like The Wire, have been criticized for their own biases. The Wire, which has faced accusations of peddling anti-BJP narratives and issuing apologies for inaccurate reporting, claimed in a 2024 article that critical YouTubers helped the BJP adjust its poll strategy. Such claims are contentious, as they rely on unverified assumptions about the BJP’s internal decision-making. Quoting such sources risks amplifying partisan narratives, underscoring the need for skepticism when evaluating digital media’s role in politics.
Implications for India’s Media Landscape
The allegations against Congress YouTubers reflect deeper challenges in India’s polarized media ecosystem. On one hand, creators like Rathee and Banerjee provide a counter-narrative to BJP’s media dominance, amplifying issues that resonate with disaffected voters. Their large audiences suggest a public demand for critical voices, particularly among youth skeptical of traditional media. On the other hand, their selective framing and occasional reliance on unverified claims fuel accusations of propaganda, mirroring tactics used by pro-BJP creators.
This polarization undermines informed discourse, as audiences gravitate toward echo chambers that reinforce their beliefs. A 2021 study by the Observer Research Foundation found that political YouTube content in India often prioritizes engagement over accuracy, with both pro- and anti-BJP channels exaggerating claims to boost views. The lack of regulatory oversight on YouTube exacerbates this, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked.
The allegations of propaganda against Congress-aligned YouTubers like Dhruv Rathee and Akash Banerjee highlight the contentious role of digital media in Indian politics. While their content addresses real issues, its selective focus and occasional sensationalism lend credence to accusations of bias. The BJP, too, engages in similar tactics through its own digital ecosystem, revealing a broader struggle for narrative control. As YouTube continues to shape public opinion, the challenge lies in fostering content that informs rather than polarizes. Voters must approach such content critically, cross-referencing claims with primary sources to navigate India’s complex political landscape.