Renowned Indian YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, known for his critical videos targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finds himself in hot water.
With over 23 million followers on YouTube, Rathee has garnered significant attention for his fact-based videos on various serious topics. His fearless analysis and unwavering commentary on Modi’s policies have particularly resonated with the Indian public.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Saroj Nikva has filed a defamation lawsuit against Rathee, demanding 20 lakh rupees in damages. A Delhi court has issued a notice to Rathee, scheduling the case hearing for August 6.
In the lawsuit, the BJP leader claims that Rathee portrayed him as a troll in one of his YouTube videos. The leader further alleges that Rathee stated in his video that Prime Minister Modi had invited trolls to his official residence.
According to the BJP leader, Rathee’s video amassed over 24 million views and 2 million likes, with these numbers increasing every moment. The leader asserts that these allegations have caused irreparable damage to his personal and professional reputation.
It’s noteworthy that Rathee’s fact-based videos have significantly impacted Modi’s popularity in India. Prior to the elections, Rathee shared a message for Modi, stating, “Never underestimate the power of a common man.”
This development adds another layer to the ongoing discourse about the intersection of free speech, political critique, and legal ramifications in India. As the hearing date approaches, all eyes will be on how the court navigates this high-profile case.
