Policy expert Yamini Aiyar has stepped down as the President and Chief Executive of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) following her recent critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance, as reported by The Economist.
In her article titled “Yamini Aiyar laments the damage done to Indian democracy under Narendra Modi,” Aiyar voiced concerns about what she sees as “creeping authoritarianism” in India ahead of its 18th general election. She pointed out aggressive centralization, a cult of personality, and an exclusionary Hindu-nationalist ideology as factors eroding India’s democracy under Modi’s leadership.
Acknowledging the likelihood of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a third term in power, Aiyar warned of the diminishing space for political opposition, media, academia, and civil society to freely express dissent.
In response to her article, CPR announced Aiyar’s resignation, effective March 31, 2024, citing her desire to focus more on research interests. Dr. Srinivas Chokkakula, Senior Fellow at CPR and Ministry of Jal Shakti Research Chair, will succeed Aiyar as the new President and Chief Executive, starting April 1, 2024.
