This paper explores the demonetisation of India´s currency by Prime Minister Modi in 2016 as a performative political act which intended to create the narrative of a dichotomy between the “people” and the “enemy” and a state of crisis, both of which as a justification for the authoritarian style of populism seen in India. Building on this, this paper further analyses how Modi employs language relating to development, social justice as well as the dignity of the poor to increase electoral support for the illiberal Hindutva.

Over the past decade, governmental discourse in India reflects a radical shift in the political imaginary of the modern state. Demonetisation represents the culmination of this new imaginary where, contrastingly to neoliberal norms, the state lays claim to the “sacrifice” of “honest” citizens for the good of the state. 

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