An author and global investor, Ruchir Sharma’s interest in Indian politics has only grown over the years even though he lives in the US. His recent book, Democracy on the Road: A 25-Year Journey through India, is a compilation of his two-decade-long travels through India’s major states while chasing election campaigns.

In conversation with Newslaundry’s editor-in-chief Madhu Trehan, Ruchir opens up about his keen interest in politics, economics and writing. As a child, his interest in politics was sparked by the political situation in his hometown of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. He also talks about the time he presented economic reforms beneficial for India to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi—an interaction which made him pledge to never advise politicians.

Discussing the keynotes of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Ruchir tells Madhu, “I’ve never seen India this polarised at a caste level, religious level, at a leader level—you either love Modi or hate Modi. I’ve never seen India this polarised in terms of all my travels.”

Watch.