The long-standing political strategy of India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, now faces a major challenge. Questions are being raised about how far the strategy that has served him until now, of weakening opponents, putting pressure on the media and using state power against dissenters, will stay effective in the face of growing public discontent.
Narendra Modi has presented himself on the international stage as the popular elected leader of the world’s largest democracy. He has also built an image as a leader who takes a stand for peace and stability against the background of global conflicts. In the country’s domestic politics, however, his government has long been accused of taking a harsh line in suppressing dissent.
Recent events have brought the limits of the Modi government’s political strategy to the fore. After images of violence around the protests in the capital, New Delhi, spread in the international media, fresh discussion has begun about the government’s harsh way of governing.
Youth-led protest and political discontent in the country have recently taken on a new dimension. The movement has grown stronger around allegations of irregularities against the Election Commission and the controversy over the revision of the electoral rolls. The protesters demand transparency and accountability over the removal of a large number of names from the rolls. The election authorities have rejected the allegations of irregularities.
The tight security measures taken in the capital to stop the protests and the detention of protesters have increased criticism of the government. The opposition parties and the protesters allege that citizens’ right to protest is being narrowed by these steps.
Among the foundations of Modi’s political success were his image of strong leadership, the weakness of the opposition parties and the government’s influence over the administrative structure. But the new generation’s movement, protest organised on social media and the controversy over the election process are raising questions about how well that strategy works.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report