India’s youth protests puncture Modi’s aura of invincibility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's carefully constructed image of strength is facing its most significant challenge yet, as youth-led protests over exam irregularities and job prospects forced a rare government reversal. The demonstrations, initially focused on exam leaks, broadened into a wider expression of youth frustration, gaining momentum after a police crackdown on protesters marching toward Parliament. The government's concessions, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an agreement not to prosecute detained protesters, mark a notable backtrack for a leader known for his unyielding stance since taking power in 2014. Analysts believe this climbdown, occurring before crucial state elections in 2027, has inflicted considerable damage on 'brand Modi,' a persona built over decades. "Twenty-five years of brand building, a lot of it has been very heavily damaged," said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a biographer of Modi. The protests have also exposed a changing digital landscape, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) no longer holds the unchallenged dominance it once did. The movement's success, fueled by online mobilization and widespread images of police action, has emboldened young people, demonstrating that public pressure can compel the government to yield. While Modi remains a dominant figure in Indian politics, the protests have punctured the perception of his and the BJP's invincibility, offering a rare opportunity for the fragmented opposition to exert pressure.

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The resignation is definitely a surprise, because it is not in Mr Modi’s temperament to take a back step.