Two weeks after a minister for education resigned following anti-corruption demonstrations by young people, the Government headed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reeling from the political aftermath of one of its biggest challenges in years.
Initially sparked by exam malpractices, the protests spread to cover unemployment and the insufficiency of job opportunities as well as issues related to how the government treats dissenting voices through its demonstration.
The resignation came on July 25, which was a rare blow to the credibility of Modi, who has been projected as a strong leader in politics.
The police have since tried to quell mistrust among young voters, by imposing penalties on leaked exam papers and dropping charges against some protesters after harsh sentiments against police were heard by young voters.
The protests also demonstrated how digital platforms are increasingly becoming a part of Indian politics.
Protestors have relied on social media to arrange and disseminate their message, and authorities have turned to AI-based surveillance tools to track and identify protestors.
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Communication was further hampered by restrictions on the Internet surrounding the protest sites.
Women who took part in the demonstrations have also been harassed online and threatened with rape since their videos have been widely watched.
It began when exam leaks sparked the protests, but underlying economic grievances were a factor in the protests.
For many young Indians, years of schooling followed by hard competition for scarce employment are a harbinger for the greater economic insecurity and lack of confidence in public institutions.
The CJP, which has garnered millions of online followers, has vowed to hold a countrywide “listening tour” and to press forth again for changes.
It was founded with its aim being “primarily a pressure group, not a political party”, Abhijeet Dipke said.
The next national elections are still three years away in India and the protests may see the government and opposition more attuned to the concerns of young people and their frustration about jobs, opportunities, and governance.
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