In India, fear has switched sides

A sustained student-led protest movement in India's capital has evolved into a significant political challenge for the government. Beginning with demands focused on education reform and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar have grown substantially over more than a month. The movement gained momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly hospitalized on the 21st day of his hunger strike, which he had undertaken in support of the students' demands since late June.

The situation intensified when students called for a march on Parliament during the monsoon session. Despite government efforts to prevent the gathering—including closing metro stations, barricading roads, and restricting internet access—over 100,000 participants converged on central New Delhi. The police response involved the use of pellet guns, batons, tear gas, and other force, resulting in at least 200 injuries. Documentation emerged of police misconduct, including staging evidence and assaulting women.

The crackdown appeared to strengthen rather than suppress the movement. Opposition parties organized their own demonstration outside the Prime Minister's residence, and protests spread to multiple cities including Patna, Mumbai, and Goa. Families affected by exam-related suicides joined the movement, as did farmers who had previously protested in 2021. By evening, students returned to the protest site despite the day's violence.

While the government announced fast-track courts to address exam-leak cases, it has not apologized for the police response or committed to investigating allegations of excessive force. The situation represents a notable shift in political dynamics, with public calls for the Prime Minister's resignation occurring openly for the first time during his tenure.