From 'vote chori' to 'chita andolan': Street protests return with a new playbook
Opposition parties in India are increasingly utilizing street protests to challenge government decisions, including electoral roll revisions. The article traces the historical significance of street politics in India, noting a shift toward more dramatic and disruptive protest tactics.
Why it matters
It highlights a resurgence of grassroots political activism in India, signaling potential instability or increased pressure on the current administration.
NEW DELHI: Slogans are ringing out, crowds are turning up and the streets are once again abuzz with protests.On Tuesday, INDIA bloc MPs took their protest against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to the national capital, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The march took an unexpected turn when Rahul Gandhi surprised the police with a last-minute change of course, turning it into a sit-in.A day later, opposition MPs were back with another dramatic flash protest on Janpath streets, where Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lay down on the road and refused to budge until the CEC agreed to meet opposition leaders.And more could be coming.
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