Tavleen Singh writes: No lessons from cockroaches

This opinion piece criticizes the Indian government and opposition for failing to address the concerns of a new, assertive generation of protesters. The author highlights the use of intimidation and criminal cases against dissidents by the ruling party.
Why it matters
It reflects growing concerns regarding democratic backsliding, freedom of speech, and political intimidation in the Indian political landscape.
Sadly, I must begin this piece on a gloomy note. It appears that no lessons were learned from Jantar Mantar by either the government or the opposition. If they had been learned, the opposition would have chosen to speak inside Parliament about students being shot at instead of playing into the government’s hands by making the usual racket and reckless demands. Rahul Gandhi led the charge by insisting that the Home Minister would have ordered pellet guns to be used and that he should resign for doing this. The government, for its part, lied that no guns were used when there is clear evidence that they were. The government should have discovered from the Cockroach Janta Party’s remarkable protest in Jantar Mantar that they are dealing with a new generation of Indians who will not accept lies and will not be afraid.
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