Modi gives in; Stood firm in Citizenship Amendment Act and farmers' strike, youth make history

NEW DELHI: After going 12 years without losing an election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come under pressure from protests led by youngsters. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest intensified over the irregularities in NEET exam. Initially, there were reports that the government would not accept Pradhan's resignation, but it was accepted by noon. This student protest can be said to be the biggest blow to the NDA government and Modi.

There were three major protests during the Modi era. The protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the farmers' protest, and the wrestlers' protest. Of these, the protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act was in 2019-2020. A large-scale protest was held across the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens, including Shaheen Bagh in Delhi. This strike ended completely in March 2020 following Covid.

During 2020-2021, lakhs of farmers protested on the borders of Delhi against the three controversial agricultural laws of the central government. This was the biggest popular protest during the time of the NDA. Even then, Modi managed to hold his ground. He brought the protests to an end by withdrawing the laws without any compromise.

Another protest that has been raging in the country since 2023 was that of the wrestlers. India's leading sports figures staged a protest against Wrestling Federation President Brij Bhushan Singh at Delhi's Jantar Mantar against allegations of sexual harassment. Even then, the Modi government did not admit complete defeat.

However, after 35 days of protests, the Modi government has finally given in. Celebrations are taking place on many streets of Delhi following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The youth are sharing their joy by singing and dancing.