Can Gen Z Shake Modi’s Power?
India’s Gen Z protests against Modi have turned an online question into a major political test. Thousands of young people have taken to the streets in Delhi and elsewhere, demanding electoral accountability and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to Reuters and The Associated Press.
It is immediate, as there is a nationwide review of voter lists, called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Over 130 million names have been struck off the voters’ register. This comprises roughly 28 million deaths, 63 million people who have relocated and 30 million who were not located, reports Reuters. Protesters and opposition parties suspect that the process may have left out eligible citizens and are concerned that it could be used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Election Commission states that there is no favouring or eliminating any party, as it is removing dead, duplicate and ineligible entries during the review. The allegations are not yet accepted.
What Is Fuelling Gen Z’s Anger?
The youth-led “Cockroach” movement, also known as “Cockroach Janta Party,” evolved from an online campaign to street protests. It initially targeted exam paper leaks, school conditions and jobs. Protests against the leak of exam papers helped to lead to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in July. Because of the voter-list row, the demands of the movement have grown to include voting rights and trust in public institutions.
Employment continues to be an issue of concern. According to the official Periodic Labour Force Survey, in 2023–24, the unemployment rate among young people aged between 15 and 29 had risen to 10.2%. The number does not reflect all experiences, but illustrates the importance of jobs.
Is Modi’s Grip on Power Weakening?
Modi got elected in 2024 for a third term, but this election revealed his party’s limitations. The BJP polled a total of 240 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha, which is below the majority mark. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of its partners won 293 seats and brought the government to power. Modi is still strong, but has to rely on allies.
The protests could make politics more expensive and bring opposition parties together. But you can’t oust a prime minister just with a crowd. To be a sustainable challenge, it must be organised, have regional support and have a viable political alternative.
What Happens Next?
For those who have been removed in error, the Election Commission states that they can re-register to vote, and critics argue that the process ought to be open and simple. On 14 October, the Supreme Court remanded a similar hearing for the voter roll in Delhi for 28 October since deleted voters were asking to be registered as new voters.
Modi’s downfall is not likely to be caused solely by Gen Z, but the protests demonstrate that the young are willing to organise around jobs, exams and voting rights. That rage will impact election outcomes if it follows its course and if leaders are responding to its demands.
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