India has a long history of street politics, with the streets serving as a crucial platform for public expression and political action. This tradition dates back to Mahatma Gandhi’s use of marches and boycotts during the freedom struggle, and continued with movements led by Jayaprakash Narayan and Anna Hazare. More recently, prolonged protests by farmers and against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) demonstrate the enduring power of street mobilizations.
A new wave of protests is currently visible across the country, utilizing evolving tools for organization and dissemination. While the issues are varied, ranging from electoral roll irregularities to student welfare and women’s safety, the youth and students are increasingly at the forefront. Political parties are often seen responding to agitations that originate outside their own structures.
The Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been a focal point for recent protests concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with allegations of irregularities. The Election Commission has denied these claims. Protests are also occurring over examinations, campus facilities, and local governance issues, reflecting a broad spectrum of public concerns.
Beyond these visible demonstrations, numerous other localized protests are taking place across India concerning issues such as land rights, water distribution, and rehabilitation for displaced communities. These varied mobilizations, from large-scale demonstrations to smaller campus or village-level actions, underscore the continued importance of the streets as a vital tool for citizens to voice their grievances and exert pressure on authorities.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
