New Delhi, 22 August 2024 (TDI): India is currently experiencing widespread protests as a result of the public’s concern about the declining human rights situation and rising crimes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which is in its third term.
In particular, women, children, and members of minority religious and ethnic groups have been the targets of an increase in violence and instability across the whole country.
Many strikes have resulted from the unrest, bringing major cities to a complete halt, ranging from Delhi to Odisha and Bihar. According to a recent report, Adivasi and Dalit organizations have called for a “Bharat Bandh” strike in order to demand the protection of their constitutional rights as well as more representation in the workforce and in schools.
Indian media claims that the Modi government’s support of the Hindutva ideology has widened rifts within Indian society and increased tensions related to religion, ethnicity, and language. Unrest has been intensified by a recent Supreme Court ruling that is said to limit the rights of Dalit and Adivasi people to higher education and employment.
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Currently, states like Odisha, Patna, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Rajasthan are affected by the “Bharat Bandh” strike. These demonstrations come after a string of violent events that provoked public outcry, like as the gang rape and death of a trainee physician at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital.
More protests and anti-Modi shouts prompted an alleged incident in Nandigram, West Bengal, where BJP activists allegedly stripped a woman and made her walk 300 meters in her undies as a form of political vengeance.
The Modi government is coming under fire for failing to keep peace and order as the turmoil keeps getting worse. Concerns about the rising instability in India have been brought to the attention of the region by the ongoing protests.