India’s cockroach protesters defy Modi’s crackdown - The Latest

In recent days, Delhi has become a hotspot for significant youth protests, part of a broader movement known as the 'cockroach movement.' Originating in the summer as a response to educational issues, this movement has now reignited in protest against voter disenfranchisement. The government, led by Prime Minister Modi, has responded by deploying thousands of police officers and blocking roads to prevent protests, resulting in thousands of detentions. The protests are fueled by frustrations over the recent removal of names from the voter rolls, disproportionately affecting Muslims and lower caste communities, raising accusations of political bias against the Election Commission, seen as functioning to benefit the ruling BJP party. The response from the government has been marked by significant force, indicating their fear of the movement's potential to challenge their authority. Observers note that while protests may be suppressed now, they indicate a growing frustration among the youth that could pose a challenge to the government in upcoming elections.