In an analysis published on August 3, 2026, Ashutosh Varshney argues that student protests in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in India began over education reform but developed into sharp criticism of Narendra Modi’s government. The article says authorities attempted to suppress the demonstrations through force, including pellet guns and nail-studded batons, but failed to intimidate students as the number of protesters continued to grow. It claims the government ultimately yielded.

The analysis says students also displayed courage online, using satire, mockery and humour to challenge what it describes as the BJP’s long-standing dominance of social media. It argues that familiar allegations branding protesters anti-national, foreign-funded or disrespectful of Indian culture did not succeed. Government-aligned television presenters and reporters also faced students’ anger, while the BJP’s ability to control the public narrative was described as badly weakened.

Varshney cautions that it would be unwise to conclude that the atmosphere of fear has permanently disappeared, saying the BJP may retaliate when conditions are favourable. Still, he says space for criticism and dissent has opened for now. The article suggests the movement could affect parliamentary strategy and the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly election.