Hundreds of Thousands Join India’s Gen Z Protests

Gen Z-led protests have spread across India, with demonstrators demanding Election Commission chief Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over a voter-roll revision they allege favors the ruling BJP; the government, BJP and Election Commission reject the accusations. The demonstrations also reflect wider anger over youth unemployment and other grievances, while analysts describe rising dissent as a serious challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose government remains stable and faces no general election until 2029. The Samajwadi Party has backed the Delhi protests but says it will not support action that crosses democratic bounds, and is watching the movement’s direction amid political accusations that it could fuel anarchy. Former cricketer Kapil Dev urged young protesters to listen to experienced voices and avoid taking the country in the wrong direction, while legal challenges over police conduct at a Delhi demonstration have reached the Supreme Court. Separately, young participants have described anxiety fueled by violent footage and uncertainty around demonstrations, and said women’s groups and peer networks have helped them participate and find support.