News analysis

Continuing student protests pose challenge for Modi

PM counts on the young for support base, but his party now faces tough fight in Delhi polls

Nirmala Ganapathy India Bureau Chief In New Delhi
Demonstrators carrying placards and shouting slogans during a protest march on Thursday against the Jawaharlal Nehru University attacks.
Demonstrators carrying placards and shouting slogans during a protest march on Thursday against the Jawaharlal Nehru University attacks.PHOTO: REUTERS
  • Published
    Jan 11, 2020, 5:00 am SGT
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The image of leading Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone standing in solidarity with student protesters at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where armed hooligans attacked students and teachers, is seen as a powerful message.

Analysts said it points to growing solidarity for student protesters, even as the award-winning actress faces backlash from right-wing nationalists who support the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 11, 2020, with the headline 'Continuing student protests pose challenge for Modi'. Subscribe
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