THERE WERE NO PHOTOGRAPHS of Mahatma Gandhi at the Jantar Mantar protest site, even though the protest had anchored itself in a Gandhian technique: a handful of activists marshalling their physical and moral resources, denying themselves any kind of food. On the other hand, Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s photographic presence was unmistakable. Various “Ambedkarite” groups lent their energy and voice to the music of resistance that got played out at Jantar Mantar.
The Jantar Mantar agitation was aimed at fixing the responsibility and accountability for a broken and flawed examination system. The demand boiled down to the resignation of the then Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. And once the ‘competent authority’ conceded the demand, the agitation was folded up. But, not the movement. A right to resistance has been reclaimed.
This movement of resistance has to be seen in the context of a decade old authoritarian consolidation of state power—unrelenting and unforgiving. It needs to be recalled that not long ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself had led the onslaught against any kind of democratic dissent; he mocked those who questioned the government’s policies and priorities as “andolanjeevis.” That very public ridiculing – serenaded in certain quarters – was a signal to every law enforcer to deal harshly with any expression of dissent or protest from civil society or aggrieved individuals. The magistrates across the land heard the Prime Minister’s message loud and clear; those who dare to question or challenge the authority would be made to feel the policeman’s truncheon and the judge’s disapproval. The ruling party’s echo-system demanded obedience, compliance and consent in every walk of life. No heresies, no disagreements, no independent thought, no critical opinions, and no arguments.
