These nationwide protests force millions, who have been indifferent to politics, disdain for politicians apart, to squarely confront unresolved question relating to identity, citizenship, individual and group rights, including gender rights, and their role in creating substantive democracy. The protests are against the government and its BJP-Sangh Parivar leadership. However, at a deeper level, these protests challenge Indian society’s collective prejudices that divide people in terms of religion, caste, language and region, and deny women equal rights.
