‘Climate of fear has collapsed’: India’s protest victory signals trouble ahead for Modi

Strongman leader’s grip over media channels has been rocked and opposition parties reinvigorated by CJP

Even the night before Narendra Modi accepted the resignation of his education minister, India’s prime minister appeared confident that the largest mass uprising to take place in his 12 years in power would do little to rattle his government.

Addressing his “young friends” in a late-night Instagram selfie reel on Friday, he thanked the people – who were mobilised en masse across the country, shouting anti-government slogans – for their “thoughtful suggestions”.