Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political strength has long rested partly on his public image. However, growing youth-led protests and the government’s tough response have sparked fresh debate over whether that image is facing a serious challenge.According to Dr Subir Sinha, director of the South Asia Institute and reader in development studies at SOAS University of London, the political significance of the protests goes beyond the arrest of opposition activists or growing confrontations between protesters and state institutions.He believes the government’s increasingly repressive response to the demonstrations could expose vulnerabilities in India’s political authority and institutional legitimacy. The protests have raised questions about whether a movement led by young people can undermine the political image and perception of confidence that have helped sustain Modi’s power for years.The escalating confrontation between demonstrators and the government has also prompted debate over whether the limits of Modi’s political authority are becoming more apparent. Political analysts are closely monitoring the developments, examining the broader significance of the protests, the government’s response and their potential implications for Modi’s leadership.Source: France 24 English