Several critical factors drove Prime Minister Modi’s decision: As public anger surged, youth and middle-class citizens became vocal on social media, sharply targeting Modi himself.
Sources told DHthat the Modi government was initially reluctant to let Pradhan go and preferred resolving the student agitation by meeting other demands such as paying compensation and withdrawing cases.
However, the movement evoked strong reactions after the crackdown on protesters on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Over time, the movement acquired its character that made the minister’s accountability a non-negotiable condition for a détente.
Several critical factors drove Prime Minister Modi’s decision: As public anger surged, youth and middle-class citizens became vocal on social media, sharply targeting Modi himself.
NDA allies, particularly the TDP and JD(U), reportedly exerted strong pressure on the Centre to end the standoff quickly. The intensity of protests in Bihar, governed by the BJP-JD(U) coalition, added to Modi’s worries.
The government also became alarmed by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan)’s announcement that it would join the student agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi from July 27, fearing the movement could widen and spiral beyond control.
The complete shutdown of Central Delhi — including the closure of 18 metro station gates — caused widespread inconvenience to office-goers and triggered fresh waves of public frustration directed at the government and Modi for prolonging the issue.
The ongoing parliamentary logjam, with Opposition parties cornering the government, further complicated the situation. Senior ministers advised both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take a swift decision. Concerns over anti-social elements infiltrating the protests and creating trouble added to the urgency for immediate resolution, the sources said.
