Arundhati Roy: ‘Does Modi know what was being said about him?’

Arundhati Roy, the acclaimed author and activist, posed a pointed question during her visit to Jantar Mantar on Monday, a day following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to replace his education minister amid growing youth unrest. “Does Modi know what was being said about him?” she asked, reflecting on the recent wave of public discourse surrounding the leader. The remarks came as part of a broader discussion on the evolving nature of political satire and its impact on public perception. The protests initially centered on allegations of an examination paper leak in May, but they quickly escalated into a larger movement fueled by frustration with government policies and perceived authoritarianism. Last week, tensions reached a boiling point when Delhi Police deployed batons and pellet guns against demonstrators, prompting widespread outrage. In response, young activists took to social media to express their discontent through humor and irony, crafting memes and jokes that mocked the prime minister in ways described by Roy as “delightfully profane.” Roy emphasized the power of humor as a form of political critique, stating that it often encapsulates the essence of political struggle. Speaking to Scroll’s Executive Editor Supriya Sharma, she noted how the use of satire can strip away the carefully constructed image of leaders. She highlighted the emergence of the “cockroach” movement, a grassroots campaign born from a social media parody account. According to Roy, this movement has surpassed its initial goals, achieving a level of public scrutiny that even the most guarded figures cannot escape. She pointed to Modi’s long-standing efforts to cultivate a specific public persona, one that has been reinforced over nearly two decades since he entered national politics. Despite his reluctance to engage directly with the media, never having held a formal press conference, Modi has maintained a mythos that includes titles such as “vishwaguru” and “avataar of vishnu.” Roy argued that the recent backlash has effectively dismantled this carefully curated image within just two weeks. The shift in public sentiment reflects a broader trend of increasing cynicism toward political leadership, particularly among younger generations who feel disconnected from traditional forms of governance. Social media platforms have become crucial tools for expressing dissent, allowing individuals to bypass conventional channels of communication and reach a wider audience. This dynamic has led to a new kind of political engagement, one rooted in digital culture and characterized by rapid dissemination of ideas. As the situation continues to evolve, there are indications that the pressure on Modi will intensify. With the government facing mounting criticism over its handling of the protests and the broader issues affecting youth, the need for policy reforms and greater transparency appears urgent. Meanwhile, the role of artists and writers like Roy in shaping public discourse remains significant, offering alternative narratives that challenge dominant ideologies. The coming days will likely see further developments as both the government and opposition continue to navigate the complex landscape of public opinion. Whether the current momentum translates into lasting change or merely serves as a momentary disruption remains to be seen. For now, however, the focus remains on the ongoing dialogue between state authority and civil society, with the potential for continued shifts in power dynamics.