Anti-Modi protests in India
On Thursday, India’s opposition National Congress Party (NCP) will hold protests against PM Narendra Modi, stirred by corruption allegations and a chaotic demonetisation policy. Deputy party leader Rahul Gandhi will lead the nationwide demonstrations, which follow similar demonstrations held in late December.
Protests revolve around allegations that, as Chief Minister of Gujarat State in 2001, Modi accepted a bribe of $950,000. The recent uptick in unrest was sparked by anger at the prime minister’s demonetisation policy.
The policy, enacted in November, saw the 1,000 and 500 rupee notes removed from circulation, causing chaos. The move hit rural Indians – many of whom have limited access to banks and ATMs – hardest. Gandhi is leveraging discontent with this policy to push for an independent probe into the corruption charges.
Protests will be held nationwide, with predictably stronger presence in Delhi and Mumbai. Further protests are expected on Sunday.
