From Protests to Unrest: The Crisis Hidden Behind the Flag

Over the past decade, India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has witnessed a sharp rise in nationalist rhetoric, especially targeting Pakistan. While national security and foreign policy are crucial areas for any government, it is evident that the consistent portrayal of Pakistan as a looming threat often serves a secondary purpose-diverting the public’s attention from India’s growing internal issues. These include economic hardship, alarming unemployment rates, rising inequality, and social unrest, all of which present significant challenges to governance and stability.

One of the most pressing issues facing India today is unemployment. Despite the government’s optimistic projections, statistics paint a more concerning picture. India’s unemployment rate surged from 7.8% in 2021 to 9.2% in 2024, marking a steady upward trend. Even more troubling is the sharp disparity between states. For instance, Haryana reported an unemployment rate as high as 37.4%, contrasting starkly with Odisha, where the rate was only 0.9%. This suggests not only widespread joblessness but also deeply uneven economic growth across the country, leading to regional dissatisfaction and frustration. In many rural areas, particularly among the youth, the lack of employment opportunities has created a breeding ground for discontent.

Meanwhile, agrarian distress has become another major concern. India’s farming community has expressed their frustration through numerous large-scale protests over the past few years. The most notable example was the 2020–2021 farmers’ protest against the three controversial farm laws, which saw tens of thousands of farmers camping at Delhi’s borders for over a year. Although the government eventually repealed the laws, the episode exposed the depth of rural discontent and dissatisfaction with agricultural policies. Falling real incomes and increasing input costs have only exacerbated the situation. According to recent surveys, nearly 52% of Indian farmers are in debt, and many have been forced to sell their land or shift to other forms of labor.

Alongside economic issues, India is also grappling with rising inequality. Many of the Modi government’s economic reforms, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetization, were implemented with the promise of improving the financial system. However, critics argue that these measures disproportionately affected small businesses and the lower-income population, while wealthier segments and large corporations benefited the most. A report by Oxfam noted that the top 1% of India’s population owns more than 40% of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 50% share only 3%. Such disparity has not only widened the economic divide but also intensified feelings of exclusion and marginalization among large sections of the population.

Social unrest in India is also on the rise, often hidden behind aggressive foreign policy narratives. Movements such as the ongoing freedom struggle in Kashmir, the separatist Khalistan movement in Punjab, the Naxal-Maoist insurgency in central India, and the increasing unrest in the northeastern states-particularly in Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland-have brought to light the deep-rooted regional and ethnic grievances. In Manipur, for example, clashes between Meitei and Naga communities have persisted, fueled by political instability and ethnic tensions. Groups like the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), and the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur continue to advocate for greater autonomy or independence, highlighting the failure to fully integrate these regions into the national mainstream.

In light of these domestic challenges, the Modi government has frequently employed a strategy of deflection-using anti-Pakistan sentiment to unite the public and suppress dissent. This approach became particularly visible during election seasons, where strong statements against Pakistan and military operations are widely publicized to stir nationalist feelings. This tactic not only consolidates the ruling party’s support base but also shifts the public discourse away from the more difficult and uncomfortable questions about economic mismanagement, governance failures, and growing societal divides.

For instance, in the wake of the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the subsequent Balakot air strikes, national media was flooded with patriotic coverage, while critical discussions about farmer suicides, unemployment, or inflation virtually disappeared from prime-time news. Similarly, by emphasizing external threats, the government often diverts attention from the challenges faced by students, women, and backward communities. Recently, the announcement of support for a caste census was seen not as a sincere step towards social equality, but as a political move to win back the support of marginalized communities and counter the growing influence of opposition parties.

Moreover, while the global image of India has been promoted as one of growth and opportunity, internal realities often tell a different story. Disparities in access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure continue to persist, particularly in rural and tribal areas. The digital divide also poses a major barrier to development, with millions of Indians still lacking reliable access to the internet and basic digital services. As economic pressures mount, so does the risk of political instability.

Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that national pride and patriotism are not inherently negative. A strong national identity can be a unifying force, especially in times of crisis. However, when nationalism is used as a tool to silence dissent, obscure policy shortcomings, or dismiss legitimate grievances, it can become dangerous. Governments must be accountable to their citizens not just through words, but through meaningful action and inclusive development.

In conclusion, while the Modi government continues to project strength on the international front, the real test lies in addressing the internal challenges that impact the everyday lives of millions of Indians. Economic reforms must be inclusive, social justice must be more than a slogan, and political narratives must reflect the real concerns of the population. Redirecting focus from divisive rhetoric to genuine nation-building is not only necessary-it is urgent. As the world watches India’s rise, the country must ensure that this rise is equitable, sustainable, and rooted in truth rather than distraction.