CJP protest destroyed PM's public image of more than 2 decades in just 2 weeks: Arundhati Roy
The Booker Prize-winning author of The God of Small Things, however, cautioned that the challenge was far from over if the government continued to retain control over institutions and the levers of power.
Renowned author Arundhati Roy has asserted that the recent protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar have significantly damaged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public image over a two-decade period in just two weeks. In an interview at the launch of her Hindi translation of "Mother Mary Comes to Me," titled "Meri Maa, Meri Gangster," Roy emphasized that while elections are a part of politics, the recent public mobilization demonstrated that narratives established over decades can be shaken swiftly.
She highlighted the contrast between the significant resources invested in Modi's image and the rapid upturn orchestrated by the protesters. Roy called this development a "bigger victory than any election," urging opposition parties and civil society to unite in defense of democratic institutions, despite the challenges they face.
The author also drew a parallel between the protesters' cooperative efforts and members of a musical band, each playing their distinct role for a common goal. Reflecting on her personal experiences, Roy likened the "other room" where unseen injustice occurs to the backdrop of her writing, emphasizing the need for citizens to resist normalization of injustice.
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