Protests are essential to the world's largest democracy as they keep those in power grounded and accountable. Some Union government leaders have repeatedly displayed arrogance. The protests by the CJP and the Opposition serve as a timely reality check and should not be dismissed as misguided. The CJI's description of young people as “cockroaches” may not have been intended as an insult, but his careless choice of words became a rallying point for the movement.The BJP government has also faltered on several issues, including elections and NEET examination paper leaks. The protests have come at the right time. The CEC should step down, and the government should work with the Opposition on appropriate action. It must introspect, acknowledge its shortcomings and take corrective measures. The committee selecting the next CEC should include the CJI and consider candidates from outside the existing pool of election commissioners. Electoral reforms, including a return to paper ballots, also deserve serious debate. Without meaningful changes, the government will continue to face public scrutiny.
DIOMEDES PEREIRA, Corlim
