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The fork in the CEC protest road: Both Opposition and government need to decide

The many stark images of protests being quelled by a repressive state could be wreaking long-term damage on people’s trust in institutions and processes. They could sharpen the disconnect between the young and legislatures or parties.

Opposition, both with a small and big “o”, has been squeezed by an establishment that weaponises poll victories to conquer institutions and subdue countervailing forces. (Illustration: C R Sasikumar)

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7 min read Oct 22, 2026 06:44 AM IST First published on: Oct 22, 2026 at 06:20 AM IST

The protests against the Chief Election Commissioner and his conduct of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls prise open a black box, shine the light on a vital institution.…