Dictatorships crash when dialogue fails: Shiv Sena(UBT) in ‘Saamana’

Mumbai, July 22, 2026

The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Wednesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government, alleging that the Modi administration has entered a period of decline following recent youth-led protests in New Delhi.

In a scathing editorial published in its mouthpiece, ‘Saamana’, the party characterised the police action against protesting youths in the national capital as an act of high-handedness, accusing the ruling administration of using force rather than engaging in dialogue with aggrieved citizens.

“On the streets of Delhi, police were lathi-charging youth, while angry young people quietly stood their ground and absorbed the blows. When protesters are born who say, ‘Hit me more, but I will not move from here’, what harm can dictators do to them? On Monday, the tyranny of the world’s largest democracy was seen on the streets of Delhi. Government violence on India’s land of ‘Buddha’ proved to be a mockery of humanity. Modi calls himself a Vishwaguru. Blind followers consider him the 13th incarnation of Vishnu. However, on the streets of Delhi, they are running a demonic regime that breaks the heads of innocent youth. If those in power do not initiate a dialogue, it seems their rule will not last long,” said the editorial.

The editorial claimed that despite being struck, protesters refused to yield, signalling growing defiance against the administration.

It argued that the administration consistently avoids direct communication with movement leaders, journalists, and affected citizens. It questioned why Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has not been asked to resign in the wake of the ongoing youth discontent, claiming the government fears a domino effect of ministerial resignations.

“In reality, taking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was easy, but PM Modi does not take this resignation. Because after that, a queue of resignations would follow in the Cabinet. At least a dozen ministers who are statues of vices like corruption, looting, and inefficiency would have to resign. Every time, the public will come onto the streets and knock on Modi’s door to demand the resignations of corrupt officials,” noted the editorial.

The editorial highlighted nationwide land and environmental disputes, including ongoing tree-felling protests in Rishikesh and forest clearances in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. It also pointed to farmer agitations across several Maharashtra districts, such as Nashik, Akola, Solapur, Bhandara, and Buldhana, over infrastructure projects, land acquisition, and ring-road construction.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena accused the ruling party of undermining constitutional machinery, asserting that judicial appointments and the Election Commission are heavily influenced by the executive. It also criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over parliamentary proceedings and the absence of a designated Opposition Leader in the state legislature.

Drawing parallels with global student- and youth-led revolutions in countries like Libya, Bangladesh, and Nepal, the editorial warned that a total breakdown in dialogue between rulers and citizens historically leads to civil unrest and the downfall of authoritarian regimes.

“Dialogue is crucial in politics. However, dialogue between the Modi government and the public has ended. For the BJP, the voter has become a purchasable commodity. The ego of Modi — who ruled for 12 years on the formula that elections can be won by buying this commodity — has been reduced to dust by the anger of the youth,” remarked the editorial.

The editorial cautioned that “corrupt and non-responsive regimes are historically dismantled when public patience runs out”.

It concluded by accusing the ruling party of “capturing” democratic institutions, including the judiciary and the Election Commission, while attempting to run a state completely devoid of opposition representation.(Agency)