As Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 25 years in public office this month, festivities spanning India sought to celebrate his political journey, even as widespread youth protests have brought attention to growing social and economic frustrations. The events, culminating on September 17, highlighted Modi’s influence but also underscored challenges facing his administration amid mounting dissent.

To honor Modi’s quarter-century in politics, approximately 500 motorcyclists carried water from the Ganges River to Vadnagar, the prime minister’s birthplace in Gujarat, while another 500 rode toward Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency and a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Along their routes, participants engaged in tree planting and street cleaning efforts, activities organized by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to project a message of community service and renewal. Candlelight vigils and prayer sessions were held nationwide on the premier’s birthday.

Supporters viewed these initiatives as a reflection of Modi’s dedication to public service and as an inspiration to India’s young population. Deepesh Yadav, 32, a BJP youth wing member from Gujarat, praised Modi’s leadership record and urged others to contribute positively in his honor.

However, this official display of enthusiasm contrasts sharply with the discontent expressed by significant segments of India’s youth, estimated at 370 million. Many young Indians are concerned about insufficient employment opportunities, inadequate social security, gaps in education, and ongoing issues of sexual violence. Critics argue that Modi’s youth-focused campaigns have failed to resonate with these grievances.

“Young people are not interested in the activities of mainstream politics, whether it’s birthday celebrations or whatever journeys the BJP organizes,” said Eeshna Gupta, a 25-year-old opposition student leader in Delhi. “They are instead focused on their issues: we need jobs, social security, good education, and safety for women.”

The prime minister, now serving his third consecutive term, wields considerable power. In addition to leading the national government, the BJP and its allies govern 22 of India’s 31 states and territories. Yet, recent protests have highlighted cracks in Modi’s political dominance. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an emergent movement originally born from online satire, has mobilized nationwide demonstrations, including one in Mumbai objecting to alleged voter roll exclusions by the election commission.

The CJP’s activism previously contributed to the resignation in July of Dharmendra Pradhan, Modi’s education minister and close associate, amid controversies related to examination administration. The movement’s ability to challenge Modi’s authority has drawn attention to broader societal and economic issues now manifesting as public protests.

Political analyst Pratap Bhanu Mehta noted that accumulated problems in India are increasingly surfacing through such unrest. Biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay observed that while Modi’s achievements over 25 years remain significant, recent mass protests have chipped away at his previously untouchable image, with critics mocking him on a scale not seen before.

In response, the BJP has intensified efforts to reinforce Modi’s standing through extensive grassroots outreach and media campaigns portraying him as a leader motivated by “seva,” or selfless service. Ram Madhav, BJP national vice president, emphasized Modi’s commitment as a spiritual obligation to the well-being of the people, rejecting accusations of fostering a personality cult.

Celebrations extended beyond India’s borders, with Dubai’s Burj Khalifa illuminated in India’s national colors and displaying birthday messages for Modi. In Vadnagar, government-led improvements include upgraded roads, a new archaeology museum, and restored public buildings associated with Modi’s upbringing. Yet, some local residents express skepticism about the benefits of these initiatives, highlighting persistent economic challenges and limited local opportunities.

Despite growing opposition, Modi’s disciplined lifestyle and active leadership style remain highly visible. Following the protests, he convened a lengthy meeting with BJP national leaders and directed ministers to enhance their engagement with youth via social media platforms.

Experts suggest Modi and the BJP still have time to regain momentum ahead of India’s next general elections in 2027. However, fundamental contradictions remain: while Modi’s leadership style is highly centralized, the demands raised by youth protests may require broader governance reforms and decentralization to address systemic issues effectively.