# Modi's Power Playbook Cracks

> Violent protests expose flaws in Modi's power maintenance tactics.
- Title: Modi's Power Playbook Cracks · The Japan Times | Shortify
- Summary: Violent protests expose flaws in Modi's power maintenance tactics. Modi's strategy for keeping power faces challenges after violent protests in New Delhi.
- Keywords: narendra modi, india, new delhi, protests, power play, election commissioner, news, politics, world, Modi's, Power, Playbook
- Source: The Japan Times — https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/12/asia-pacific/mdoi-power-playbook
- Author: Mujib Mashal
- Published: 2026-10-12T09:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: narendra modi, india, new delhi, protests, power play, election commissioner, news, politics, world
## Modi's Power Strategy
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long cultivated an image abroad as the popular elected leader of the world’s largest democracy.
## Strongman Tactics
He has balanced that role at home in India with another penchant, as a strongman whose lieutenants have wielded the arms of the state at dissenters.
## Opposition Undermined
These efforts have undercut and splintered the opposition, cowed independent media and jailed activists.
## Violent Breakdown
On Saturday, Modi’s balancing act broke down as violent scenes across the capital city were beamed to screens around the world.
## Key takeaway

Modi's strategy for keeping power faces challenges after violent protests in New Delhi.