Social movements and civil society groups

When parties and elections do not carry a demand, movements do: Dalit, tribal, women's, farmers', and labour movements have repeatedly forced Indian politics to change course. Alongside them, non-party formations, NGOs, and social action groups work through courts, media, and service delivery. The farmers' movement of 2020-21 shows the pattern — sustained protest led to the repeal of three farm laws that Parliament had already passed.