India, Aug. 22 -- This summer, across India, the same pattern of protest emerged with almost nothing but method in common. Marina Beach in Chennai filled with NEET protesters, aspirants gathered at public service commissioner's office in Ranchi, Youth Congress workers near the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi, BJP workers at the doors of rival governments shared no common organisation, manifesto, or ideology. Judged by the metric of visibility and immediate executive response, they often succeeded. A minister resigned. Examinations were cancelled. Parliament, meanwhile, stayed busy. Bills were debated and enacted. And yet, the grievances that brought citizens onto the streets remained largely unresolved.

It is tempting to conclude tha...