A New India
Chapter 278 - 278: Operation Garbage Sucess

The first rays of sunlight bathed Delhi.

Inside Rohan's office, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

Neeraj stood by the door, a thick folder in his hands, while Rao and Atma Jayaram sat across from Rohan, their expressions a mixture of satisfaction and cautious optimism.

It was the day Phase Three would be unveiled.

Rohan leaned forward, his sharp gaze locking onto Rao. "Is everything ready?"

"Yes, sir," Rao replied, his voice steady. "The press release is drafted, the evidence compiled, and the narrative is tightly controlled. The arrests will be made public at 10 a.m., and every major newspaper and radio station has been briefed."

Jayaram added, "We've ensured that the language of the announcement focuses on justice and accountability. The people need to feel that this is their victory, not just the government's."

Rohan nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Good. But remember, the people's belief is a fragile thing. They want to believe in something or someone that aligns with their emotions. We've given them a villain, but now we need to show them the hero."

Neeraj placed the folder on Rohan's desk. "Sir, there's already chatter on the ground. Many are speculating about the arrests. Some are doubtful, but most seem to want this to be true. It's almost as if they've decided the truth doesn't matter as long as justice feels served."

Rohan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "That's the nature of belief, Neeraj. Niccolò Machiavelli said it best in The Prince: 'The ends justify the means.' The people don't need to know every detail; they need to feel that justice has been done. If we've given them that, we've already won."

At precisely 10 a.m., the announcement was made.

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting stood before a sea of reporters, pens scribbling.

The air buzzed with anticipation as he began to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today is a historic day for our nation. After weeks of relentless investigation and meticulous action, the government has successfully apprehended the individuals responsible for inciting violence and dividing our people. These arrests are not just about accountability they are about ensuring that no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law."

As the names of the arrested individuals were read out prominent politicians, influential businessmen, and religious leaders a collective gasp rippled through the room.

The evidence was damning: intercepted communications, financial records, and witness testimonies, all meticulously compiled and presented.

By the time the minister concluded, the narrative was clear.

These were not just arrests; they were a reckoning.

---

Across India, the reaction was swift.

In bustling markets and quiet villages alike, people gathered around radios, hanging on every word of the announcement.

The initial shock quickly gave way to a mixture of relief, vindication, and awe.

"They caught them?" an elderly man in Lucknow exclaimed, slamming his hand on the counter of a tea stall. "Finally! These traitors thought they could get away, but the government has shown them."

In a small village in Punjab, a group of farmers listened intently as the names were announced. "I knew it," one of them said, his voice tinged with satisfaction. "These leaders used us, turned us against each other, and now they're paying the price."

Not everyone was convinced, however.

In urban intellectual circles, whispers of skepticism began to emerge. "Isn't it a little too convenient?" a young professor in Mumbai asked his colleague. "The arrests, the evidence, it all seems… orchestrated."

His colleague shrugged. "Maybe it is. But do you think people care? They've decided what they believe, and nothing will change that. Rohan gave them justice or at least the illusion of it. That's all they need."

Back in Rohan's office, the mood was tense but triumphant.

Neeraj entered with the latest reports from across the country, placing them on the desk before taking a seat. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive, sir. There's some skepticism in certain circles, but the general sentiment is clear: the people see this as a victory."

Rohan glanced at the reports, his expression unreadable. "And the opposition?"

"They're quiet," Rao said, his voice low. "Too quiet. But that's probably because they don't have a choice. Public sentiment is firmly against them right now."

Jayaram added, "They might try to regroup, but it'll take time. For now, they're just trying to keep their heads above water."

Rohan leaned back in his chair, a contemplative look in his eyes. "Good. Let them stew. Their silence speaks louder than their words ever could."

Neeraj hesitated before speaking. "Sir, there's something I've been wondering. Do you think the people truly believe all of this? Or are they just choosing to believe it because it aligns with what they want?"

Rohan's lips curved into a faint smile. "Belief is a powerful thing, Neeraj. It's not about truth or facts, it's about what resonates. The people were angry, betrayed, and desperate for justice. We gave them a narrative that made sense of their pain and gave them hope. Whether they believe it or choose to believe it doesn't matter. What matters is that they feel vindicated."

Jayaram nodded slowly. "And as long as they feel that, the government has their trust."

"Exactly," Rohan said, his voice firm. "This isn't just about arrests or justice. It's about restoring faith in the system, in the government, and in the idea of a united India. If we've achieved that, we've done our job."

Throughout the day, newspapers and radio stations amplified the government's narrative.

Headlines like "Justice Served: Traitors Brought to Book" and "Government's Bold Move Restores Faith in Nation" dominated the airwaves and newsstands.

The people's reactions ranged from jubilant to somber, but one thing was clear: the arrests had struck a chord.

In a small village in Bihar, an elderly woman spoke to a group of young men gathered around a radio. "This government has its flaws," she said, her voice steady. "But they've done something no one else dared to do. They've shown us that justice is still possible."

In Delhi, a group of students debated the implications of the arrests. "It's a turning point," one of them said passionately. "For too long, these leaders have gotten away with everything. Now, they're finally being held accountable."

His friend, more skeptical, shook his head. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just politics. But either way, it's what the people wanted."

As evening fell, Rohan stood by the window of his office, gazing out at the city lights.

Neeraj entered quietly, a cup of tea in hand. "It's done, sir," he said softly. "Phase Three is complete."

Rohan turned, his expression a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. "No, Neeraj. It's not done yet. This was just the beginning. Now comes the hard part proving that this wasn't just a spectacle. We have to deliver real change."

Neeraj nodded, handing him the tea. "And what about the people, sir? Do you think they'll stay with us?"

Rohan took a sip of the tea, his gaze thoughtful. "The people want to believe in something, Neeraj. As long as we give them a reason to believe, they'll stay with us. But if we falter, even for a moment…"

He let the sentence hang in the air.

The room fell silent.

Rohan set the cup down, his resolve hardening.

"Let's ensure we don't falter," he said finally. "This is our moment, Neeraj. Let's make it count."