Narendra Modi has vowed to set up fast-track courts to expedite punishment of officials involved in examination paper leaks, as the Indian prime minister seeks to quell a youth-led 'cockroach' protest movement that has posed a significant challenge to his government.
Modi's response to protests
In his first public remarks on the movement, Modi posted on X: 'Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth … Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.' The offer of faster justice, however, was swiftly rejected by the Cockroach Janta party (CJP), the satirical name adopted after India's top judge called unemployed youths 'cockroaches.'
Saurav Das, a CJP spokesperson, said: 'It's a Band-aid. That's not giving us accountability. There have been zero convictions so far all these years, so this measure is of no use.' A core demand is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reform of the education system.
Protest scale and government stance
An estimated 50,000 people protested in Delhi on Monday, with police using baton charges and teargas. By Wednesday, over 1,000 remained camped at Jantar Mantar despite extreme heat. Opposition MP Renuka Chowdhury questioned why Modi would not sack Pradhan, stating: 'Honestly, is this one minister more valuable or more important than restoring harmony and order to the country?'
Modi's statement follows signs of a softening stance, but ministers refuse to discuss Pradhan's resignation. The protest site has drawn large crowds, with supporters organizing food and water donations, including for police on duty.
Nationwide solidarity and political reactions
Young people across India have rallied behind the CJP, with three consecutive days of demonstrations in Mumbai and solidarity protests in Chennai, Indore, Hyderabad, and Patiala. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi escalated criticism, demanding Pradhan's resignation and a Modi apology, citing 152 exam paper leaks over a decade without a single conviction.
'Somebody, or a group of people, are destroying our education system, India's most valuable asset, destroying the lives of our students. What does the government do? Zero convictions,' Gandhi said. Health Minister JP Nadda accused Gandhi of exploiting the protests for political gain, stating: 'Your concern is not to improve the education system … You are trying to derive political benefit from them, and that is unfortunate.'
No breakthrough in talks
CJP leaders were deeply disappointed after Monday's meeting with Nadda ended without a breakthrough. Founder Abhijeet Dipke said ministers must come to the protest site and speak publicly. Many question why Pradhan will not resign. Opposition politician Anish Gawande said Modi views backing down as a sign of weakness, especially without a parliamentary majority, and warned that a show of weakness could allow the opposition to build momentum on other issues.
