Massive student protests grow in India over exam leaks despite Modi’s promises

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged tougher measures against examination paper leaks as nationwide student protests over alleged failures in the education system intensify, placing growing pressure on his government.

The unrest has seen frustrated students call for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while opposition lawmakers have continued challenging the government in parliament. The demonstrations have become the largest protests in India since the farmers’ movement of 2020–2021, as Bloomberg notes.

Breaking his silence on the issue, Modi said in a post on X on July 23 that his government would establish fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent” punishment for those involved in leaking examination papers. He added that he had instructed relevant authorities to take all necessary measures.

“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!,” Modi said, addressing the controversy publicly for the first time since the latest wave of protests began.

The creation of fast-track courts could accelerate legal proceedings against those accused of leaking exam papers. However, the announcement does not directly address broader student demands for institutional reforms and political accountability, including calls for the education minister’s removal.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi responded to Modi’s statement by reiterating the protesters’ demands: “sack Dharmendra Pradhan, apologize to the students, take action against those who assaulted them.”

The Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical online campaign that has evolved into a youth-led political movement, said it would continue its sit-in at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi’s designated protest site, until its demands are addressed.

The controversy has also spilled into parliament, where more than 100 lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition camps staged demonstrations on the premises. The opposition Indian National Congress rejected calls for a debate on youth-related issues unless Pradhan steps down and criticized the use of force against protesting students.

Meanwhile, police have used water cannons in Raipur as the social media-driven Cockroach Janta Party movement organized nationwide student demonstrations demanding the education minister’s resignation and reforms to address examination scandals.

By Nazrin Sadigova