New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance of strict action against those involved in examination paper leaks has failed to calm the growing youth-led protest movement, with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continuing demonstrations across India demanding greater accountability from the government.
In his first public response to the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), Prime Minister Modi announced that his government would establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment for those accused of leaking examination papers.
The announcement came amid expanding protests across several major Indian cities, with thousands of students demanding accountability over alleged failures in the examination system.
Posting on social media platform X, Modi said that protecting the future of young people was the government’s highest priority.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth. We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks,” Modi wrote.
He added that concerned authorities had been directed to take all necessary measures to safeguard students’ interests and warned that those attempting to harm the future of young people “will not be spared.”
However, the prime minister’s announcement has failed to satisfy protesters, who have continued their demonstrations, arguing that legal action alone cannot address the deeper problems within India’s education system.
The Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical name adopted by the youth-led movement after controversial remarks comparing unemployed young people to “cockroaches,” has rejected Modi’s proposal and continued its agitation.
Protesters Continue Demands for Accountability
The CJP has placed three major demands before the government:
The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan;
Compensation of ₹1 crore to families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy; and
Withdrawal of police cases filed against peaceful protesters, along with a government guarantee that no such cases will be registered against peaceful demonstrators in the future.
CJP spokesperson Sourav Das said that the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was “non-negotiable” and that the protest would continue until the demand was fulfilled.
“Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is non-negotiable. Without this, the protest will continue for as long as necessary,” Das said.
The protesters argue that the controversy reflects a larger failure of the examination system and have demanded reforms to ensure transparency and fairness for millions of students.
Protests Spread Across Major Indian Cities
The protest movement, which began in New Delhi, has spread to several major cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Patna, Chennai, and Guwahati.
Thousands of students and supporters participated in the “Chalo Sansad” (March to Parliament) rally in Delhi on July 20, demanding government action over the issue.
Following the response to the rally, the CJP announced nationwide peaceful protests on Friday under the slogan “Every district, one day, one demand.”
The organization has urged student unions and civil society groups across India to coordinate demonstrations while maintaining peace.
Although the CJP has gained significant popularity on social media, political observers have noted that it does not yet have the organizational structure and grassroots network usually required to sustain a nationwide movement.
Despite this limitation, the group has gained considerable attention among young Indians and has become a symbol of frustration over issues related to education, employment, and institutional accountability.
Opposition Supports Protesters
Opposition parties have expressed solidarity with the protesting students and criticized the government’s handling of the examination controversy.
Several opposition leaders accused the government of failing to protect the interests of students and demanded greater transparency in the examination system.
The issue has also affected parliamentary proceedings, with opposition parties raising the matter inside Parliament and demanding answers from the government.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said that examination paper leaks should not be politicized, describing them as a serious issue requiring detailed discussion and effective solutions.
Clashes Reported Between Police and Protesters
Tensions increased during demonstrations in Delhi, where clashes were reported between police and protesters.
According to Delhi Police, more than 118 police personnel, including senior officers and women personnel, were injured during confrontations. Around 60 protesters were also reported injured.
Protest leaders alleged that some individuals attempted to disrupt peaceful demonstrations and expressed concern that genuine protesters could be blamed for isolated incidents.
CJP spokesperson Sourav Das said he had spoken with activist Sonam Wangchuk and emphasized that the movement should remain peaceful.
“Sonam Wangchuk has publicly appealed to all protesters to maintain peace and conduct the protest in the right manner,” Das said.
Security Measures Increased in Central Delhi
Authorities increased security measures in central Delhi as the number of protesters grew.
The New Delhi Traders Association advised shops, offices, and restaurants in Connaught Place, one of the capital’s busiest commercial areas near the protest site at Jantar Mantar, to close by 6:30 p.m. on Thursday due to concerns over overcrowding and public safety.
Officials said the advisory was issued as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward situation.
Government Faces Growing Youth Pressure
Although Prime Minister Modi’s announcement of fast-track courts was aimed at addressing public anger over examination irregularities, the continued protests indicate that many young Indians are demanding broader reforms and accountability.
The movement has highlighted wider concerns about the credibility of competitive examinations, employment opportunities, and public trust in institutions.
As protests continue to spread across India, the Modi government faces increasing pressure to take effective action and restore confidence among millions of students affected by the controversy.
