Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised stern action against examination paper leaks on Thursday, pledging to set up fast-track courts as youth-led protests snowballed into the biggest protest movement against his government in its third term. The demonstrations, organized by the satirical online movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have exploded across New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Patna, fueled by outrage over recurring test scandals, technical faults, and cancelled examinations.
Protest Origins and Demonstrations at Jantar Mantar
The unrest centers around Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, a historic 18th-century astronomical observatory near Parliament Street. Demonstrators have occupied parts of Parliament Street since Monday, camping on the key thoroughfare connecting Parliament House to Connaught Place, the capital’s central commercial square. According to human rights groups Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, protests escalated on Monday after police fired tear gas and baton-charged demonstrators trying to march to parliament, while also suspending mobile internet services at the site.
Did You Know? The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a medical school entrance examination taken by more than two million students annually, has suffered paper leaks thrice in the past five years, including this year.
The CJP has outlined several core demands, including the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the dropping of cases against peaceful demonstrators, and 10 million rupees ($104,000) in financial assistance for each family of more than 20 students who died by suicide following recent exam cancellations.
Activist Hunger Strike and Government Talks
Concurrently, 59-year-old Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk called off a 26-day hunger strike late Thursday night after what he described as long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country. Wangchuk’s fast ended in the presence of Indian Health Minister JP Nadda and junior Atomic Energy Minister Jitendra Singh, who offered the activist his first sip to end the protest. According to the social media platforms of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Nadda stated that the government is positive about not registering cases against peaceful protesters at Jantar Mantar and those in the July 20, 2026 march.
Hours after Wangchuk ended his strike, two senior government ministers and two CJP leaders met for talks. A senior Indian government minister stated on Thursday that the administration was open to talks for as long as it takes and would not stand on prestige. Following Friday’s meeting, CJP leaders noted that the government requested until Saturday afternoon to respond to the resignation demand.
Political Responses and Student Demands
Addressing students via an Instagram-style phone recording on Thursday, Modi delivered his first spoken response to the nationwide movement. “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!” Modi wrote on X, adding that fast-track courts would ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. However, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka dismissed the judicial proposal at Jantar Mantar, calling it a distraction rather than a real solution to systemic failures.
Tensions remained high on Thursday as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed 16 stations in New Delhi until further notice. CJP founding president Abhijeet Dipke criticized the transit disruptions on X, writing that Modi was ready to shut down Delhi rather than sack Dharmendra Pradhan. Student activists maintain they will continue their agitation until the education minister steps down.
Frequently Asked Questions
[What triggered the current protests across India?]
The protests were triggered by a series of examination paper leaks, technical faults, and cancelled tests, most notably affecting the NEET medical entrance exam, which has leaked thrice in the past five years.
[What are the main demands of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)?]
The CJP demands the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the dropping of cases against peaceful protesters, and 10 million rupees ($104,000) in financial assistance for each family of more than 20 students who died by suicide following exam cancellations.
[What action has Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised in response?]
Modi promised to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for individuals involved in examination paper leaks.
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