Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to punish those involved in an exam paper leaks scandal that has sparked mass student protests across India. The scandal, which forced the cancellation of the country's undergrad medical exam for approximately 2.2 million students, has triggered a youth-led revolt spearheaded by a pseudo-political outfit known as the Cockroach Janta Party.
The protests, which began in New Delhi and have since spread to other large cities including Mumbai and Bengaluru, have seen thousands of supporters occupy streets and clash with police. Led by the social media-driven movement, protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Pradhan. Beyond the exam leaks, the demonstrations have gained a wider following from Indians of all ages concerned with government accountability, unemployment, and economic opportunity.
In his first public remarks on the movement, Prime Minister Modi stated that nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the youth, asserting that those who try to harm that future will not be spared. To address the crisis, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of fast track courts to expedite the punishment of corrupt officials responsible for the leaks. These snowballing protests are considered one of the biggest challenges to Modi's government since his re-election for a third term in 2024.
Protest leaders have stressed that their demonstrations will continue until their demands have been met, continuing to challenge the political establishment.